NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees kicked off their 2025 season in grand style on Thursday, March 27, with an emotional Opening Day against the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium. The day was marked not only by the excitement of a new season but also by a poignant moment of silence honoring the late Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of retired Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, who tragically passed away on March 21.
As the teams stood on the field, many players holding their hats against their chests, an image of Miller appeared on the jumbotron. The announcer paid tribute to the young boy, stating, "Miller had a spark in his eyes, an outgoing and feisty personality and a warm and loving nature. He grew up in the Yankees organization and had become a two-sport athlete, wearing his father’s No. 11 on his football jersey." The entire Yankees organization expressed their grief, standing in solidarity with Brett, his wife Jessica, and their son Hunter.
In a heart-wrenching statement shared on the Yankees' official X account, the Gardner family described Miller as a "beloved son and brother," sharing their disbelief at living without his infectious smile. "He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day," they wrote. The investigation into Miller's unexpected death is ongoing, with initial reports suggesting asphyxiation linked to food poisoning, although this has since been ruled out.
Amidst the somber tribute, the excitement of the day continued with the debut of J.C. Escarra, a 29-year-old catcher and infielder who took an Uber to Yankee Stadium for his first game in MLB. Wearing the number 25 for the Yankees, Escarra's journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. Once out of baseball, he found himself driving for Uber and substitute teaching at Doral Academy Preparatory School before being signed by the Yankees in January 2024.
Escarra reflected on his journey, stating, "There was a time in my life that I thought I wasn’t going to be playing baseball no more. So to wake up this morning as a Major League Baseball player, especially for the New York Yankees, it means the world to me." His story is one of resilience and determination, having risen from being a 17th-round draft pick by Baltimore in 2017 to finally making it to the big leagues.
Escarra's path included playing independent ball and even a stint in Mexico before finally catching the attention of the Yankees. He had a strong spring training, hitting .302 with three homers and eight RBIs in just 19 games. Yankees manager Aaron Boone delivered the news of Escarra's promotion in a heartfelt meeting, saying, "This is difficult to have to do, because I know you put yourself in a really good position and you’ve done everything that we could have been expected. But, as you know, we have a lot of catching depth, so that’s what makes this hard." Boone then announced, "Nah, you’re going to the big leagues," prompting Escarra to laugh and celebrate the moment.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the jumbotron also showcased the new song "Yankee, Baby," by Troy native Johnny 2 Phones and producer Hunna G, celebrating the Yankees' spirit. The catchy tune features cameos from Yankees superstar Aaron Judge, Knicks players Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, and even celebrity chef Christian Petroni. The song has been dubbed the "official anthem" of the Yankees for the 2025 season, celebrating the team's culture and excitement.
Hunna G expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, "From first making music together in our dorm room to being the 2025 anthem of the Yankees’ season, you don’t see independent artists and producers doing this sort of thing, and we’re both super grateful for it." The song's lyrics pay homage to Yankees legends like Derek Jeter and broadcaster Michael Kay, making it a fitting tribute to the storied franchise.
As the game progressed, fans were treated to a blend of nostalgia and hope, from the emotional tribute to Miller Gardner to the excitement surrounding Escarra's debut and the catchy rhythms of "Yankee, Baby." The Yankees organization has always been more than just a baseball team; it embodies a community of resilience, celebration, and remembrance.
Looking ahead, the Yankees aim to build on their success from previous seasons, with Escarra and the team ready to make their mark in the 2025 season. As the fans cheered and the players took the field, it was clear that this season holds promise, challenges, and the spirit of a family united in both joy and sorrow.
