Central Michigan University Athletics
Gardner Invited to Detroit Tigers' Spring Training
1/16/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Jan. 13, 2006
MOUNT PLEASANT - Former Central Michigan University reliever Lee Gardner (Hartland, Mich./Hartland HS) has been invited to spring training by the Detroit Tigers.
Gardner spent the past four seasons in the Tampa Bay Devil Rays organization, earning call-ups to the majors in 2002 and 2005. He has appeared in 17 career games in the big leagues.
Gardner was a two-time recipient of the International League Fireman of the Year Award while pitching for the Durham Bulls, the Devil Rays' AAA affiliate, in 2002 and 2003. He won the award, presented annually to the league's top relief pitcher, as the Bulls won consecutive International League titles. Gardner saved 25 and 30 games in 2002 and 2003, respectively.
Gardner began his career in Tampa, signing as a free agent in 1998. He signed with the San Francisco Giants organization for the 2003 season before returning to the Devil Rays in 2004.
In three seasons at CMU, Gardner posted a 20-11 record with a 3.03 ERA. He was a first team All-Mid-American Conference selection in 1998 after finishing 8-4 with a 2.45 ERA.
