Everything the MLB Community Has Said About Miller Gardner’s Death

The baseball world is rallying around former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner as he and his family mourn the unexpected death of his son Miller Gardner.

Miller, who was 14, died during a vacation to Costa Rica after the entire family suffered an illness on the evening of Thursday, March 20. He was found dead the next morning. An official cause of death was not revealed.

“With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the passing of our youngest son, Miller,” read a statement from the Gardner family. “He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation. We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st.”

The statement continued, “Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”

Brett — who shares Miller and older son Hunter with wife Jessica Clendenin was a fan favorite during his time in the Bronx. The career Yankee wore pinstripes from 2008 to 2021, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches along the way, in part because of his work ethic and trademarked intensity.

In the days since Miller’s death, many have taken the time to publicly express their condolences. Keep scrolling to see how the baseball community has honored him.

New York Yankees

Shortly after the Gardner family released its statement, the Yankees expressed their condolences.

“Our hearts are heavy, and the Yankees family is filled with grief after learning of the passing of Miller Gardner. Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss. It wasn’t just Brett who literally grew up in this organization for more than 17 years — so did his wife, Jessica, and their two boys, Hunter and Miller.”

The Yankees also held a moment of silence prior to the team’s Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, March 27.

Aaron Boone

Boone, the current Yankees manager, was in the dugout for the last four years of Brett’s career. He addressed Miller’s death before New York’s first game of the season.

“It’s been devastating,” he said. “There’s no question we’ll be playing with heavy hearts today, and throughout the year and playing with Miller in mind.”

“To see how it impacts your kids, I think we can all imagine how difficult that is right now for the Gardner family,” he continued. “So it’ll be with heavy hearts that we take the field today, and really all year.

“I talk to our guys a lot about perspective. While this matters so much to us, it’s our livelihood, we pour so much into this, so many people care about it, it’s baseball. I really think it’s important we reflect on that every now and then when we get consumed with this,” Boone continued. “Whether we’re flying high, whether we’re going through some tough moments, like, man, there’s a lot more important things going on and meaningful things. It’s important to keep that perspective.”

He added, “We’ll take the field with heavy hearts today with Miller on our minds and certainly the Gardner family on our mind. As best we can, try to support them from afar.”

Carlos Mendoza

Now manager of the New York Mets, Mendoza was the Yankees’ bench coach from 2018 to 2023. He also played with Brett briefly in the Minor Leagues in the early 2000s.

“I’d like to start by sending my thoughts and prayers to Jessica and Brett Gardner on the loss of his son,” he said during a March 23 press conference. “Obviously, I had a really, really good relationship with him. I’m thinking about him and the whole Mets organization are thinking about the Gardner family.”

“I got two boys, too, and they were pretty close,” Mendoza added.

Alex Rodriguez

Rodriguez came to the Yankees in a trade prior to the 2004 season, so he was already manning third base four years later when Brett was called up. They played together until Rodriguez retired in 2016.

“I’ll tell you, from someone who has two daughters, I can’t even begin to comprehend the feelings,” Rodriguez told People in an interview published Thursday, March 27. “My thoughts and prayers go out to him, his wife, Jessica, and obviously his entire family.”

He also recalled how Brett endeared himself to fans and teammates alike as a young player.

“Brett was someone who entered our team as a very young player, feisty,” he said. “He was always like blue collar, great work, fan favorite. He’s just a great, great competitor and a better human being.”

Joe Girardi

Girardi’s first year as Yankees manager coincided with Brett’s rookie season. He was in the broadcast booth during New York’s spring training game on Sunday, March 23, when the team’s TV play-by-play voice Michael Kay announced Miller’s death.

“You get to know their kids, and they get to know yours,” Girardi said. “It hits hard. I am just devastated for Brett and Jessica.”

Jerry Hairston Jr.

Hairston was a member of the Yankees’ 2009 World Series championship team alongside Brett. When the Yankees released their statement via X, the career journeyman replied, “My deepest condolences to Brett & the Gardner family. Unimaginable. ”