"Linda and family: You may not remember us - Adrian\'s batboys in Wichita while playing for the Aeros in 1973, 74, and 75. Adrian was a Hall of Fame human being. I was very saddened to learn of his passing; I have thought of him and you thousands of times over the years; both of you were so kind to us 12 and 13 year old batboys - we felt as though we were your own kids! Obviously, almost 50 years have passed since then, and hearing of his death broke my heart. On behalf of us - Tony Thompson (myself), Tim Thompson, and Doug Cline, please accept our condolences on his passing."
In loving memory of
Henry Adrian "Smokey" Garrett
January 3, 1943 - April 22, 2021
Henry Adrian "Smokey" Garrett, Jr.
Born January 3rd, 1943 in Brooksville, Florida, Adrian grew up in Sarasota and excelled at baseball and football. He graduated from Sarasota High School and signed with the Milwaukee Braves in 1961, starting a career in professional baseball that spanned 54 years. His travels took him to many cities throughout the world and allowed him to hit home runs in five countries (US, Canada, Japan, Dominican Republic and Venezuela). He won four home run titles in three minor leagues and when he went abroad, he topped the Dominican Republic winter league and finished second in the Japanese Central League. During his professional baseball career, he became known as "Smokey" after his teammate remarked that Adrian bore a resemblance to Smoky Joe Wood. A catcher and an outfielder, Adrian made his debut with the Atlanta Braves in 1966 and played eight seasons in Major League Baseball between 1966 and 1976 for the Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics and California Angels. Adrian later starred for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in Japan from 1977 - 1979, hitting 102 home runs with 247 RBIs in three seasons. During the 1978 season, Adrian became the first player to hit three home runs in a Japanese All-Star game and, thanks in large part to his efforts, Hiroshima became the first team in the Japanese professional leagues to have more than 200 home runs in a season. Adrian's 1979 Hiroshima team won the Japan Series title.
Adrian began his coaching career in 1982 as a minor league manager for the Chicago White Sox. He then went on to serve for five seasons (1988-1992) at the major league level as the third-base and hitting coach for the Kansas City Royals. He served as a minor league coach for the Florida Marlins, and from 2003-2011 he was the hitting coach for the Cincinnati Reds' Triple-A team in Louisville, followed by four years as a hitting instructor for the Cincinnati Reds' organization.
Adrian Garrett passed away on April 22nd surrounded by his loving family. As a man of great faith, he left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him as a kind, generous and humble man full of love for his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Linda Garrett; daughter, Angela Bartlett; son, Jason Garrett; granddaughters, Alexa and Carys Bartlett and Avery Garrett; son-in-law, Gregg Bartlett; and daughter-in-law, Emily Garrett. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Troyer; brothers, Charles and Wayne Garrett; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Iva Garrett, and sister, Gail Hurst.
A visitation will be held at Harrell Funeral Home in Austin (4435 Frontier Trail) on Wednesday, April 28th at 6:00 p.m. Services will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin (3201 Windsor Road) on Thursday, April 29th at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of your choice in Adrian's honor to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (https://www.jdrf.org) or RBI Austin (https://rbiaustin.org).
Tributes
"Linda, Angie and Jason , Smokey was a genuine legend, with a heart of gold, and a love for his family that was unsurpassed. We pray that one day your hearts won\'t hurt as much, and all the wonderful memories will make you smile instead of cry. Sending our love, hugs, and prayers, The Poteet and Cozad Families Matthew 5:4 \" Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted\""
"My deepest condolences to the entire Garrett family. Adrian was one of he kindest individuals I have ever met and was so proud to call him my friend. You will forever hold a special place in my heart. I so loved talking to you every year on your birthday (it wasn\'t your birthday until you got my call). Although we weren\'t able to see each other often, we made each visit count reminiscing about all the good times when I travelled to TX the last few years. You will be greatly missed and always remembered. Rest in Peace. "
"Adrian was the all American ?good guy.? He was fun, smart, athletic, and loved his family. When I was around 13 years old, Adrian would come to see my brother, Bobby Watson . We had so much fun playing penny poker and Elvis Presley ?45? records. I remember he had this one funny expression. Instead of saying, ?Yes, it is.? Adrian would say, ?It am so!? I have such fond memories of this very special man!?"