The New York Yankees are all set to honor their 2009 World Series team during the 76th Old-Timers Day. It’s happening on Saturday and some of the most notable and loved Yankee faces will be visible. From Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, and Derek Jeter. But some notable faces will be missing too, including that of Brett Gardner. Even though he spent more than 14 years with the Yankees and was a formidable force for them winning championships, he will not be present at the event.

No, it’s not like the Yankees didn’t call Gardner, they did—he didn’t respond. The outfielder went off the grid like Batman retreating to the Batcave—silent, unreachable, and in the shadows! However, Gardner seems to have reasons. While not Joker hunting like Batman, he is just enjoying his time with his family. But needless to say, that can’t be the only reason that he chooses to stay away! 

Brett Gardner wants nothing to do with the Yankees!

“He’s never responded,” the anonymous event planner source told the Daily News about Brett Gardner. “He’s off the grid. Like completely off the grid. Zero dark thirty.” Well, it’s not like the fans don’t love Brett Gardner, they not just love him, they miss him. Not only was Gardner a key player during the last Yankees’ championship run, but he became a favorite because of his grit and speed. Gardner’s story of humble beginnings as a walk-on at the College of Charleston was relatable to people.

He got into the big leagues and showed everyone the example of that big American dream. His long-time agent, Joe Bick, to this day, talks about him and he said, “I’d take 1,000 more just like him. Unfortunately, they didn’t make anybody else just like him. I don’t think I’ve ever missed a guy more than I miss him playing, and I’ve been doing this for 44 years. He’s just a very, very special human being to me.”

A statement like this coming from a longtime agent shows the picture of how much of an impact made. But his being a no-show isn’t surprising. When Gardner quit playing, he wanted to be as involved as he could be with his kid’s sports activities. This was attested by Joe Bick. Bick said. “He’s just kind of been completely separated from baseball.”

Bick went on to share that Gardner’s son, Hunter, just kicked off his high school football season, and with a game this weekend, Gardner “won’t miss it, period.” But Bick noted, “I can’t say that’s the only reason, but Gardy hasn’t been involved in anything baseball-related since his retirement.” Well, he might know the reason but there sure are rumors and talks surrounding what could have happened, and seems once you know that, the entire picture comes alive.

Is Brett Gardner holding a grudge against the Yankees?

Brett Gardner might just be holding a grudge against the New York Yankees because, unlike others like Jeter, Gardner’s transition to retirement wasn’t seamless. And he might be blaming the team for it! After becoming a free agent after the 2021 season, he wanted to continue as a Yankee. But sadly, an agreement didn’t come to fruition this time. Bick, his agent, talked about this and said that it was disappointing the way the entire partnership between the team and Gardner ended. 

Bick said, “It was our impression that an offer was going to be made and that Gardy would be back there, but that never happened. It was just disappointing the way it worked out.” So not only was Brett Gardner not giving an extension, he was also under a false impression, now that’s a double shock for him. But Gardner apparently didn’t hold any grudges, according to Bick. But really? Now that he doesn’t pick up the team’s calls, keeps no contact, and is not interested, it just paints a different picture. While he might be focusing on his family, he could have picked up calls—couldn’t he? 

But it isn’t just Brett Gardner who is missing for the big event. While Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera are all set to attend the event, there are some other absences, like Mark Teixeira, Robinson Canó, and Phil Hughes. But they have reasons. For example, Cano is playing in the Mexican League Robertson is an active player and Hughes just has a packed schedule. 

Fans, although, love Gardner and hope he can make it to the Old-Timers day. But as Bick said, “Now his priorities are his family and his kids. That’s just what it’s all about” so it doesn’t seem likely.