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Former World Series manager Phil Garner dies at 76

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Apr 12, 2026 3:58 PM ET

Former MLB player and manager Phil Garner has died at 76.

Garner died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his family said in a statement.

He “passed away peacefully” while surrounded by family.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, where Garner spent the most memorable portion of his playing career, paid tribute to the former second baseman with a tribute to a “beloved member of the Pirates family.”

It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the passing of former Pirates infielder Phil Garner.

"Scrap Iron” was a beloved member of the Pirates family as he spent five of his 16 Major League seasons playing with the Pirates (1977-1981), capturing a World Series championship in… pic.twitter.com/qqNnVVGCqv
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 12, 2026

Garner was a three-time All-Star during his playing career. A lifetime .260 hitter, he won a World Series with the Pirates in 1979, and also played for Oakland, Houston, San Francisco, and the Los Angeles Dodgers during his career.

Garner also had a successful 15-year career as a manager. He posted a lifetime 985-1054 record with the Brewers, Tigers and Astros. He is best remembered for his time with Houston, where he led the team to a World Series appearance in 2005.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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