Wes Gardner, the Arkansas-born right-hander who pitched eight seasons in the major leagues across the 1980s and early 1990s, has died at the age of 65. He passed away on June 10, 2026.
Born Wesley Brian Gardner in Benton, Arkansas on April 29, 1961, he was drafted by the New York Mets in the 22nd round of the 1982 draft out of the University of Central Arkansas. He made his big-league debut with the Mets on July 29, 1984, retiring the side in a perfect ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Shea Stadium, and pitched in 30 games for New York over two seasons.
His career took its defining turn in November 1985, when he was dealt to the Boston Red Sox as part of the multi-player trade that sent Bob Ojeda to the Mets. It was in Boston that Gardner found his footing. He emerged as the team’s closer in 1987, leading the Red Sox with ten saves, before shifting into the starting rotation the following year. The move paid off immediately. He won his first four decisions as a starter in 1988 and set career highs across the board, with eight wins, 106 strikeouts, a 3.50 ERA, and 149 innings pitched.
That season also brought his lone postseason appearance, in Game 3 of the 1988 American League Championship Series against the Oakland Athletics, where he came on in relief and took a no-decision in a Boston loss.
Gardner spent two more years with the Red Sox before a December 1990 trade sent him to the San Diego Padres. He finished his playing days in 1991 with brief stops in San Diego and the Kansas City Royals organization. Over eight seasons he compiled an 18–30 record, a 4.90 ERA, and 358 strikeouts across 189 games.
His college accomplishments earned lasting recognition. In 2001, he was inducted into the University of Central Arkansas Bears Hall of Fame.
Wes Gardner was 65.