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The man they called Scrap Iron has died.

Phil Garner, a Jefferson County native who was raised in Grainger County before a baseball life carried him all over the country, died Saturday night.

He was 76.

Garner earned his nickname during his time in Pittsburgh, his second team in the majors.

The Pirates broadcaster Milo Hamilton asked future Hall of Famer Willie Stargell what he thought of Garner, who was playing a rough and tumble second base. Stargell, Pops as he was known, said Garner was like an old piece of scrap metal. It could be bent, broken and beaten up but it remains durable and tough. Hamilton started calling Garner Scrap Iron and the name stuck.

In 1979 Pops and Scrap Iron led the “We are Family” Pirates to the World Series title. Garner hit .500 in the series, going 12 for 24.

On behalf of the Garner family, the Pittsburgh Pirates confirmed the passing of former infielder Phil Garner today in the Woodlands, TX. Garner was 76 years old.

“Phil Garner was a fierce competitor, a respected leader, and a cherished part of the Pirates family,” said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. “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.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Carol, his sons, Eric and Ty, his daughter, Bethany, his six grandchildren, and the entire Garner family during this difficult time. Phil will be deeply missed.”

Garner left Grainger County in high school to pursue athletic opportunities at Bearden, which had a football and baseball team. He went on to the University of Tennessee where he played second, third and was named an All-American in 1970.

Originally drafted by the Expos, he didn’t sign with the team, finding his spot with the Oakland A’s in 1971.

He shined as a minor league third baseman, earning cup-of-coffee call ups in 1973 and 1974 but the A’s had all star Sal Bando at the position and moved Garner to second during the spring of 1975.

He earned the starting spot at second in 1975 and broke out for the clin in 1976, earning the first of his three all-star selections. Garner was part of a massive, nine-person trade prior to the 1977 season. He had his best season that year with 17 homers, 77 RBIs, 32 stolen bases and 99 runs scored.

In 1981, Garner was traded to the Houston Astros where he helped lead the team to the NLCS in 1986.

Garner went on to play briefly for the Dodgers and the Giants before retiring officially in 1990.

Garner sealed his reputation in the game, however, as a manager. He was named the Brewers manager at the end of the 1991 season. He was picked by then Brewers GM Sal Bando.

He went on to manage the Tigers and led the Astros to the club’s first World Series appearance.

“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.”

Garner, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, passed away peacefully, his family said in a statement.

“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.