Joe Giraldi was emotional about the devastating news that Brett Gardner's son Miller had passed away at the age of 14.
Girardi was Gardner's manager for the Yankees and 10 seasons and knew him and his family well.
Yes Network Play man Michael Kay announced the news during the Yankees' Grapefruitreeg match against the Rays on Sunday, with Girardi and David Kohn at the booth.
“You get to know their kids, they get to know your kids,” Girardi said. “It bumps hard. I'm devastated because of Brett and Jessica.”
Kay also admitted that it is difficult to talk about baseball given the situation.
Gardner and his wife, Jessica, revealed the news in a statement through the Yankees, saying Miller was sick “with several other families during the holidays.”
“There are very few questions and answers at this point, but I know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st,” they said. “Miller is our beloved son and brother, and we still can't understand our lives without his infectious smile. He loved soccer, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived his life to the fullest every day.
“We are very grateful to all of us who reached out to provide support and encouragement during this challenging time and are confident that we will help our faith, family and friends navigate this unimaginable loss.
“Respect our privacy wishes when we are looking for healing and healing.”
The death of his 14-year-old son, Miller.
Gardner spent his entire 14 years with the Yankees, his last player in 2021.
“Our hearts are heavy and the Yankees are filled with sadness after learning that Miller Gardner has passed,” the Yankees said in a statement. “I feel that words are insignificant and insufficient to try to explain these unimaginable losses. Brett was not the only one who grew up in the organization for over 17 years, as did his wife Jessica and two boys, Hunter and Miller.
“We grieve with Brett, Jessica, Hunter, and a community of family and friends who mourn the loss of Miller, who has sparked in his eyes and harmed his outgoing, talented personality and warm and loving nature. Our love for the Gardner family is unconditional and absolute.
“Miller may rest peacefully.”
