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William Frederick "Billy" Gardner
7/19/1927 - 01/03/2024
BORN
7/19/1927
DIED
01/03/2024
William Gardner Obituary
He was a natural athlete at Chapman Tech and was signed by the NY Giants in 1944 at 17 years old. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1946. He returned to baseball in 1947. He played several years in the Giants Minor League system and broke into the big leagues in 1954, the same year the NY Giants won the World Series. He was traded to the Orioles in 1956, where he had his best years. He led the American League in double plays and doubles in 1957, with the Orioles. He received the Orioles MVP in 1957. He enjoyed 10 years in Major League Baseball including the 1961 Yankees World Series team. His nickname was "Slick" because he "could turn a double play in a phone booth." After his playing years, he spent more than 30 years scouting, coaching and managing in the Minors and Majors including managing the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals.
He is survived by his wife Barbara: and four children, Thomas Gardner, Gwen (Bob) Lakowsky, Shelly (Rick) Kraetz and Billy Gardner Jr. (Kristie). He enjoyed spending time with his children, ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Gardner
Norman Woodward
May 23, 2024
One of my favorite baseball cards was the `57 Topps of Billy. Good clear photo with the Yankee Stadium backdrop
Rev. Danny Haynes
February 8, 2024
I had the wonderful privilege of playing for Billy in the 1970s when he was managing the Jacksonville Suns. He taught me much- not only about baseball, but about life. Also, i remember Billy Jr. When he was 6 or 7 years of age, throwing the baseball with his dad. My prayers are for the family, that the Lord will grant you peace. Rev. Danny Haynes
Tommy Cason
January 20, 2024
Billy was my first Manager when I signed with the Red Sox in 1971. Went straight to Pawtucket out of the June draft. Had no idea what professional baseball was about. Billy was a great ball player ,person and manager. May God bless the Gardner family during these times. He certainly was the epitome of the old throw back ballplayer. He lived a long life and he will be missed.
George Blahun
January 19, 2024
I'm very sorry to hear of Mr. Gardner's passing. My mother was a classmate of his in grade school and he instantly became my favorite Yankee player when she handed me a personalized, autographed photo from him after she saw him while shopping back in the 60s. I followed "Billy" closely after that and everyone who knew him that I spoke to always had nice things to say about him. I looked at that photo yesterday and felt like an old friend was now gone. I'll have that autograph as long as I'm alive and will never forget him.
Ronald Kozon
January 15, 2024
I just became aware ot this today (1/15/2024). Condolences to the Gardner family! May you rest in peace Billy!! Thank you for being a New York Yankee (#12). Ron from Seymour, CT.
Frank Robbins
January 14, 2024
My sincere condolences to the Gardner family, fond memories of him at Bobby and Gwen's home, enjoying a cigar and listening to one of the great baseball minds of all time.
Karen Carchidi
January 11, 2024
Our deepest condolences to Barbara and the Gardner family. Lots of childhood memories.
Love Karen & Joe Carchidi,
Tim Fitzgerald
January 9, 2024
My deepest condolences to the Gardner Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Wathan
January 9, 2024
I had the pleasure of having Billy as my manager in the Royals minor league system for parts of 5 seasons. Loved him as a manager and later as a friend. Great family man. All our prayers and thoughts are with Slick, Babs and all the family.
John and Nancy Wathan
Peter Abraham
January 9, 2024
My condolences to the Gardner family. Billy was a classic baseball man and a great storyteller.
Tony Mollica
January 9, 2024
I´d like to express my condolences to the Gardner Family. May your Faith, Family and Friends help you in this difficult time.
God Bless,
Tony Mollica
Michael Davis
January 9, 2024
Loved watching you play!! RIP
Nicholas Birns
January 9, 2024
A phone man and an inspiring leader, who lived a long and wonderful life. My condolences to his family.
Jim & Pam
January 8, 2024
We have lost a local legend with Billy's passing. He did so much for so many. I had the pleasure of seeing him play at Yankee Stadium in my teens.
Our thoughts are with the Gardner family
Jim & Pam King
Glenn Adams
January 8, 2024
Billy was an outstanding person! And an excellent baseball man!!! I send my heartfelt condolences to his family. We will see you in Heaven someday Billy!
Jim Maynard
January 8, 2024
To the Gardner Family,my sincere condolences, lots of memories especially the trademark muniemaker cigars.
Jeanne (Mugavero) Deus
January 8, 2024
My sincerest condolences to the Gardner family. I have so many good memories of growing up next door on Dayton Road. Love to all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Frankie Eufemia
January 8, 2024
My condolences to the Gardner family. I always appreciated Billy welcoming me to the big leagues and giving me a chance. RIP
Kent Hrbek
January 8, 2024
To the Gardner Family,
Slick was my first Manager in the big leagues. He taught me how to have fun in the game. I believe it´s one of the greatest things he passed along to me as a young player.
A great baseball man and even a greater person. Always full of funny stories.RIP my friend
Kent Hrbek
John Castino
January 8, 2024
I had the pleasure of playing for Billy when he managed the Twins. He was a kind man and leader. Unfortunately we didn´t have a very good tea, at the time.
But Slick always had a smile and encouraging word for us.
Sorry for your loss.
John Castino
Pat & Rick Fisher
January 8, 2024
Barbara & Family,
Sending sincere condolences to you and your family. Billy will be remembered for the love and kindness he had always shown all his life. His memory will never be forgotten and will forever be in my heart. Blessings to your family.
The Christensen Family, East Lyme
January 8, 2024
He was a credit to the game of Baseball and is remembered fondly by our family and so many others. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Charles Czajkowski
January 8, 2024
Dear Tom, sorry to hear about your dad. He lived a long, wonderful life. Been a long time since our days at New London Federal.
Heather Wilkinson
January 8, 2024
My sincere condolences go out to the Gardner family.
Lisa
January 8, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Billy. May your memories of him be eternal.
Lisa Cesarini Feeney
Sharon Reagan Niantic,
January 8, 2024
My deepest sympathy to the family. my he rest in peace , up in baseball heaven.
Maureen Brennan St Pierre
January 7, 2024
Tommy, sincere condolences on the passing of your dad.
Mo
Maureen Brennan St Pierre
Mickey Maynard
January 7, 2024
Many good memories. Hitting balls to us at Cohanzie School. Also signed baseball cards for my 3 children. Made their day. RIP.
Jim kaat
January 7, 2024
Fond memories of playing with Billy in Washington and then chatting with him when he managed the Twins. `Slick´ as they come on the DP. Well respected baseball man.
Mickey Maynard
January 7, 2024
Many good memories of Mr. Gardner. From hitting baseballs to us with a fungo bat at Cohanzie School. Also put smiles on my 3 children's faces by giving them signed baseball cards of him. He made their day. Rest in Peace.
Carl Burnett
January 7, 2024
My late father-in-law, George "Blackie" Blatchford always shared stories of his childhood friend, Billy Gardner. The were school buddies, and tipped a glass of beer every now and then. Back in the 1980´s, we lived in Melbourne, FL, we would go over to Orlando to see Billy when he managed the Twins during spring training. Guess he was like one of the family...condolences to his family, George also lived a nice long life into his early 90´s...!!.,
Diana Gardner Smith
January 7, 2024
May he rest in peace. I have fond memories driving with Uncle Bill and my Dad his brother Les, to Yankee Stadium or Fenway Park. Time may take us apart but the memories live forever. Sending Aunt Barbara and my cousins hugs.
Barry Ramus
January 7, 2024
One of my dad Tony's best friends....
Jon Laskin
January 7, 2024
A legend; member of 1954 New York Giants team that won World Series. Billy signed several autographs for me over the years. What a terrible loss; one of the greats.
Linda Olisky
January 7, 2024
Rick and I send our sincere condolences to the Gardner family.
I will always remember the happy memories of my uncle Billy during my childhood years. Rest peacefully.
Peter Ververis
January 7, 2024
Billy, So sorry to hear about your Dad. My sincerest condolences.
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