Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Former Baltimore Orioles Star, Minnesota Twins Manager Dies at 96

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Sam Connon | Last updated Jan 9, 2024 11:27 AM ET

Longtime MLB infielder and manager Billy Gardner died at the age of 96 on Jan. 3, the National Baseball Hall of Fame announced Monday afternoon.

Gardner made his big league debut with the New York Giants in 1954, winning the World Series to cap off his rookie year. He emerged as a high-level second baseman during an ensuing four-year stint with the Baltimore Orioles, then bounced around between the Washington Senators, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox until he retired in 1963.

The Hall of Fame remembers longtime MLB infielder and former Twins and Royals manager Billy Gardner, who passed away on Jan. 3. pic.twitter.com/LHDkNTRM6X
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) January 8, 2024

Gardner's best season came in 1957, when he led the American League in at-bats, plate appearances and doubles as a member of the Orioles. He hit .262 with six home runs, 55 RBI, 10 stolen bases and a team-high 3.7 WAR, finishing 12th in AL MVP voting as a result.

The Orioles traded Gardner to the Senators in 1960, only for the team to move to Minnesota the following year. The newly-minted Twins dealt Gardner to the Yankees in 1961, paving the way for the infielder to secure his second World Series ring.

Once his playing days were done, Gardner got into coaching. He stayed in the Red Sox farm system for eight years before earning additional minor league gigs with the Kansas City Royals and Montreal Expos.

Gardner eventually took over as the Twins' manager in 1981, holding the position until 1985. Although he never led the club to a winning record, Gardner helped build the foundation for Minnesota's 1987 and 1991 World Series titles by developing franchise mainstays Kirby Puckett, Frank Viola, Kent Hrbek and Tim Laudner.

In 1987, Gardner managed 126 games for the Royals.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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