World Series champ Phil Garner dead at 76 after cancer battle

"Phil never lost his signature spark of life," Ty Garner, Phil's son, said in a statement. "He was so well known for his love for baseball, which was with him until the end."

The versatile infielder earned two more All-Star selections while he was with the Pirates. He helped the team to a World Series title in 1979 against the Baltimore Orioles. He hit .500 in the seven-game series against Baltimore. He had four doubles and five RBI.

"Phil Garner was a fierce competitor, a respected leader, and a cherished part of the Pirates family," Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement. "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."

Garner was a lifetime .260 hitter with 109 home runs and 738 RBI.

Garner had major success managing the Astros. He was their skipper from 2004 to 2007, guiding them to their first World Series appearance in 2005 - only to lose to the Chicago White Sox.

He was 985-1,054 as a manager.

"He was a very highly respected and beloved individual who was known for his caring nature, wisdom and sense of humor," the Brewers added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.