Yankees announce heartbreaking death of Brett Gardner's youngest son

Moments before the first pitch of Sunday's spring training game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, the Yankees announced an unfathomable tragedy via their social media accounts.

Yankees lifer Brett Gardner's youngest son Miller, 14 years of age, passed away after "falling ill along with several other family members while on vacation," according to a joint statement from the parents, Brett and Jessica Gardner.

Miller is survived by both parents and his older brother, Hunter.

Gardner has been largely out of the spotlight ever since he retired following the 2021 season at the age of 37. In a statement released by the team, the Yankees declared their love for his family to be "unconditional and absolute."

Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner's youngest son Miller passes away after illness

It's difficult to fathom a more respected Yankees lifer than Gardner. A consummate professional in his 14 years in pinstripes, the Holly Hill, South Carolina native manned left and center field on the 2009 World Series champions, and was an often-silent leader who showed, rather than told, teammates how to play the game the right way. He was an immutable rock on an ever-changing roster and a local hero.

Now, those same teammates will offer him vocal grace and support in his family's time of need.

More details on Miller's passing are currently unavailable, and the Gardner family deserves privacy in the wake of this tremendous loss. Expect gestures to come in the following weeks from the Yankees, especially in accordance with their Opening Day festivities against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday afternoon.

The Yankees described Miller Gardner as having a "spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality, and a warm and loving nature." As noted in their statement, Gardner and his entire family grew up in the Yankees organization after his selection in the 2005 MLB Draft out of the College of Charleston. Perseverance is in his nature, even if it likely feels impossible in this moment of utter devastation. We send our fullest condolences to the Gardner family, and will continue to honor the memory of Miller as this season unfolds.