Former Mets Pitcher Wes Gardner Dies at 65
The New York Mets announced that former pitcher Wes Gardner died at age 65. Gardner appeared in 30 games for the Mets in 1984 and 1985 before a seven-player trade sent him to the Boston Red Sox.
ForbesThe New York Mets announced that former pitcher Wes Gardner died at age 65. Mets vice president of media relations Jay Horwitz posted the news on X on Wednesday. “Wes Gardner, who pitched 30 games for the Mets in ‘84 and ‘85, passed away today at 65,” Horwitz wrote. Gardner spent parts of eight major-league seasons with the Mets, Red Sox, Padres and Royals.
After the 1985 season Gardner was included in a seven-player trade that sent him, along with three other players, to Boston in exchange for Bob Ojeda and three additional players. Ojeda later contributed to the Mets’ 1986 World Series title. At the time of the trade, Red Sox general manager Lou Gorman said Gardner would serve as a late-inning reliever.
“We see Gardner as a stopper out of the bullpen,” Gorman said.
Gardner was born April 29, 1961, in Benton, Arkansas.
He rarely discussed his upbringing and described baseball as providing the happiest years of his life. Gardner appeared for the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres in addition to the Mets and Red Sox. Former teammates and members of the baseball community continued to regard him as a respected figure after his playing career ended.
