Former MLB Player and Manager Phil Garner Dies at Age 76

Phil Garner died on April 11, 2026, at the age of 76. His family announced that he had been battling pancreatic cancer for nearly three years.

Garner played as a second baseman for 16 seasons, accumulating 1,594 hits. He debuted with the Oakland Athletics in 1973 and became a regular player in 1975. His career included stops with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants, retiring after the 1987 season.

800 on-base plus slugging percentage with the Pirates in 1979. He contributed 17 hits in 36 postseason at-bats that year. The Pirates won the World Series in seven games against the Baltimore Orioles.

Managerial Career Garner managed for 11 seasons across three teams.

He led the Houston Astros to the 2005 World Series after they won 89 games as a wild card and advanced through the playoffs. He managed the Milwaukee Brewers from 1992 to 1999 and the Detroit Tigers from 2000 to 2002.

The Brewers issued a statement expressing sadness over his passing. The statement noted his distinguished career and his management of the second-most games in franchise history.

Legacy and Tributes Garner earned three All-Star selections as a player.

He stole more than 30 bases in a season twice but hit no more than 17 home runs in any year. Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting described Garner as a competitor and leader whose contributions to the 1979 championship remain part of team history. The Pirates' 1979 team, led by players including Garner, secured the franchise's most recent World Series title.

Garner was remembered for his role in that success. His family, including wife Carol, received condolences from teams and fans.