Former Pirates Infielder Phil Garner Dies at 76
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.