Tonight's Twins v. Mets game gives us a chance to look back on Ron Gardenhire's own brief and unstoried career as a major league baseball player, and perhaps will provide occasion for a few Gardy bon mots.

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Here's a brief review of his playing days on the occasion of Gardy's first year as manager. (Thanks to loyal and talented Batgirl reader Chris for the link.):

In March 2000, the self-deprecating Gardenhire (then the Twins third-base coach) described his playing career to a Naples Daily News reporter: "I was what you call a futility infielder."

His 5-year career in the majors certainly fit the moniker. From 1981 to 1985, Gardenhire toiled at three infield positions for the Mets, struggling with the bat and the glove. As a hitter, he posted a mediocre career .232 average, with thin peripherals: a .277 On Base Percentage, and a .296 Slugging Percentage for his career, and a whopping total of four home runs. As the Mets' regular shortstop in 1982 (his sole season as a starter), he rung up 29 errors, tied for third in the league. He lost his job the next season to Jose Oquendo, and struggled for playing time and a roster spot for the remainder of his career. Most painfully, he tore up his knee making a double play before he could be recalled by the Mets for their eventual run to the 1986 World Championship. Ouch.

BATGIRL TRIVIA: In November 1986, Gardenhire was traded to the Minnesota Twins for a player to be named later. Who was that player?