Brett Gardner has always been known for his grit, determination, and unwavering loyalty—qualities that extended far beyond the baseball diamond and into his personal life. For 14 years, he patrolled the outfield for the New York Yankees, helping them secure a World Series title in 2009 and earning a reputation as a fan favorite. But beyond the roar of the crowd and the bright lights of Yankee Stadium, Gardner was a devoted husband and father, a role he cherished more than any accolade or achievement in baseball.
Brett married Jessica Clendenin in 2007, and together they built a life rooted in love, family, and their shared southern upbringing. The couple made their home in Holly Hill, South Carolina, where Brett was raised on his father Jerry’s sprawling 2,600-acre farm. It was there that they instilled in their two sons, Hunter and Miller, the values of hard work, humility, and a deep love for sports and the outdoors.
Brett Gardner Shared Two Kids With His Wife, Jessica Clendenin
Hunter, the eldest, born in November 2008, grew up watching his father play for the Yankees, idolizing the very game that had defined Brett’s life. But it was Miller, their youngest, born in 2010, who carried his father’s number—11—on the football field at Pinewood Prep in Summerville, South Carolina. A wide receiver and defensive back, Miller was as competitive as they came. Off the field, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, often spending hours with his father and older brother bonding over shared adventures in the great outdoors.
Then, on March 21, 2025, tragedy struck. During a family vacation, Miller and several relatives fell ill. What initially seemed like a minor sickness turned into an unimaginable nightmare. That morning, Miller passed away peacefully in his sleep at just 14 years old. The loss was sudden, devastating, and left the Gardners grappling with the kind of grief no parent should ever endure.
With heavy hearts, Brett and Jessica released a statement through the New York Yankees’ official X account on March 23. “We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep,” they wrote. “Miller was a beloved son and brother, and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He lived life to the fullest every single day.”
The Yankees, an organization that had become an extended family for Brett and his loved ones over his 17-year tenure, responded with an outpouring of support. In their own statement, they described Miller as having “a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature.” They assured Brett, Jessica, and Hunter that their love and support for the couple and their kids was “unconditional and absolute.”
Baseball World Mourns With Brett and Jessica After Tragic Loss of Their Son
Messages of condolence flooded in from across the baseball world. Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who had coached Brett in the final years of his career, called it “the unimaginable.” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, a former teammate, offered his prayers. Fans who had cheered for Brett throughout his career now rallied around him in a different way, sending messages of love and sympathy.
Despite their grief, Brett and his wife Jessica took a moment to acknowledge those who had reached out to support them. “We are so thankful to all who have offered encouragement during this difficult time,” they said. “Our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss.” They also extended their prayers to Miller’s teammates, friends, and other households who have suffered the loss of a child.
In photos shared alongside their statement, Miller’s vibrant spirit shone through. In one, he sported a camouflage hat and hoodie, symbolic of his love for the outdoors. In another, he stood beside his parents and older brother, a tight-knit unit now forever altered by tragedy.
While the pain of losing one-half of their kids will never fade, Brett and Jessica’s love for their son will endure. Miller lived each day with passion—whether on the football field, casting a fishing line, or simply sharing a laugh with his family. And that’s how he will always be remembered.
