Phil Garner, who guided Houston Astros to historic first World Series trip, dies at 76

HOUSTON – Phil Garner, the former Houston Astros manager who guided the franchise to its first World Series appearance in 2005, has died at 76, according to a statement from his family.

MLB reported Saturday that Garner died on April 11 after a more than two-year battle with pancreatic cancer, his family said. They said he died peacefully, surrounded by family.

In Houston, Garner is most closely tied to a turning-point era: he took over as manager at midseason in 2004 and the Astros surged into the postseason, setting the stage for the club’s breakthrough run the following year. In 2005, Houston rallied from a difficult start, reached the playoffs again, and won the National League pennant before falling to the Chicago White Sox in the World Series.

Before managing, Garner built a 16-year major league playing career defined by versatility and edge—traits that earned him the nickname “Scrap Iron.” A three-time All-Star, he played for the Oakland A’s, Pittsburgh Pirates, Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants from 1973 to 1988, and was part of Pittsburgh’s 1979 World Series championship team.

Born April 30, 1949, in Jefferson City, Tennessee, Garner starred at the University of Tennessee and later had his No. 18 jersey retired by the Volunteers in 2009.

Garner also managed the Milwaukee Brewers and Detroit Tigers, finishing with a 985-1,054 managerial record.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, their children Eric, Ty and Bethany, and six grandchildren.