RIP Billy Gardner

[stringer bell]

I haven't seen this posted anywhere so I'll start a thread. Former Twins' manager Billy Gardner died January 3rd. Gardner was a light-hitting second baseman who played for the Twins in their inaugural season (1961). Gardner was on two World Series teams as one of the last men on the bench (1954 Giants and 1961 Yankees). He managed the Twins from 1981 through 1985 and also managed the Royals in 1987. RIP Billy Gardner.

[tony&rodney]

RIP. The 1984 team was fun to watch.

[stringer bell]

My personal memories of Gardner were that he was kind of an East Coast version of Gardy. As a player, not blessed with an abundance of ability, but scrappy and hard working. As a manager, appreciative of the abilities of his best players, but a guy who also identifies with the role players.

[MMMordabito]

Before my Twins time, but RIP Billy Gardner.  He must have greased up Gaetti, Puckett, Hrbek, Viola and co. pretty well to finally run as a unit in '87 with some parts continuing on into '91.

[Linus]

To show the difference in MLB between then and now: Slick was a meat salesman in the off season to make ends meet. RIP

[stringer bell]

20 minutes ago, Linus said:

To show the difference in MLB between then and now: Slick was a meat salesman in the off season to make ends meet. RIP

“Slick” was Gardner’s nickname allegedly regarding his pivot at second base. He was not really slick beyond that IIRC. 

[Doctor Wu]

I remember those years with Gardner as manager. Seemed like a good man. Sad to hear about his passing. 

[CRF]

He was the manager when I first moved to Mn. Definitely a character. He wasn't the best manager...and he wasn't the worst, but he oversaw and helped develop some of the players that made up that first WS team...which also led into the second WS team. RIP "Slick". 

[sweetmusicviola16]

I haven't seen it posted anywhere else on here, and my appologies for here mike, and I don't know how to start my own thread or where. But I saw where former Twins Manager Billy Gardner passed away. I always liked Billy.