Former NY Yankees And Mets Pitcher Rob Gardner Passes Away

Here is some sad news for Binghamton and New York baseball fans as Rob Gardner, a former pitcher for both the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, has passed away at the age of 78.

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Gardner was born in Binghamton as Richard Frank Gardner on December 19th, 1944. He had quite the career during his time in the majors. He graduated from Binghamton High School and signed with the Minnesota Twins.

Gardner started his Major League Baseball career with the Mets in 1965, stepping onto the field for his first game against the Astros. Throughout his time with the Mets, Gardner made 46 appearances, including 21 starts, and had a respectable 4.79 ERA with 93 strikeouts.

Rob Gardner's Unforgettable Game With the New York Mets

The game that Gardner fans will never forget is when he pitched an incredible 15 shutout innings during the final game of the 1965 season against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Remarkably, it ended in a scoreless tie after 18 innings. That would NEVER happen today.  According to his obituary, Gardner "continues to hold the record with the NY Mets for the most scoreless innings pitched in a game on October 2nd, 1965."

After leaving the Mets, Gardner went on to play for several other teams, including the New York Yankees for one season, the Cubs, Cleveland Indians, Athletics, and the Milwaukee Brewers. Gardner retired in 1973 because of an elbow injury.

Following his retirement from baseball, Gardner found a new calling with the Binghamton Fire Department, where he became one of the first firefighters to become a paramedic, as mentioned in his obituary.

Rob Gardner will be missed by his family and community. His impact on New York baseball will be remembered fondly by all the fans who had the pleasure of watching him play.

Rest in peace, Rob Gardner. The baseball world mourns the loss of a true talent and a loved player.