He was a member of the Tigers team that defeated the San Diego Padres in the 1984 World Series.

Garbey hit .287 and had more RBIs (52) than several of Detroit's starters, including Howard Johnson, Larry Herndon, and Dave Bergman.

[3] Since retiring, Garbey has found steady work coaching in the minor leagues.

He spent two seasons (2014-15) as the hitting coach for the Peoria Chiefs, and then became a roving instructor for the Cardinals' farm system.

In 2023, Garbey was hired as a home game color commentator for the Detroit Tigers Radio Network's Spanish-language broadcast.