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Wes Gardner

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American baseball player

Baseball player
Wes Gardner
Pitcher
Born: (1961-04-29) April 29, 1961 (age 63)
Benton, Arkansas, U.S.
Batted: RightThrew: Right
MLB debut
July 29, 1984, for the New York Mets
Last MLB appearance
August 3, 1991, for the Kansas City Royals
MLB statistics
Win–loss record18–30
Earned run average4.90
Strikeouts358
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Wesley Brian Gardner (born April 29, 1961) is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher who was drafted by the New York Mets in the 22nd round of the 1982 Major League Baseball draft, out of the University of Central Arkansas.

New York Mets

Gardner made his major league debut with the Mets on July 29, 1984, pitching a perfect ninth inning in the Mets' 5–1 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Shea Stadium. He appeared in thirty games for the Mets in 1984 and 1985, going 1–3 with a 6.03 earned run average.

Boston Red Sox

On November 13, 1985, Gardner was traded to the Boston Red Sox along with John Christensen, Calvin Schiraldi and La Schelle Tarver for Bob Ojeda, Tom McCarthy, John Mitchell and Chris Bayer. He emerged as the team's closer in 1987, leading Boston with ten saves. On July 28, he made his first start since 1982 with the New York–Penn League Little Falls Mets.

During the off-season, Boston acquired Lee Smith to assume closing duties for 1988. After starting the season in the Red Sox's bullpen, Gardner was moved into the starting rotation on June 28. In his first start, Gardner gave up only one earned run in seven innings pitched to earn the win. Gardner won his first four decisions as a starter, and enjoyed career highs in wins (8), strikeouts (106), ERA (3.50) and innings pitched (149) for the season.

Gardner's only post-season appearance came in game three of the 1988 American League Championship Series against the Oakland Athletics. He replaced Mike Boddicker in the third inning with the Sox behind 6–5, and had a no decision in the 10–6 loss to the A's.

Final season

Gardner spent two more seasons with the Red Sox before being traded to the San Diego Padres for two minor leaguers on December 15, 1990. Gardner pitched poorly in San Diego, and was released on May 31, 1991. He signed with the Kansas City Royals a month later, spending most of the season with their American Association affiliate, the Omaha Royals. Gardner only gave up one earned run in 5.2 innings with the big league club, however, he was released on August 8, 1991.

Seasons W L PCT ERA G GS CG SV IP H ER R HR BB K WP HBP
8 18 30 .375 4.90 189 44 1 14 466.1 476 254 277 52 218 358 17 8

In 2001, Gardner was inducted into the University of Central Arkansas Bears Hall of Fame.

Personal

Gardner lists training bird dogs among favorite activities.

References

  1. "Chicago Cubs 5, New York Mets 1". July 29, 1984.
  2. "Toronto Blue Jays 5, Boston Red Sox 4". July 28, 1987.
  3. "Boston Red Sox 6, Cleveland Indians 1". July 28, 1988.
  4. "1988 American League Championship Series Game 3". October 8, 1988.
  5. "UCA Sports". Retrieved November 2, 2009.
  6. "1988 Topps #189 Wes Gardner | The Trading Card Database". www.tradingcarddb.com. Retrieved August 30, 2017.

External links

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