Phil Garner, former Brewers manager and MLB veteran, dies at 76
The Milwaukee Brewers confirmed Garner’s death in a statement.
Updated: 11:51 AM CDT Apr 12, 2026
Phil Garner, the former Milwaukee Brewers manager who led the club from 1992 to 1999, died Saturday night at the age of 76. “The Brewers are saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Phil Garner,” the team said in a statement. “He was a very highly respected and beloved individual who was known for his caring nature, wisdom and sense of humor. Our deepest condolences go out to Phil’s wife, Carol, and all of his family, friends and fans.”Garner managed 1,180 games for Milwaukee, the second-most in franchise history. After his tenure with the Brewers, he went on to manage the Detroit Tigers from 2000 to 2002 and the Houston Astros from 2004 to 2007. His most notable managerial achievement came in 2005, when he guided Houston to its first World Series appearance in franchise history.Before becoming a manager, Garner built a long and accomplished playing career. Nicknamed “Scrap Iron,” the infielder spent 16 seasons in the major leagues and was selected to three All-Star teams. He played for the Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.Across 1,860 career games, Garner hit .260 with 109 home runs, 738 RBIs and 225 stolen bases.
Phil Garner, the former Milwaukee Brewers manager who led the club from 1992 to 1999, died Saturday night at the age of 76.
“The Brewers are saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Phil Garner,” the team said in a statement. “He was a very highly respected and beloved individual who was known for his caring nature, wisdom and sense of humor. Our deepest condolences go out to Phil’s wife, Carol, and all of his family, friends and fans.”
Garner managed 1,180 games for Milwaukee, the second-most in franchise history. After his tenure with the Brewers, he went on to manage the Detroit Tigers from 2000 to 2002 and the Houston Astros from 2004 to 2007. His most notable managerial achievement came in 2005, when he guided Houston to its first World Series appearance in franchise history.
Before becoming a manager, Garner built a long and accomplished playing career. Nicknamed “Scrap Iron,” the infielder spent 16 seasons in the major leagues and was selected to three All-Star teams. He played for the Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.
Across 1,860 career games, Garner hit .260 with 109 home runs, 738 RBIs and 225 stolen bases.