Former Pirates Infielder Phil Garner Dies at 76

TL;DR

Former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Phil Garner passed away at 76 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Garner was a key player on the 1979 World Series championship team and had a notable career with the Pirates from 1977 to 1981.

Pittsburgh Pirates, Phil Garner

Former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Phil Garner died on Saturday after a two plus year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 76.

Garner played five of his 16 seasons for the Pirates (1977-81) and hit .267 with 125 doubles, 35 triples, 44 home runs, 280 RBI and 112 stolen bases in 664 career games in Pittsburgh. Nicknamed “Scrap-Iron,” Garner was a member of the 1979 World Series champion team, hit .417 in the NLCS and .500 in seven games against the Baltimore Orioles in the Fall Classic. He was named an All-Star in both 1980-81.

“Phil Garner was a fierce competitor, a respected leader, and a cherished part of the Pirates family,” said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. “His contributions to the 1979 World Series championship team will forever be part of Pirates history. We always appreciated welcoming Phil back to Pittsburgh, and it was evident how deeply this city, this team, his teammates, and our fans meant to him.

“He will be remembered not only for the grit, passion, and heart he brought to the game, but also for the way he carried himself as a devoted family man and respected member of the baseball community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Carol, his sons, Eric and Ty, his daughter, Bethany, his six grandchildren, and the entire Garner family during this difficult time. Phil will be deeply missed.”

Garner, a native of Jefferson City Tenn., began his career with the Oakland Athletics and also played for the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.

Following his playing days, Garner managed the Milwaukee Brewers for eight seasons (1992-1999), the Detroit Tigers for three (2000-02) and the Houston Astros for four (2004-07). He won 985 games during his managerial career and guided the Astros to the American League pennant in 2005.

The post Former Pirates Infielder Phil Garner Dies at 76 appeared first on Pittsburgh Baseball Now.

Q&A

What were Phil Garner's career statistics with the Pittsburgh Pirates?

Phil Garner played 664 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates, achieving a batting average of .267 with 125 doubles, 35 triples, 44 home runs, 280 RBI, and 112 stolen bases.

What notable achievements did Phil Garner have during his baseball career?

Phil Garner was an All-Star in 1980 and 1981 and was a member of the 1979 World Series champion team, where he hit .417 in the NLCS and .500 in the World Series.

How did Phil Garner's death impact the Pittsburgh Pirates community?

Phil Garner's passing was mourned by the Pittsburgh Pirates community, with Chairman Bob Nutting highlighting his fierce competitiveness and lasting contributions to the team's history.