Former Houston Astro and Manager, Phil Garner, has died at the age of 76, following a 2 year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Garner managed the team to its first World Series appearance in 2005.
“Garner passed away peacefully last night, April 11, surrounded by family and love after his family said in a statement to MLB.com, “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.”
Garner, spent 16 seasons in the major leagues, played for the Astros from 1981-87. Nicknamed, "Scrap Iron" he was an All-Star in 1976 with the A's, 1980 and 1981 with the Pirates. He helped Pittsburgh win the 1979 World Series as part of the Pirates' famed "We Are Family" squad. Garner was then traded to the Astros in 1981.