Tennessee baseball's 2009 Leadoff Banquet, celebrating 100 years of Vols baseball, honored former Vol, World Series champion and World Series manager Phil Garner on Thursday night.

Garner's No. 18 jersey became only the second jersey number to be retired in Tennessee baseball history. In 2008, Tennessee retired Todd Helton's No. 3 jersey.

"Phil Garner has meant so much to the game of baseball both as a coach and player. I think it's great we're able to retire his number and pay tribute to such a legend," Athletics Director Mike Hamilton said.

"He represented the state of Tennessee well. He played the game the way it was meant to be played. He managed the game the way it was meant to be managed."

Nicknamed 'Scrap-Iron' because of his gritty play by Pittsburgh Pirate teammate Willie Stargell, Garner reminisced about his baseball memories from growing up in Rutledge, Tenn., to playing in the World Series in 1979 and managing the Houston Astros in the 2005 World Series.

Garner was born in Jefferson City, Tenn., and later attended Bearden High School. After a three-year career playing for the Vols from 1968-70, Garner was originally drafted by the Montreal Expos, but never signed with the club.

His major league career didn't begin until 1973 after being drafted by the Oakland Athletics, where he would play along side such legends such as Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers and 'Catfish' Hunter.

Garner was voted to the All-Star game in Philadelphia in 1976 as a member of the A's. He was later traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in an eight-player deal, where he would eventually help win the 1979 World Series over the Baltimore Orioles.

'Scrap-Iron' batted .417 in the National League Championship Series and an even .500 - 12 hits in 24 attempts - in the World Series.

"At that point it was the greatest moment of my life," Garner said of his World Series title.

In addition to stints in Oakland and Pittsburgh, Garner played for the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.

Garner returned to the World Series in 2005 as the Houston Astros manager.

"As a player you're worried about yourself," Garner said. "As you become a manager the scope of responsibility grows exponentially."

Garner managed over 1,800 games in the major leagues during stints with the Milwaukee Brewers, the Detroit Tigers and finally Houston. Garner had a career .481 win percentage as a manager, with a career record of 903-974.

When asked who the best players he had played alongside and managed, Garner was quick to mention Dave Parker as his most skilled teammate, but Stargell as the "best person" he had ever played with.

"Roger Clemens might be the greatest guy I ever managed," Garner said.

Tennessee Baseball All-Century Team

Tennessee also announced its All-Century team at the Leadoff Banquet, celebrating 100 years of Tennessee baseball:

P - James Adkins (2005-2007)

C - J.P. Arencibia (2005-2007)

P - Tommy Bridges (1927-1929)

UTL (2B/SS) - Chris Burke (1999-2001)

OF - Alan Cockrell (1983-1984)

P - R.A. Dickey (1994-1996)

C - Mike DiFelice (1989-1991)

OF - Sam Ewing (1968-1970)

SS - Larry Fielder (1966-1968)

2B - Phil Garner (1968-1970)

OF - Ronnie Hartsfield (1978-1981)

3B - Chase Headley (2004-2005)

1B - Doug Hecker (1990-1992)

1B/P - Todd Helton (1993-1995)

P - Luke Hochevar (2003-2005)

SS - Condredge Holloway (2003-2005)

P/1B - Rick Honeycutt (1973-1976)

3B - B.B. Hopkins (1951-1953)

P - Jimmy Lee (1968-1970)

P- Joe O'Brien (1971-1973)

2B - Jeff Pickler (1996-1998)

OF - Bert Rechichar (1951-1952)

C - George Shuford (1961-1963)

P - Mike Smithson (1975-1976)

OF - Bubba Trammell (1993-1994)

OF - Bobby Tucker (1970-1973)