#314) WES GARDNER

Wes Gardner was selected by the New York Mets in the 22nd round of the 1982 amateur draft. He made his major league debut on July 29, 1984. Throwing a perfect ninth inning in a 5-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Shea Stadium. While bouncing back-and-forth between Triple-A Tidewater and the major-leagues, Gardner lead the International League in saves during the 1984 and 1985 campaigns.

The right-hander was considered the top reliever in the Mets' farm system when he was traded to the Boston Red Sox. Sent along with John Christensen, Calvin Shiraldi, and La Schelle Tarver in exchange for Bob Ojeda, Tom McCarthy, John Mitchell and Chris Bayer on November 13, 1985. He appeared in 30 games for the Mets during parts of two major league seasons.

Gardner became the coach of his hometown American Legion baseball team following his active pitching career. He owned and operated a farm in the Benton, Arkansas area.

Wes was inducted with the inaugural class of the University of Central Arkansas Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

I created Wes Gardner's card from a signed index card given to me by my friend Wally on February 7, 2010.