https://www.mlb.com/news/phil-garner-dies-at-76

It was Hall of Fame announcer Milo Hamilton who gave infielder Phil Garner the nickname “Scrap Iron” while both were with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the late 1970s. Hamilton saw a young third baseman knocking down balls, always with dirt on his uniform, and noticed that nothing seemed to bother him.

He was as tough as scrap iron. Boy, was he.

The nickname stuck throughout Garner’s career and personified the hard-nosed infielder who made three All-Star Games during his 16-year playing career with the A’s, Pirates, Astros, Dodgers and Giants from 1973-88. He later managed the Brewers, Tigers and Astros with the same fire and brimstone, leading Houston to its first World Series berth in 2005. Garner passed away on Saturday at age 76.

"Phil Garner passed away peacefully last night, April 11, surrounded by family and love after a two-plus-year battle with pancreatic cancer," his family said in a statement. "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. Special thanks to the Houston Medical Center, MD Anderson, Baylor St. Lukes and all the Doctors and Nurses for their excellent care and support."

Garner was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2024 and underwent numerous radiation and chemotherapy treatments for more than two years. The Astros celebrated him one last time when he threw out the first pitch before a game on April 30, 2025 – his 76th birthday. Several of his former teammates and players that he managed in Houston were in attendance and were united in their respect for Garner.

“On behalf of the Astros, Whitney and I send our heartfelt condolences to Phil’s wife, Carol, their children and to his many friends, fans and admirers," Astros owner and chairman Jim Crane said in a statement released by the team. "Phil Garner’s contributions to the Houston Astros, the city of Houston and to the game of baseball will not be forgotten.”

“He was competitive. He was honest. He told you the truth. He made you accountable -- all the great things that leaders do,” Hall of Fame first baseman Jeff Bagwell said. “I think Gar just did a tremendous job of that. You could see how much he cared about his players, cared about winning and our organization. It was just a pleasure to play for him and be his friend.”

Philip Mason Garner was born on April 30, 1949, in Jefferson City, Tenn., about 30 miles northeast of Knoxville. The son of a Baptist preacher, he grew up in nearby Rutledge and moved to Knoxville after his sophomore year in high school with hopes of getting a baseball scholarship.

He earned a scholarship from the University of Tennessee, where he was a two-time All-SEC performer for the Volunteers. Garner’s jersey, No. 18, was retired by the Volunteers in 2009. Garner was drafted by the Expos in the eighth round in 1970 but didn’t sign. The A’s took him with the third overall pick of the secondary draft in January 1971.