“With heavy hearts, Miller left us far too soon after falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation.” Former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and his wife, Jessica, released a statement that filled the entire MLB community with grief. Miller was the 14-year-old youngest son of Brett and Jessica.

Because it goes against the natural order of existence, losing a young kid remains a distressing experience for any parent. Thus, this news from Gardner came unexpected and shocking. Gardner’s former teammate, Carlos Mendoza, is no exception.

Between 2006 and 2007, Mendoza played with Gardner in the Yankees’ minor league system. So, Mendoza is also in grief at the challenging time of his friend. During today’s press conference of the Mets, Mendoza started by sending his condolences to Brett Gardner. “I’d like to start by sending my thoughts and prayers to Jessica and Brett Gardner on the loss of his son.”

It’s a very kind and empathetic showing from Carlos Mendoza. He was visibly grieving during the press meeting.

Mendoza further quipped, “I’ve got two boys too, they were pretty close.” Mendoza and his wife, Francis, have two sons, who were close to Gardner’s sons. So, a closer relationship between the two families is more than just being a former teammate. The Mets’ skipper was also one of Gardner’s coaches during Gardner’s final four seasons with the Yankees (2018-2021).

With two sons and a long career in pinstripes, Brett Gardner’s grief united players and fans alike.

Tragedy struck the former Yankees’ family

Gardner and Jessica raised two sons, Miller and Hunter. For the most part, Jessica was active in her family’s upbringing and development. The 41-year-old Brett Gardner played his whole major league career with the Yankees after being selected in the 2005 draft.

After a lengthy career with the Yankees, Brett has been enjoying his retirement from MLB. He started in 2008 with the Bronx and ended in 2021 wearing the pinstripes. “It wasn’t just Brett who grew up in this organization for more than 17 years — so did his wife, Jessica, and their two boys, Hunter and Miller.” The official statement of the Yankees states how Gardner was an integral part of the organization.

Well, it is unknown what caused Miller’s untimely passing. The Gardner family’s vacation destination during Miller’s illness is also unknown. Reports suggest the family was on vacation somewhere in California, and Miller suddenly fell ill. It is also unknown how he became ill. With Gardner’s family’s right to ensure privacy at his moment, we will probably get a more detailed report soon.

Gardner’s statement also reads, “We do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.” The only thing we can do is pray for his soul. Fans are all on the bereaved family’s side at this difficult moment, and hopefully, they will get out of this situation soon. RIP Miller.