Sam Gardner Returns to Grizzlies
Published on March 31, 2026 under Frontier League (FL)
Gateway Grizzlies News Release
SAUGET, ILL. - The Gateway Grizzlies announce that Sam Gardner has returned to the club for the 2026 season, adding an experienced, talented hurler with high-level experience to the pitching staff.
The now 29-year-old right-hander is coming off a three-season stretch in the Milwaukee Brewers organization, including a season at the Double-A level in 2024. With the Biloxi Shuckers that season across 22 games, he put up a 2.34 ERA, striking out 48 batters while walking only 12 and allowing just 18 total hits in 34 2/3 innings.
The prior season in 2023, he debuted with the Brewers at class A-Advanced Wisconsin, and enjoyed a 2.22 ERA with three saves in 21 appearances, striking out 59 across 25 walks in 44 2/3 innings. That winter, Gardner also pitched for the Brisbane Bandits in the Australian Baseball League, allowing just one total run on seven hits in 22 2/3 innings for a 0.40 ERA along with 50 strikeouts and only six walks.
"An explosive arm with a strong feel for pitching, Sam knows how to attack hitters and compete in big moments," Grizzlies manager Kyle Gaedele said. "Just as importantly, he's a tremendous teammate whose presence will naturally draw other pitchers toward him and strengthen our staff."
Originally from Shelbyville, Tennessee, Gardner began his career with the Grizzlies from 2021-23 out of Murray State University. Initially a starting pitcher for Gateway, he shifted to the bullpen during the 2022 season and began to dominate the competition, striking out 67 batters in 29 2/3 innings with a 2.73 ERA to end up with 97 strikeouts against 19 walks in only 68 2/3 innings that year. That success led to his signing with Milwaukee early in 2023 after four scoreless, hitless appearances with six strikeouts and no walks while flashing an electric fastball-curveball combo on the mound.
Be sure to follow along on GatewayGrizzlies.com or on the Grizzlies' social media accounts for updates throughout the offseason as they prepare for 2026!
Frontier League Stories from March 31, 2026
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