Carlos Mendoza had a heavy heart following the Mets’ spring training victory over the Marlins on Sunday after former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner announced the death of his 14-year-old son, Miller.
“I’d like to start by sending my thoughts and prayers to Jessica and Brett Gardner on the loss of his son,” said Mendoza, a longtime coach in the Yankees organization. “I had a really good relationship with [Brett] and we’re thinking about him. The whole Mets organization are thinking about the Gardner family.”
Carlos Mendoza starts today's press conference by sending his condolences to Brett Gardner, who lost his son Miller
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 23, 2025
"I've got two boys too, they were pretty close" pic.twitter.com/Qw68DJcjKQ
Former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and his wife announced the death of their 14-year-old son, Miller. New York YankeesThe Gardner family announced on Sunday that Miller, their youngest of two sons, passed away on Friday in his sleep after he fell ill “along with several other family members while on vacation.”
Gardner, a former outfielder, spent 14 seasons with the Yankees from 2008-2021, winning a World Series in 2009.
Brett Gardner and wife Jessica with their sons Miller (second from right) and Hunter (l.)
Brett Gardner heads to the Yankees dugout in 2008. Charles WenzelbergWhile Mendoza currently manages the cross-town rival Mets, he and Gardner had a history within the Yankees organization.
“I played with him in the minor leagues back in 2006-07,” Mendoza said. “I had the opportunity to coach him in the big leagues.”
Follow the latest on the death of Brett Gardner’s 14-year-old son Miller:
- Autopsy results could take months to determine the cause of death for Brett Gardner’s son
- New theory emerges in the sudden death of Miller Gardner: ‘Cops rule out asphyxiation’
- Resort where Brett Gardner’s son died tries to distance itself from report he suffered food poisoning there
- Miller Gardner’s girlfriend posts heartfelt tribute following his sudden death: ‘I just wish I could’ve said goodbye’
- Joe Girardi devastated after learning that Brett Gardner’s 14-year-old son died: ‘Hits hard’
Mendoza and Gardner spent two seasons playing together for the Yankees’ High-A and Double-A affiliates. They then reunited from 2018-21 when Mendoza was a part of the Pinstripe coaching staff in Gardner’s final playing years.
Carlos Mendoza (third from left) and Brett Gardner (fourth from left) in the Yankees dugout in 2021. Charles Wenzelberg/New York PostWhile speaking about the tragedy, Mendoza began choking up reflecting on his own two sons and their relationship with the Gardners.
“I’ve got two boys too,” he said. “They were pretty close.”
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emotionally speaks after the death of Brett Gardner’s son, Miller. SportsNet New YorkMiller’s particular cause of death is still unclear.
“We have so many questions and so few answers at this point,” the Gardners said in a statement released through the Yankees. “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.”
