Yankees' Aaron Boone shares heartfelt message on Brett Gardner's son's death

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke to the media before the team took the field on MLB Opening Day with an emotional message on Brett Gardner's son's death.
New York Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner is congratulated by New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
New York Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner is congratulated by New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone. / Kim Klement-Imagn Images
facebooktwitter

MLB Opening Day is finally here and the New York Yankees are taking the field against the Milwaukee Brewers to start the 2025 season with some heavy hearts.

Less than one week ago, on Friday, March 21, former star outfielder Brett Gardner's 14-year-old son Miller Gardner passed away during a family vacation in Costa Rica. Miller had fallen ill during the vacation and an official cause of death has not been revealed.

Ahead of the Yankees' season opener, manager Aaron Boone spoke to the media with a heartbreaking message about Gardner and the team's "persepective" entering the season after Miller's shocking death.

MORE: Every MLB ballpark ranked from worst to first

"I talk to our guys a lot about perspective," Boone said, via TMZ Sports. "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.

"I think we can all imagine how difficult that is right now for the Gardner family. So it'll be with heavy hearts that we take the field today, and really all year."

New York Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner is greeted after hitting a solo home run against Toronto Blue Jays.
New York Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner is greeted after hitting a solo home run against Toronto Blue Jays. / Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Gardner spent his entire 14-year career with the Yankees.

He was part of the team's 2009 World Series-winning team that defeated the Philadelphia Phillies, led the AL in stolen bases in 2011, was a 2015 MLB All-Star, and a Gold Glove winner in 2016.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Gardner family during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.

MORE TOP STORIES from The Big Lead

CBB/CFB: NCAA Tournament 2025: Previewing every Sweet 16 matchup

NBA: LeBron James mocks Stephen A. Smith's threat that he would've 'swung' at him

NFL: NFL Mock Draft Consensus 15.0: Cam Ward anointed unanimous No. 1 pick

NFL DRAFT: Ashton Jeanty draws the most surprising outcome at Boise State Pro Day

SPORTS MEDIA: ESPN announces big change for 'SportsCenter' from Los Angeles