A former MLB player and manager, known for his 13-year tenure as the Minnesota Twins' skipper, leading the team to six AL Central division titles.
Ron Gardenhire is revered as one of the most accomplished managers in Major League Baseball history, with a storied career that spans over four decades. He is best known for his 13-year tenure as the manager of the Minnesota Twins, where he led the team to six American League Central Division titles and captured the American League Manager of the Year Award in 2010.
Born to a military family on October 24, 1957, at the U.S. Army base in Butzbach, West Germany, Ron Gardenhire grew up with a passion for baseball that was encouraged by his father. The family eventually settled in Oklahoma, where Gardenhire attended Okmulgee High School and later enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin.
The New York Mets drafted Gardenhire in the sixth round (132nd overall) of the 1979 Major League Baseball draft. He played for the Mets from 1981 to 1985, serving as a utility infielder and playing shortstop, second base, and third base. Despite being plagued by injuries, particularly to his hamstring, Gardenhire played in more than 70 games in a season twice, in 1982 and 1984.
Following his playing career, Gardenhire transitioned into coaching, serving as a manager in the Minnesota Twins farm system from 1989 to 1990. He led teams in the Class A Midwest League and Class AA Southern League to one second-place and two first-place finishes. This laid the foundation for his eventual rise to the Twins' manager position, which he held from 2002 to 2014.
After leaving the Twins, Gardenhire coached for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017 and later managed the Detroit Tigers from 2018 to 2020, when he retired from baseball. Throughout his managerial career, Gardenhire was respected for his leadership, strategic prowess, and ability to develop young talent.
Ron Gardenhire's legacy extends beyond his impressive managerial record. He is hailed as a mentor and a leader who inspired countless players and coaches throughout his career. His influence on the game is palpable, and he remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in baseball.
Ron Gardenhire's personal milestones are marked by his unwavering dedication to the game. He has been married to his wife, Carol, for over 30 years, and they have two children together. Gardenhire's commitment to his family and the community has earned him recognition and admiration from fans and peers alike.
Ron Gardenhire's managerial philosophy centered around building strong relationships with his players, fostering a positive team culture, and emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication. He believed in empowering his players to take ownership of their performance and encouraged them to strive for excellence both on and off the field.
Ron Gardenhire's remarkable career serves as a testament to his unwavering passion for baseball and his exceptional leadership abilities. As a player, coach, and manager, Gardenhire has left an indelible mark on the game, inspiring generations of baseball enthusiasts and cementing his place among the all-time greats.
75 Years Old
A former Major League Baseball player and manager, known for his managerial stints with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, leading the Reds to a World Series championship in 1990.
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Cy Young Award-winning pitcher and coach with a 20-year MLB career, known for his impressive pitching skills and successful coaching stints.
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A Cuban-American baseball legend who played for the Minnesota Twins and coached for several teams, known for his impressive hitting skills and eight All-Star appearances.
