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Gardner has been with the Yankees since 2008, when he was drafted in the first round out of Clemson.
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Gardner’s Early Life
The Yankees have had many great players over the years, but one of their most consistent players has been Brett Gardner. Gardner was born on August 24, 1983, in Holly Hill, South Carolina. Gardner’s father, Jerry, was a former minor league baseball player. Gardner’s mother, Yvonne, was a schoolteacher. Gardner has two brothers, Trent and Bradley.
Born in Holly Springs, Mississippi
Gardner was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi. He is the only son of two school teachers, Jerry and Leslie Gardner. His father later became a high school baseball coach. Gardner’s parents divorced when he was nine years old, after which he lived with his mother and stepfather before moving in with his father during high school. Gardner has three sisters: Amber, Stephanie, and Brittany; all of whom were athletes in high school.
Attended high school in Georgia
Gardner was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended high school in the town of Loganville. He played baseball and football in high school, and was offered a baseball scholarship to the University of Georgia. Instead, Gardner chose to sign with the New York Yankees organization in 2005.
Gardner’s College Years
As a young adult, Gardner attended the College of Charleston. He was a part of the college’s baseball team. Gardner continued to play baseball and made a name for himself in the sport.
Attended the College of Charleston
Gardner attended the College of Charleston, where he played outfield for the Charleston RiverDogs in the South Atlantic League.
Was drafted by the Yankees in 2005
Gardner was drafted by the Yankees in the third round of the 2005 MLB Draft out of the University of Georgia. He made his professional debut with the Staten Island Yankees that same year. Gardner spent 2006 with the Charleston RiverDogs before being promoted to the Tampa Yankees in 2007. In 2008, he played for both Tampa and Trenton before being called up to New York that September.
Gardner’s Professional Career
Brett Gardner is an American professional baseball outfielder for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2008. After playing sparingly for the Yankees during his first two seasons, he established himself as a regular player in 2010.
Made his Major League debut in 2008
Gardner made his Major League debut on June 30, 2008, playing left and batting ninth against the Tampa Bay Rays. He played 29 games total that year, including 22 starts in left field and four in center. In 2009, he became a more regular presence in the outfield, appearing in 120 games with 81 starts in center and 30 in left. Gardner hit .228/.313/.345 with seven home runs and 36 RBIs that season.
Has played for the Yankees his entire career
Gardner has played for the Yankees his entire career, starting in 2008. He’s been a mainstay in the outfield and is known for his defense. He’s also been a key part of the team’s lineup, hitting leadoff or near the top of the order.
Gardner’s Personal Life
Gardner was born in Holly Springs, North Carolina, on August 24, 1983. He is the son of Jerry and Nancy Gardner. Jerry Gardner played baseball at the junior college level. Gardner has two sisters, Erin and Leah. Erin Gardner is a former professional softball player. Leah Gardner is a professional photographer.
Married to Jessica Gardner
Gardner got married in the offseason to his longtime girlfriend Jessica. The ceremony took place in his hometown of Holly Hill, South Carolina. He and Jessica had been dating since high school and got engaged two years ago. They have two children together, a son named Jeter and a daughter named Kylie.
Has two daughters
Gardner and his wife, Jessica, have two daughters: Ella, born in 2009, and Willow, born in 2011. Gardner is a Christian. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.