Brewers Mourn the Passing of Phil Garner
Former Milwaukee Manager Dies at 76
MILWAUKEE – Phil Garner, who managed the Milwaukee Brewers from 1992-99, passed away last night at the age of 76.
The team issued the following statement:
“The Brewers are saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Phil Garner. Following a distinguished playing career, Phil served as our manager from 1992-99 and went on to manage the second-most games in franchise history. 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 with the Brewers before going on to skipper the Detroit Tigers (2000-02) and Houston Astros (2004-07). He guided Houston to its first-ever World Series appearance in 2005.
Nicknamed “Scrap Iron” as a player, the former infielder and three-time All-Star enjoyed 16 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Oakland Athletics (1973-76), Pittsburgh Pirates (1977-81), Houston Astros (1981-87), Los Angeles Dodgers (1987) and San Francisco Giants (1988). He posted a career batting average of .260 with 109 HR, 738 RBI and 225 stolen bases in 1,860 games.
Garner started 146 games (76g at 2B, 62g at 3B, 8g at SS) for the 1979 World Series champion Pirates. He batted .472 (17-for-36) with 1 HR and 6 RBI in 10 postseason games that October, all starts at second base.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Milwaukee Brewers
Brewers Host Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters Hiring Event at American Family Field, April 18
Apr 8th, 2026 by Milwaukee BrewersMore Than 25 Contractors Will be Onsite Ready to Hire in This Fast-Paced, Interactive Competition
$7 Flash Sale on 7 Home Games, Courtesy of Potawatomi Casino Hotel
Apr 7th, 2026 by Milwaukee BrewersOffer Includes Seven Select Games Against Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, Padres, Cardinals and Giants
Brewers Sign Infielder Cooper Pratt to Multi-Year Contract
Apr 3rd, 2026 by Milwaukee BrewersPratt Agrees to Eight-Year Deal Through 2033 with Club Options for 2034 and 2035
