Redmond faces Twins in familiar setting

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The last time Mike Redmond was in Hammond Stadium for a Major League game, he was a backup catcher for the Minnesota Twins. That was in 2009 in what turned out to be his final year with the organization. He returned Monday for the first time since, this time as the manager of the Marlins.

It was a happy homecoming for Redmond, who spent five springs calling Hammond Stadium his home.

In 2010, Redmond moved on to the Cleveland Indians for the swan song of his 13-year big league career before moving into the dugout for good. Redmond managed in the Midwest League in 2011, then got some time managing Dunedin in the Florida State League in 2012 before landing the gig with the Marlins.

"It's great, it's exciting," said Redmond, who served as Joe Mauer's backup from 2005-09. "I got the chance to talk to [Justin] Morneau and Mauer, see the coaches. It's a lot of good guys. A lot of great memories here, a great group of players and great fans. We had some good teams in there, too. The Twins are a great organization. Terry Ryan, I have so much respect for him, [manager Ron Gardenhire] and all those guys. It's fun to come back and see everybody and say hi."

Redmond will get the chance to return to Minnesota as well when the Marlins visit the Twins for a two-game set April 22-23.