Phil Garner, a former MLB All-Star and World Series champion, has died at age 76. His family announced his passing on Sunday, stating he succumbed to pancreatic cancer after a more than two-year battle.
Garner, a versatile infielder, was an Oakland Athletics first-round draft pick in 1971. He earned his first All-Star selection in 1976 before being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the Pirates, he garnered two more All-Star selections and was instrumental in their 1979 World Series victory, hitting .500 in the series.
His playing career continued with the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants. Garner concluded his playing career with a .260 batting average, 109 home runs, and 738 RBI.
Transitioning to management, Garner skippered the Milwaukee Brewers and the Detroit Tigers. He later led the Houston Astros to their first World Series appearance in 2005. He amassed a managerial record of 985-1,054. His family remembered him for his "signature spark of life" and deep love for baseball.