MINNEAPOLIS -- Ron Gardenhire is back in a Minnesota Twins uniform.

The team announced today (Monday) they have hired the former manager as a Special Assistant to General Manager Terry Ryan.

He will be responsible for traveling to all affiliates, serving as an instructor and evaluator.

Gardenhire led the Twins to a record of 1068-1039 (.507) since being named the 12th manager is club history back in 2002. He trails Tom Kelly on the Twins all-time managerial wins list.

He was named American League Manager of the Year in 2010 and guided the Twins to six American League Central Division titles.

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