Gardner signs with Chipola

By SHELIA MADER
Published: May 21, 2008

Marianna High School Senior Brandon Gardner is the second Bulldog in as many days to take his baseball skills to the next level.

Tuesday morning before teammates, family, friends and coaches, Gardner signed to play baseball for Chipola College in the fall.

As with Lance Bailey on Monday, Gardner’s talents don’t stop on the field.

He is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, an outstanding senior and an honor graduate.

On the field, Gardner was a varsity starter for three years, beginning in his sophomore year.

He has anchored down shortstop, second base, third base and taken his talents to the mound.

Gardner was named Freshman Most Valuable Player in his freshman season.

Bailey was named All Big Bend Honorable Mention last year and was named to the Panhandle Baseball All Star Classic on the East team.

He batted .360 his senior season with a .502 on-base percentage, had 12 RBI and 25 runs scored.

Gardner successfully stole nine bases on the season.

Gardner made visits to other campuses but readily admits Chipola was always his first choice and lifelong dream.

“I’ve always wanted to play at Chipola ever since I was a kid,” he said. “Chipola has a winning tradition and I have the utmost respect for Coach (Jeff) Johnson and his coaching staff.”

Gardner is the son of Carlan and Dee Dee Martin and the late Shane Gardner.

He is the grandson of Wallace and Barbara Gardner and Peggy Martin.

His maternal grandparents are Barbara Hamilton and the late Tom Hamilton.