Phil Garner

Biography

Phil Garner is a former Major League Baseball player and manager who had a successful career spanning over two decades. Garner was born on April 30, 1949, in Jefferson City, Tennessee, and grew up in Tennessee. He attended the University of Tennessee, where he played college baseball and was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the first round of the 1971 Major League Baseball draft.

Garner made his Major League debut with the Athletics in 1973 and played for them until 1976. He then played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1977 to 1981, where he was a key player in their World Series championship team in 1979. Garner was known for his versatility, playing multiple positions including second base, third base, and shortstop.

After his playing career, Garner became a coach and manager. He served as the manager for the Milwaukee Brewers from 1992 to 1999, leading them to the playoffs in 1998. He then managed the Detroit Tigers from 2000 to 2002 before becoming the manager of the Houston Astros in 2004.

Garner's tenure with the Astros was the most successful of his managerial career. He led the team to the World Series in 2005, where they lost to the Chicago White Sox. The following year, Garner led the Astros to the National League Championship Series, where they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Garner was known for his aggressive style of managing, often making bold moves and taking risks. He was also known for his fiery personality and his ability to motivate his players. Garner was respected by his players and was known for his strong leadership skills.

In addition to his managerial career, Garner also served as a coach for several teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, and Seattle Mariners. He was also a television analyst for the Astros and the Brewers.

Overall, Phil Garner had a successful career in Major League Baseball as both a player and a manager. He was known for his versatility as a player and his aggressive style of managing. Garner's leadership skills and ability to motivate his players made him a respected figure in the baseball world.

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1979-Sep-30 • CHC/PIT • Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Clinch - Radio Broadcast

2 hours Sep 30, 1979Sep 30, 1979

On September 30, 1979, the Chicago Cubs met the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium...

1979-Sep-30 • CHC/PIT • Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Clinch - Radio Broadcast / On September 30, 1979, the Chicago Cubs met the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium in a game that would determine the fate of the Pirates' season. Coming into the game, the Pirates had a magic number of one to clinify the National League East title, meaning a win against the Cubs would secure their place in the postseason. The Pirates were having a stellar season, with players like Willie Stargell and Dave Parker leading the charge. The Cubs, on the other hand, were struggling to find their footing, but still posed a significant threat with their roster that included the likes of Bruce Sutter and Bill Buckner. This game wasn't just about securing a playoff spot, but also about the Pirates proving their dominance in the league. The 1979 season was historic for the Pirates as they would go on to win the World Series, with Stargell picking up the NL MVP and World Series MVP awards. This game, therefore, holds a pivotal place in that narrative. The Cubs, despite their struggles, were no easy opponent, and the tension of the game was palpable on the radio broadcast. The stakes were high, the air was thick with anticipation, and the game was set to be a memorable one.