Gardner initially signed as the Royals' 1987 third-base coach, but terminally ill Royals manager Dick Howser, diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor during the summer of 1986, was forced to retire during spring training, and Gardner was promoted to fill the vacancy.
Gardner initially signed as the Royals' 1987 third-base coach. Terminally ill Royals manager Dick Howser was forced to retire during spring training. Ill Royals manager Dick Howser was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor during the summer of 1986. Gardner was promoted to fill the vacancy.