Pittsburgh Pirates World Series Champion Dies

PITTSBURGH, PA — A former Pirates player who helped the team to a world championship and later became a Major League Baseball manager has died.

"It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the passing of former Pirates infielder Phil Garner," the team said in a statement released on Sunday.

"Scrap Iron” was a beloved member of the Pirates family as he spent five of his 16 Major League seasons playing with the Pirates (1977-1981), capturing a World Series championship in 1979. He batted .417 in the N.L. Championship Series that year and .500 in seven games against the Baltimore Orioles in the Fall Classic."

Garner, 76, died of pancreatic cancer.

In addition to playing for the Pirates, Garner also was a member of the Oakland Athletics, the Houston Astros, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants.

After his playing career ended, Garner managed for 15 years, overseeing the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers and the Astros.

“Phil Garner was a fierce competitor, a respected leader, and a

cherished part of the Pirates family,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said.

“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.”