Judge Honors Former Teammate Gardner at Yankees Home Opener

Yankees star pays tribute to longtime outfielder during pregame ceremony.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:51am

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An abstract, textured painting in bright neon colors depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a baseball player celebrating on the field.A celebratory gesture of respect and camaraderie between longtime Yankees teammates.NYC Today

During the New York Yankees' home opener on Friday, star outfielder Aaron Judge paid tribute to his former teammate Brett Gardner by turning to the Bleacher Creatures, bending a knee, and flexing his arms in Gardner's honor during the traditional first-inning Roll Call.

Why it matters

Gardner was a longtime fixture in the Yankees outfield, playing 14 seasons with the team and helping them win a World Series title in 2009. His retirement after the 2022 season marked the end of an era for the Yankees, and Judge's public display of respect for his former teammate resonated with fans.

The details

In a pregame ceremony, Judge took a moment to acknowledge Gardner, who was not in attendance, by performing a celebratory gesture towards the Bleacher Creatures section of Yankee Stadium. Judge expressed his hope that Gardner would have the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience with the current Yankees players.

  • The home opener took place on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • Gardner retired from the Yankees after the 2022 season.

The players

Aaron Judge

A star outfielder for the New York Yankees who played alongside Brett Gardner for several seasons.

Brett Gardner

A longtime outfielder for the New York Yankees who played for the team from 2008 to 2022, helping them win a World Series title in 2009.

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What they’re saying

“Still hoping he gets a chance to come back here and share his knowledge with the boys a little bit.”

— Aaron Judge, Yankees Outfielder

The takeaway

Judge's public tribute to Gardner during the home opener ceremony was a heartfelt gesture that highlighted the strong bonds and camaraderie within the Yankees organization, even as players move on to new chapters in their careers.