UT to retire Garner's number

Baseball is still in Phil Garner's blood.

The former major leaguer admits teams aren't knocking at his door but if the opportunity presented itself, he'd be interested in managing again.

"I do not have any plans," Garner said from his home near Houston, where he dabbles in the oil and gas business since he was let go by the Houston Astros in 2007.

"But if something came along that really sounded interesting, I'd certainly want to entertain it."

The Jefferson City native, who went to Bearden High, played at the University of Tennessee (1968-70) before embarking on a 16-year-major league career highlighted by a World Series championship with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979.

Garner will have his number retired at the 2009 UT Baseball Leadoff Banquet on Feb. 19 at the Knoxville Convention Center.

Tickets cost $40 and tables $350 (for 10 seats). They can be purchased on UTsports.com beginning Dec. 5.

Garner, who turns 60 in April, has agreed to do a question-and-answer session with the audience. UT's All-Century Team also will be introduced and honored.

Todd Helton's No. 3 was the first UT baseball player to have his number retired. Garner isn't sure what number he wore for the Vols.

"Well, that's the issue," the former second baseman said with a chuckle. "It's either 7, 18, 20-something. (UT coach) Todd Raleigh called me and asked what number I wanted and I can't remember what I had."

Garner began his managerial career with Milwaukee in 1992 and the American League team went 92-70. He spent eight seasons with the Brewers, who moved to the National League in 1998.

Garner was let go and hired by Detroit in 2000 and fired by the Tigers in 2002. Houston hired him in 2004 and he spent four seasons with the Astros.

Garner's departure from Detroit was the only one that left a sour taste.

"No question Milwaukee treated me well for eight years," he said. "I went to Detroit with high aspirations."

The Tigers indicated they would expand their payroll then reneged.

"Detroit was another deal. Broken promises," Garner said. "They didn't spend the money they said they were going to spend."

Detroit general manager Randy Smith and Garner were let go simultaneously in 2002 after a 0-6 start.

"He got a bum deal and I got a bum deal," Garner said. "I was upset by it (firing) and that's OK. At least (GM Dave) Dombrowski didn't let things linger."

Garner's ego suffered a blow.

"I felt like a failure," he said. "I had a bad taste in my mouth and a bad attitude."

His esteem was resurrected with the Astros.

"Houston was an opportunity to change that," he said. "It was a great run. Took a team that I don't think anybody thought would get to the World Series."

The Chicago White Sox swept Houston and the Astros went down hill.

"I'm not at all bitter about that," he said. "I don't think the firing was the right thing to do. I think if they had kept me on for a few more years we would have done some great things."