Gardenhire receives extension

From the Seats, January 6, 2005

MINNEAPOLIS - On Wednesday Ron Gardenhire received a two-year contract extension that will keep Gardenhire in the Twins dugout through 2007.

Since taking over the Twins from Tom Kelly in 2002 Gardenhire has done something only three other managers, Larry Dieker (Houston, 1997-99), Ralph Houlk (Yankees, 1961-63), Hughie Jennings (Detroit, 1907-09). In the first three years as manager Gardenhire has taken the Twins to the playoffs all three of those years. That alone is enough to make sure Gardenhire continues to be the skipper.

Gardenhire has a career managing record of 276-209, making it so the Twins have had four consecutive winning seasons. A franchise first. The Twins making the playoffs three years in a row is also a franchise first. All this with a team on a $55 million budget.

The only thing that Gardenhire needs to improve on is his after clinching rituals.