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Houston Today
By the People, for the People
Phil Garner, Three-Time MLB All-Star, Dies at 76 After Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
The former player and manager for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros passed away on April 11 after a two-year battle with the disease.
Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:36pm
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A vibrant tribute to the life and legacy of Phil Garner, the three-time MLB All-Star whose gritty, no-nonsense style of play and successful managerial career left an indelible mark on the sport.Houston TodayPhil Garner, a former Major League Baseball player and manager who spent the majority of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros, has died at the age of 76. Garner's family confirmed that he passed away on April 11 in The Woodlands, Texas, after living with pancreatic cancer for over two years.
Why it matters
Garner was a beloved figure in the baseball community, known for his gritty, no-nonsense style of play during his 19-year MLB career. As a manager, he led the Astros to the 2005 World Series. His passing is a significant loss for the sport and the teams and cities he was associated with.
The details
Garner made his professional debut with the Oakland Athletics in 1973 and played for the team until 1976. He then spent five seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning the 1979 World Series, before joining the Astros from 1981 to 1987. Garner also had shorter stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants before transitioning to a managerial career. He managed the Milwaukee Brewers from 1992 to 1999 and the Astros from 2004 to 2007, leading them to the 2005 World Series.
- Garner died on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
- He had been living with pancreatic cancer for over two years prior to his passing.
The players
Phil Garner
A former MLB player and manager who spent the majority of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros. He was a three-time MLB All-Star and led the Astros to the 2005 World Series as a manager.
Jim Crane
The owner and chairman of the Houston Astros, who paid tribute to Garner's contributions to the team and the city of Houston.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Garner's Family
“Phil Garner's contributions to the Houston Astros, the city of Houston and to the game of baseball will not be forgotten.”
— Jim Crane, Owner and Chairman, Houston Astros
The takeaway
Garner's passing is a significant loss for the baseball community, as he was a beloved figure known for his gritty, no-nonsense style of play and his successful managerial career, including leading the Astros to the 2005 World Series. His legacy will continue to be celebrated by the teams and cities he was associated with.
