
The baseball world is in mourning following the tragic passing of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner. The news was confirmed in a statement released by the Yankees, in which the family expressed their devastation, revealing that Miller had fallen ill along with several relatives while on vacation and passed away in his sleep on March 21.
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, who shares a long-standing bond with Brett Gardner, extended his condolences during a press conference on March 23. Mendoza, who played alongside Gardner in the Yankees’ minor league system and later coached him in New York, described the loss as heartbreaking, noting that the Mets organization was thinking of the Gardner family. He also shared that his own sons had been close to Miller, making the tragedy feel even more personal.
The Yankees issued a separate statement affirming their unwavering support for the Gardners while respecting their need for privacy. Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who coached Brett for four seasons, also expressed his sorrow, emphasizing that despite Gardner’s retirement in 2021, he remained part of the Yankees’ family.
The Gardner family’s statement described Miller as a vibrant and passionate young boy who loved sports, the outdoors, and spending time with loved ones. While many questions remain surrounding his sudden passing, those who knew him continue to honor his memory, reflecting on the joy he brought to those around him.