Off the field, former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner is a family man.
The retired athlete and his wife, Jessica Clendenin, have welcomed two sons, Miller and Hunter, during their marriage
Tragedy struck for the family in March 2025 when Gardner and Clendenin announced the sudden death of their youngest child.
“He was 14 years old and has left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation,” the couple explained in a social media statement released by the Yankees. “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 pair went on to thank loved ones who have offered their support. “We are confident our faith, family, and friends will help us navigate this unimaginable loss,” they continued. “Our prayers go out to Miller’s teammates and friends, as well as to all other families who have lost a child far too soon as we share their grief. Please respect our wishes for privacy as we mourn and search for healing.”
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Scroll down to get to know Gardner’s family:
Jessica Clendenin
Gardner and Clendenin tied the knot in 2007. Clendenin has made a handful of public appearances alongside her husband, including the Derek Jeter 18th Annual Turn 2 Foundation dinner in 2014, CC Sabathia’s PitCCh In Foundation – All Stars of New York Charity Bowling Tournament in 2017 and The LegaCCy Gala in 2019.
Hunter Gardner
Like many members of Gardner’s family, his eldest son, Hunter, has stayed out of the spotlight and offline throughout his dad’s 14-year baseball career. He and Miller previously made a rare red carpet appearance with their parents at the CCandy Children’s Clothing Line Launch at MLB Fan Cave in New York City in 2013.
Miller Gardner
Garnder and Clendenin described Miller as a “beloved son and brother” who “loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends” in March 2025. They added, “He lived life to the fullest every single day.”
The Yankees, the team Gardner played for from 2008 to 2021, paid tribute to Miller in a social media statement of their own, writing, “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 team continued, “We grieve with Brett, Jessica, Hunter, and their community of family and friends in mourning the loss of Miller, who had a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature.”
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Jerry Gardner
Gardner’s father played as a Minor League outfielder before trading in baseball to start a family on his 2,600-acre South Carolina farm. “Obviously, he’s got somewhat of a baseball background and understands the game,” Gardner shared in a June 2014 interview with MLB.com. “Really, he just always taught me to play hard. I feel like that’s something that I still try and do to this day, and will until I’m done playing. I obviously think that playing hard allowed me to play in the Major Leagues probably, and get the most about my abilities.”
Faye Gardner
In his June 2014 interview with MLB.com, Gardner shared that he and his brother, Glen, would help their parents with farm duties growing up.
Glen Gardner
Not much is known about Gardner’s older brother, whom he grew up alongside on the family’s South Carolina farm.
