Garner had a distinguished 16-year playing career, suiting up for the Oakland Athletics from 1973 to 1976, the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1977 to 1981, the Houston Astros from 1981 to 1987, the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1987, and the San Francisco Giants in 1988. His All-Star honors came in 1976 with Oakland and in 1980 and 1981 with Pittsburgh, cementing his reputation as a versatile and reliable player. 800 OPS.
500, going 12 for 24, as the Pirates overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Baltimore Orioles, a performance that remains a highlight of his career. 260 with 109 home runs, 738 RBIs, and 225 stolen bases across 1,860 regular-season games. He made over 700 starts at both second and third base, showcasing notable defensive versatility that allowed him to contribute significantly to multiple teams.
After retiring as a player, Garner transitioned into management, overseeing teams for 15 years and compiling a 985-1,054 record. He managed the Milwaukee Brewers from 1992 to 1999, the Detroit Tigers from 2000 to 2002, and the Houston Astros from 2004 to 2007. Garner held the Brewers' record for managerial wins until Craig Counsell surpassed it in 2022, a testament to his longevity and impact in Milwaukee.
Taking over the Astros midway through the 2004 season, Garner guided them to a 48-26 record for the remainder of the year, finishing 92-70 and reaching the National League Championship Series. In 2005, he led the Astros to their historic first World Series appearance, where they ultimately fell to the Chicago White Sox, marking a high point in his managerial career. Garner was a native of Tennessee and a standout player at the University of Tennessee, which retired his number in his honor, though the specific number has not been widely reported.