Mets Carlos Mendoza delivers emotional message to Brett Gardner after death of ex-Yankees son

Carlos Mendoza had a heavy heart following the Mets’ spring training victory over the Marlins on Sunday after former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner announced the death of his 14-year-old son, Miller.“I’d like to start by sending my thoughts and prayers to Jessica and Brett Gardner on the loss of his son,” said Mendoza, a longtime coach in the Yankees organization.“I had a really good relationship with [Brett] and we’re thinking about him.

The whole Mets organization are thinking about the Gardner family.”The Gardner family announced on Sunday that Miller, their youngest of two sons, passed away on Friday in his sleep after he fell ill “along with several other family members while on vacation.”Gardner, a former outfielder, spent 14 seasons with the Yankees from 2008-2021, winning a World Series in 2009.While Mendoza currently manages the cross-town rival Mets, he and Gardner had a history within the Yankees organization.“I played with him in the minor leagues back in 2006-07,” Mendoza said.“I had the opportunity to coach him in the big leagues.”Mendoza and Gardner spent two seasons playing together for the Yankees’ High-A and Double-A affiliates.

They then reunited from 2018-21 when Mendoza was a part of the Pinstripe coaching staff in Gardner’s final playing years.While speaking about the tragedy, Mendoza began choking up reflecting on his own two sons and their relationship with the Gardners.“I’ve got two boys too,” he said.“They were pretty close.”Miller’s particular cause of death is still unclear.“We have so many questions and so few answers at this point,” the Gardners said in a statement released through the Yankees.

“Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile.He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends.

He lived life to the fullest every single day.”...