| Wes Gardner | |
|---|---|
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1961-04-29)April 29, 1961 (age 64) Benton, Arkansas, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: 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 record | 18–30 |
| Earned run average | 4.90 |
| Strikeouts | 358 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Wesley Brian Gardner (born April 29, 1961) is an American formerMajor League Baseballpitcher who was drafted by theNew York Mets in the 22nd round of the1982 Major League Baseball draft, out of theUniversity of Central Arkansas.
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 theChicago Cubs atShea Stadium.[1] He appeared in thirty games for the Mets in 1984 and1985, going 1–3 with a 6.03earned run average.
On November 13, 1985, Gardner was traded to theBoston Red Sox along withJohn Christensen,Calvin Schiraldi andLa Schelle Tarver forBob Ojeda,Tom McCarthy,John Mitchell and Chris Bayer. He emerged as the team'scloser in1987, leading Boston with tensaves. On July 28, he made his firststart since1982 with theNew York–Penn LeagueLittle Falls Mets.[2]
During the off-season,Boston acquiredLee Smith to assume closing duties for1988. After starting the season in the Red Sox'sbullpen, Gardner was moved into the starting rotation on June 28. In his first start, Gardner gave up only oneearned run in seveninnings pitched to earn thewin.[3] Gardner won his first four decisions as a starter, and enjoyed career highs inwins (8),strikeouts (106), ERA (3.50) andinnings pitched (149) for the season.
Gardner's only post-season appearance came in game three of the1988 American League Championship Series against theOakland Athletics.[4] He replacedMike 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.
Gardner spent two more seasons with the Red Sox before being traded to theSan Diego Padres for two minor leaguers on December 15,1990. Gardner pitched poorly inSan Diego, and was released on May 31,1991. He signed with theKansas City Royals a month later, spending most of the season with theirAmerican Association affiliate, theOmaha Royals. Gardner only gave up one earned run in 5.2 innings with the big league club, but was released on August 8, 1991.
In2001, Gardner was inducted into the University of Central Arkansas Bears Hall of Fame.[5]
Gardner lists training bird dogs among favorite activities.[6]
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