Son of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner dies after falling ill during vacation

 

Brett Gardner, a former outfielder for the New York Yankees, and his wife, Jessica, lost their youngest kid to illness while on vacation. Miller Gardner was fourteen years old.

The Yankees released a statement from the couple on Sunday, stating that Miller Gardner passed away in his sleep on Friday morning. They "have so many questions and so few answers at this point," according to the Gardners.

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

The Yankees said the organization was “filled with grief.”

“Words feel insignificant and insufficient in trying to describe such an unimaginable loss,” the team said in its statement. “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 41-year-old Brett Gardner played his whole major league career with the Yankees after being selected in the 2005 draft. In 14 seasons between 2008 and 2021, the quick outfielder hit.256 with 139 home runs, 578 RBIs, 274 steals, and 73 triples.