Ron Gardenhire
Arizona Diamondbacks bench coach Ron Gardenhire revealed Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and will undergo surgery this spring.
The former Minnesota Twins manager said he was diagnosed earlier this month. A blood test taken during his physical exam cited the possibility and an MRI exam confirmed he had prostate cancer.
Surgery will be performed after Gardenhire completes the preparation process.
“I’m going to fight it and deal with it,” Gardenhire said in a statement. “It’s a bump in the road, and it’s not how I envisioned starting spring training with a brand-new team, but it’s part of life.
“With the backing of this ballclub, we’ll get through it.”
The 59-year-old Gardenhire told Arizona team officials that doctors told him the cancer was detected early. It is conceivable he could return to team six weeks after the procedure.
Gardenhire is in his first season with the Diamondbacks. He was fired by the Twins following the 2014 season after 13 seasons as manager.
Gardenhire compiled a 1,068-1039 record with the Twins and was American League Manager of the Year in 2010.
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