Aaron Judge keeping Brett Gardner ‘on my mind’ as ex-Yankee deals with death of son Miller

New York Post - Mar 28th, 2025
Open on New York Post

The New York Yankees paid tribute to Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former outfielder Brett Gardner, with a moment of silence during their Opening Day game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Players, including Aaron Judge, expressed their condolences and support for Gardner, who served not only as a mentor but also as a father figure to many in the organization. The emotional scene unfolded as the Yankees stood solemnly on the field, with Judge recalling the profound influence Brett Gardner had during his time with the team. The event was a poignant reminder of the family's loss amidst the excitement of a new baseball season.

This tragedy has resonated deeply within the Yankees community, highlighting Brett Gardner's legacy as a leader and mentor. Aaron Boone, the Yankees' manager, shared his own family's connection to the Gardners, emphasizing the personal impact of the loss on those who knew Miller. The team's collective grief underscores the close-knit nature of the baseball community and the significant role Gardner played in shaping the team's culture. The tribute serves as a testament to the enduring bonds formed within the organization and the deep empathy shared in times of sorrow.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a compelling narrative about the tragic death of Brett Gardner's son and the emotional impact on the New York Yankees team. It excels in readability and engagement, effectively conveying the personal stories and support within the organization. The timeliness and public interest are strong, given the recent nature of the event and its connection to a well-known sports figure. However, the article could benefit from greater transparency and source quality, particularly regarding the cause of death and family illness. The focus on a limited number of perspectives may also limit the balance of the piece. Overall, the article is a poignant and engaging read, but it leaves some important questions unanswered, particularly about the medical aspects of the story.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports on the death of Brett Gardner's son, Miller, and the emotional impact on the New York Yankees team. Quotes from Aaron Judge and Aaron Boone about their reactions and the Yankees' tribute are consistent with known facts. However, the story does not delve into the specifics of the cause of death or the illness affecting the family, which remains under investigation. This absence of detail leaves room for potential inaccuracies or misinterpretations. The narrative aligns with verified statements but lacks corroboration on the medical aspects, which are crucial to fully understanding the situation.

7
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the emotional responses of Aaron Judge and Aaron Boone, which provides a personal and intimate perspective. However, it lacks a broader range of viewpoints, such as statements from other team members or the Gardner family. This focus on a few voices may create an imbalance, as it does not fully explore the wider impact within the baseball community or beyond. The article could benefit from including additional perspectives to provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear and engaging narrative that effectively conveys the emotional impact of the tragedy on the Yankees team. The structure is logical, moving from the announcement of Miller's death to the reactions of key figures. However, the lack of detailed information about the cause of death and illness might leave some readers with unanswered questions. Despite this, the language remains neutral and respectful, maintaining clarity throughout the piece.

6
Source quality

The article relies heavily on direct quotes from Aaron Judge and Aaron Boone, who are credible sources within the context of the New York Yankees. However, the lack of external sources or medical experts to comment on the cause of death or the family's illness reduces the overall reliability. The narrative would be strengthened by incorporating information from health authorities or family representatives to provide a more rounded and authoritative account.

5
Transparency

The article provides clear attribution for quotes from Aaron Judge and Aaron Boone, but it lacks transparency regarding the source of information about the illness and cause of death. There is no mention of efforts to verify these details with medical authorities or the family, which affects the transparency of the reporting. Greater disclosure about the sources of information and any attempts to confirm facts would enhance the credibility and transparency of the article.

Sources

  1. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44370975/ex-yankees-brett-gardner-son-miller-gardner-dies-14
  2. https://ticotimes.net/2025/03/25/tragedy-in-costa-rica-brett-gardners-son-miller-passes-away
  3. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44404039/asphyxiation-ruled-death-ex-yankee-brett-gardner-son
  4. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/miller-gardner-cause-of-death-costa-rica-brett-gardner-son-what-to-know/
  5. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/brett-gardner-son-miller-gardner-died-food-poisoning-asphyxiation/