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Former Dodgers Infielder Phil Garner Dies at 76
TL;DR
Former MLB infielder and manager Phil Garner has died at the age of 76 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Garner, known for his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
Apr 30, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros former manager Phil Garner throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Former Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Phil Garner, who played 16 years in MLB and managed for another 15, died at age 76 on Saturday.
“Garner passed away peacefully last night, April 11, surrounded by family and love after a two-plus-year battle with pancreatic cancer,” his family said in a statement. “Phil never lost his signature spark of life he was so well known for or his love for baseball which was with him until the end. Special thanks to the Houston Medical Center, MD Anderson, Baylor St. Lukes and all the Doctors and Nurses for their excellent care and support.”
The Dodgers reached out on social media to express their condolences Sunday morning.
“The Dodgers mourn the passing of longtime MLB player and manager as well as former Dodger infielder Phil Garner,” the Dodgers wrote via X. “Our condolences to his loved ones.”
Throughout his long MLB career, Garner hit 109 home runs and drove in 738 RBIs while posting league average numbers with the bat all the while. He made three All-Star Games in his career, and also won the World Series with the Oakland Athletics in 1974—the third championship of their three-peat.
He went to the World Series with the Houston Astros in 2005, leading them to their first appearance in the Fall Classic while they were still in the National League.
Apr 30, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros former manager Phil Garner throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game against the Detroit Tigers at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
When did Phil Garner Play for the Dodgers?
The Dodgers acquired Garner in June 1987 in exchange for Jeff Edwards, who spent the entirety of his playing career in the minor leagues.
Garner, who was 38 years old at the time, only played the rest of the season in a Dodgers uniform and made 70 appearances. Through those games, he had two homers and eight RBIs, slashing .190/.299/.270 for a .569 OPS.
On top of the Dodgers, A’s and Astros, Garner played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants in his career. As a manager, he served the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers and Astros.
“Every young kid, you come up and you need somebody to look up to and Phil was that guy for me,” said second baseman Bill Doran, a teammate in Houston who later played under Garner in Milwaukee. “His personality, he could come in and light up the clubhouse. How he treated people, just the kind of teammate he was, I really looked up to Gar.”
Dodgers Nation sends their thoughts to Garner’s loved ones.
Q&A
What caused Phil Garner's death?
Phil Garner died from pancreatic cancer after a two-plus-year battle with the disease.
How long did Phil Garner play in Major League Baseball?
Phil Garner played 16 years in Major League Baseball (MLB).
What teams did Phil Garner manage during his career?
Phil Garner managed for 15 years, including stints with the Houston Astros and Milwaukee Brewers.
