The friends and family of former MLB pro Rob Gardner are mourning the 78-year-old baseball legend who passed away recently. While death has never been an easy subject to digest, we must remember Gardner for the good he put out into the world. Gardner touched many lives and entertained for a living throughout his career. So, hopefully, those closest to him can mark his passing as a celebration of his life.

Rob Gardner played for the Mets and the Yankees. He also played parts of five seasons of his major league career in Queens. He made his first-ever MLB start against the Astros in September 1965. The distinguished veteran passed away at the ripe old age of 78.

Best of Rob Gardner

Rob Gardner was a gem of a player. He took on every challenge with a vision to dominate and overcome adversity. Just during his time with the Mets, where Gardner started 21 games, he struck out 96 batsmen. He also had a 4.79 ERA with the Mets, even though that would be a misrepresentation of how important he was on the field. This is how the then-rookie got his first taste of the MLB.

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Still, his most memorable game didn’t come during his debut season. In fact, the most special game of Gardner’s career came with the Mets in October 1965. The Mets were facing the Phillies in the final game of the season when Gardner threw 15 shutout innings.

The next season, Gardner threw 133½  innings for the Mets before being traded to the Cubs.

He returned to New York just two years later in 1969. The pitcher went from Cleveland to the Yankees. He made 46 games for the team in the 1971 and 1972 seasons.  Interestingly enough, Gardner appeared in one game for the Bronx Bombers in 1970.

End of the Road

Gardner was later swapped in 1972, moving from New York to Oakland. He also moved to the Brewers in 1973, throwing his last major league innings for the team. Although he pitched in the minor leagues for two years until 1975, he was forced to retire due to an elbow injury.

After his baseball, career, he moved to the job of fighting fires in the Binghamton Fire Department. He also became among the first firefighters to become a paramedic.

While his Spirit may have left our earthly world, his legacy will live long in the memory of millions of fans. The ex-pitcher will be a favorite and a first for many across team fandoms. While his career might not have been as prolific, he knew how to make the biggest and best impact in the final game. Gardner is survived by his two children, three grandchildren, sister, niece, and great-nephew.

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