Wes Gardner, a former Major League Baseball pitcher known for his powerful arm and versatility as both a reliever and starter, died on June 10 at the age of 65. The announcement was made by Jay Horwitz, a former public relations official for the New York Mets. No further details regarding the cause of death or circumstances were provided.

Gardner, a right-hander, gained recognition for his combination of a potent fastball with a sinker and later a forkball. During his rise through the minor leagues with the Mets, his pitching ability attracted attention from multiple teams, including the Boston Red Sox.

In the fall of 1985, Red Sox general manager Lou Gorman sought to strengthen the team’s bullpen after an 81-81 season marked by a surplus of starting pitchers led by Roger Clemens. Gorman executed a notable trade, sending left-hander Bobby Ojeda to the Mets in exchange for Gardner and fellow pitcher Calvin Schiraldi, both regarded as promising arms despite limited major league exposure. The trade, involving seven players in total, aimed to address Boston's need for bullpen depth.

Gardner’s tenure with the Red Sox was hampered by injury. After pitching only one inning in April 1986, he suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. This was particularly significant as 1986 proved to be a memorable year for both teams, culminating in a World Series matchup between the Red Sox and the Mets. Ojeda, who went to New York as part of the trade, delivered a standout season with an 18-5 record and played a key role in the Mets’ World Series victory, including a decisive win in Game 3 over Boston.

Following his injury, Gardner returned to pitch for Boston in 1987, sharing closing duties with Schiraldi. He recorded 10 saves but posted a 5.42 ERA as the team slipped to fifth place in the American League East. Gardner’s best season with the Red Sox came in 1988 when he transitioned to a starting role and finished with an 8-6 record and 3.50 ERA. However, his subsequent seasons were less productive, resulting in his trade to the San Diego Padres. Gardner retired from professional baseball after the 1991 season at age 30, finishing his Red Sox career with a 17-26 record.

Born and raised in Benton, Arkansas, Gardner developed an early passion for baseball and hunting. Initially a catcher in his youth, he began pitching during his American Legion years and credited his father for instilling strong control through rigorous practice sessions. Gardner was a standout starting pitcher at the University of Central Arkansas before the Mets drafted him, eventually converting him into a reliever.

Gardner is survived by his son William Wesley Gardner, two sisters — Carol Childs and Linda Hatch — and a granddaughter. Funeral services and burial were held in Benton, where he had close ties throughout his life.