**Main Page:** [[Gardner, Jimmie]] **Related Pages:** [[JG Timeline]] # Work/Career ## Baseball **Player Statistics** Archive: https://archive.is/pvj0j 1984: Pikeville Cubs 1985: Wytheville Cubs 1986: Geneva Cubs 1986: Peoria Chiefs 1987: Charleston Wheelers 1987: Winston-Salem Spirits  Baseball cards sourced from the [Trading Card Database](https://www.tcdb.com/Person.cfm/pid/78641/col/1/yea/0/Jimmie-Gardner?sTeam=&sCardNum=&sNote=&sSetName=&sBrand=) website. [Archive](https://archive.is/Spj57). **1986 — Geneva Cubs** > [!grid|masonry] >  >  **1986 — Peoria Chiefs** > [!grid|masonry] >  >  **1987 — Charleston Wheelers** Note: Gardner is misspelled as "Gardiver." > [!grid|masonry] >  >  ## Public Speaking ### Engage Profile  **[Larger Image](https://i.postimg.cc/WNTWpWPK/BDE-Capture-7.png)** • **[Archive](http://archive.today/iduAB)** > [!abstract]- Full Text > Jimmie C. Gardner is a motivational speaker who draws on the values and life lessons he acquired through his childhood, professional baseball career, and wrongful conviction to help others make the most of the challenges and opportunities granted to each of us. By sharing his story, Jimmie encourages others to live their best lives through spiritual, mental, and physical health. > > Born in Dawson, Georgia, Jimmie was raised by his great aunt in Tampa, Florida. Growing up in Tampa provided numerous opportunities to excel, both academically and athletically. Jimmie was a member of the famed Belmont Heights Little League Team and graduated from the academically competitive Tampa Bay Vocational Technical High School. In 1984, Jimmie was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and played with them in the minor leagues for 4 seasons, while studying business management at Tampa College during the off-season. > > Jimmie's blessed life took an extraordinary turn in 1987 while he was playing with the Charleston Wheelers in Charleston, West Virginia. Two elderly white women were sexually assaulted by a black male, and over 140 black men in the city, including Jimmie, were rounded up by the police. Because there was no forensic evidence connecting him to the crime and because he did not match the description of the attacker, Jimmie was cleared and went on with his life. > > Two years later in 1989, Jimmie was back in Tampa when he was arrested, extradited to West Virginia, and charged with sexual assault, robbery, burglary, and assault during the commission of a felony. In January 1990, after a travesty of a trial with an inexperienced public defender, blatant prosecutorial misconduct, false testimony from the forensic expert, and numerous trial errors, Jimmie was acquitted regarding one victim and convicted regarding the other—despite evidence that the same person committed both crimes. He was sentenced to 110 years. > > While in prison, Jimmie continued to pursue his education, earning three Associates Degrees and numerous certificates. He taught himself the law and worked tirelessly to secure his freedom, while serving as a representative for other prisoners during legal proceedings. > > Twenty-seven years after his wrongful conviction, the US District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia held that Jimmie's conviction was a total miscarriage of justice and that he had been held in legal purgatory for 27 years. The court vacated the conviction, and he was released from custody on April 1, 2016. It would take another five months, but prosecutors formally dropped all charges against Jimmie on September 7, 2016. > > Since his release, Jimmie C. Gardner has become an advocate for other wrongfully imprisoned and over-incarcerated men and women. He is an advocate for criminal justice reform and inmate rights. As a motivational speaker, Jimmie has shared his message of positive thinking and resilience with students in secondary school and college, sports teams, churches, and community organizations. Jimmie also visits prisons, offering insight, hope, and encouragement. One of Jimmie's passions is the development of Gardner House, a reentry home designed to help returning citizens who might not have the family support and resources necessary to make a successful return to society. > > Jimmie C. Gardner's positivity and endurance are a testament to his faith, his upbringing, and his unconquerable spirit. He sees every day as a blessing from God and lives his life to help others attain the spiritual, mental, and physical health that are the keys to happiness and success. Jimmie continues to live life to the fullest. He recently married US District Court Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner and joined the illustrious brotherhood of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. ### Squarespace \- **Home Page [Archive](https://archive.is/2HjIj)** \- **About Page [Archive](https://archive.is/8XhMt)** > [!abstract]- About Page Text[^1] > Jimmie C. Gardner was born on July, 1st, 1966, in Dawson, GA, to Jimmie Lee Gardner, a home builder, and Gladys Gardner, who worked for Coats & Clark and later as a school bus driver. He was the 5th of 8 children. Gardner grew up in Tampa, FL, where he developed a great love for sports as a child. His admiration for baseball uniforms is what made that particular sport the one he would pursue passionately.  > > Jimmie continued to play baseball at Tampa Bay Vocational Technical High School, and maintained a 3.0 or higher grade point average, while performing as a stand out player on the baseball team. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs just after high school graduation and played with them in the minor leagues for 4 seasons. While playing in the minor leagues, he enrolled in college to study business management, and he worked part time at various locations around the Tampa Bay.  > > In 1989, while still working towards his business degree, Jimmie was arrested and charged with two separate counts of robbery and sexual assault; as well as burglary and assault-during-the-commission-of-a-felony. He did not commit the crimes and always maintained his innocence, however, he was put on trial in January 1990. Jimmie was found guilty a month later in February 1990, and was sentenced to 110 years in prison.  > > At Gardner's 1990 criminal trial, the West Virginia State Trooper and Chief Serologist for the Division of Public Safety was the expert witness, and he knowingly presented false testimony which resulted in Gardner's guilty verdict. Jimmie Gardner's case is one of over 140 cases from the late 1970's through the 1980's, in which the state of West Virginia relied on falsified forensic evidence testimony by the Chief Serologist in order  to convict. The state of was aware of his lack of qualifications as a serologist and DNA expert as early as 1985, and yet he was allowed to testify in Jimmie's 1990 trial.  > > It was not until April 1st, 2016, nearly 3 decades after the Chief Serologist was exposed—when Jimmie C. Gardner was finally released. Upon being released Gardner reunited with his family, including his then 31 year old daughter, with whom he had become estranged, due to their separation during his incarceration. He regarded his beloved Great Aunt, Alberta Lamar, as a second mother and Jimmie was extremely close with her, but sadly she passed away in January 2004 while he was imprisoned. His pain is only slightly lessened by his being blessed to have both of his parents still alive, yet suffering from various ailments and the emotional distress from having their son unjustly removed from their lives, for almost 3 decades. > > Since his release, Jimmie C Gardner has become an advocate for other wrongfully imprisoned men and women who have felt the sting of this country's systemic and racial injustices throughout the criminal justice system. He also advocates for prison reform and inmate rights all over the country. He is an active motivational  speaker,  engaged by high schools, colleges and universities, including the Georgetown School of Law,  churches, community, as well as  civic organizations throughout the country. He has also spoken in prisons such as Lee County State Prison and Autry State Prison in Georgia, in his effort to expose ongoing injustices and bring about prison reform for inmates. Jimmie offers prisoners hope through specific insight and encouragement as only he can share given all that he has endured. Jimmie C. Gardner's constitutional fortitude  is a living testimate to individuals striving to overcome in any walk of life, be they inmate or civilian. His story is triumphant,  compelling and he is a living  example of steadfastness, perseverance and  strength. Since his release he has hit the ground running and he looks forward to completely embracing his new life and living in his calling. \- **Booking Page [Archive](https://archive.is/c7VPf)** \- **Video Page [Archive](https://archive.is/6zeGJ)** \- **Media & Press Release [Archive](https://archive.is/MAqcP)** \- **Gardner House Inc. Page [Archive](https://archive.is/RNJgi)** # Social Media ## Facebook <p style="font-size:125%"><b> JC Gardner Speaks (Jimmie C) </font></b></p>  \- **Archive:** <https://archive.is/tWk74> - *cached 11-12-2023* \- **Note**: Deleted as of 11-18-2023. ### Posts > [!quote] **[[11-02-2023]]** > I am asking all to support The Innocence Project of Florida, in the celebration of their 20-Year Anniversary. Special thanks to my cousin, Mr. Tyrone Keys, founder and CEO of All Sports Community Service, Inc., for your dedication and commitment to this event. Tyrone is a former NFL defensive player and Super Bowl Champion with the 1985 Chicago Bears. He will be in attendance with many other notable athletes, Exonerees, etc.. Remember, put November 16, 2023, Tampa River Center, 402 W. Laurel Street, Tampa, Florida 33607; on your scheduled event plans. Thank you in advance for your commitment and support. 🎉🎊🌎🌎☮️☮️🏈🦋🎤💙🙏🏾 `#jcgardnerspeaks` **Notes:** \- This was the event[^2] [[Gardner, Jimmie]] attended in Florida the night before he was arrested. \- Gardner has been involved with the Innocence Project of Florida for at least a few years, as evidenced by [this Facebook post](https://archive.is/bkbhm)[^3] from [[09-01-2021]]. \- This post also includes an [image](https://i.postimg.cc/3xJ5tTrg/BDE-Capture-7.png) of Gardner stating he is a "friend and board member of Georgia Innocence Project.[^4]"  \- In 2019, Gardner spoke to "over 1,200 students in over a dozen Georgia schools" for a Georgia Innocence Project event[^5] called "[Wrongful Conviction Day](https://archive.is/Y1FN6)." \- Gardner is listed as a board member[^6][^7] for the Georgia Innocence Project[^8] for Tax Year [2021](https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/753018448_202106_990_2022030219678866.pdf) and [2020](https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/753018448_202006_990_2021041317937136.pdf). > [!quote] **[[10-22-2023]]** > "2023 Beta Nu Sigma Chapter (Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated) Biennial African Ball (renewal). Beautifully event with my Brothers (ΦΒΣ) and Sisters (ΖΦΒ) this past Friday night at the Hasan temple in Albany, GA. Thanks to all of my friends/guests who attended; Stet & Kenyetta Frazier, Vivian Tate, Hillery Goodgame, Wali Bilal, (cousin) Linda Smith, and (brother) Eric Gardner. Blessings upon Blessings. 🙏🏾💙🦋🤎❤️🙏🏾 `#jcgardnerspeaks`" > [!quote] **[[10-22-2023]]** > Awesome Friday night Albany State University West - Student Center. Such a beautiful event, "The Way Forward Renaming Ceremony - Sherrod Institute" was held in Albany, GA. Congratulations to my dear friend, Mrs. Shirley Sherrod. You are a phenomenal Queen and courageous Freedom Fighter. Also, thanks to speaker Ta'Nehisi Coates for sacrificing your time for Mrs. Sherrod. Thanks to all the wonderful people who attended and made the celebration outstanding. 🙏🏾💙🦋🤎🙏🏾 `#jcgardnerspeaks` `#sherrodinstitute` > [!quote] **[[10-22-2023]]** > Great weekend of networking and gaining necessary information @ "The Black Farm Land Owners Sustainability Conference" in Albany, GA. We had a great time at Kamp Kirksey Farm. Thank you Mrs. Erma, and all the informative speakers. Awesome time with all attendees. Blessed to be a farmer. God is awesome. 🙏🏾💙🦋💯 `#jcgardnerspeaks` `#kirkseyfarm` `#kampkirksey` `#feedmysheep` `#feedmysheepfarm` > [!quote] **[[10-17-2023]]** > My Bro (Eric Gardner) and I, along with Rodney Reid, enjoyed a night of laughs and fun at the "Festival of Laughs -Albany, GA." Comedians Tony Roberts, Guy Torry, Sommore, Special-K, and Lavell Crawford; were simply phenomenal. I laughed so hard that I cried. Great evening of fun with my Family and friends. Thanks to Special-K for getting me and my crew back stage passes. We had awesome conversations and great life stories. God Bless and One Love! 🙏🏾💙🦋🌎☮️🤎🙏🏾 `#jcgardnerspeaks` > [!quote] **[[10-03-2023]]** > Leslie and I enjoyed the beautiful "Finger Lakes" in upstate New York. Priceless moments. Praise God. 🙏🏾🦋💙 `#jcgardnerspeaks` > [!quote] **[[10-02-2023]]** > Join me in celebrating International Wrongful Conviction Day. Since 1989, more than 3,320 cases of wrongful convictions have come to light in the United States, resulting in innocent individuals serving a total of 29,500 years in prison for crimes they didn't commit. Although we can't pinpoint the exact number, experts believe that between 2% and 5% of the nearly 2 million people currently incarcerated in the US may be wrongfully convicted, potentially ranging from 40,000 to 100,000 people. On this Wrongful Conviction Day, let's pledge to educate ourselves and raise awareness about this important issue. `#jcgardnerspeaks` > [!quote] **[[09-15-2023]]** > My Mother, Mrs. Betty, and I attended a great community event together. Family Wellness Outreach Center of Georgia "What's Up Wednesdays", hosted by Mrs. Carla Harrell & Mrs. Christine Cross, was simply awesome. Guests provided important information regarding re-entry opportunities and available resources. Let's Go Southwest Georgia! 💯 `#jcgardnerspeaks` `#familywellnessoutreachcenterofgeorgia` `#gardnerhouseincorporated` > [!quote] **[[09-07-2023]]** > I had a wonderful evening watching my 1st WNBA Basketball game. Special thanks to my beautiful wife (Leslie), for making my wish come true. Leslie and I enjoyed the game with our friend, Yayra, from Accra, Ghana. We had fun watching the Atlanta Dream win their way into the 2023 WNBA Playoffs. Let's go win it all, "Atlanta Dream." `#jcgardnerspeaks` > [!quote] **[[08-31-2023]]** > Awesome time with family and friends at the "Beloved Benefit" last week. Thank you Rodney Bullard, for all that you do. One Love! 🦋🙏🏾💙 `#jcgardnerspeaks` > [!quote] **[[08-18-2023]]** > Thank you Cobb County, GA Bar Association for providing me this wonderful opportunity to share. Special thanks to Molly Parmer, Carlos Rodriguez, Carol Kinstle, and Amanda Simmons; for organizing and making this event possible. I am honored and truly thankful. Special thanks to my friends who attended in support; Judge Ashley, Michael Tyler, Rodney Reid, Kareemah Hanifah, Miguel Blanco, Ahmad R. Crews, and Robert Johnson. I had an amazing time with all the lawyers, Judges, prosecutors, etc. This was an opportunity to bridge the gap between legal experts and defendants. Further, an opportunity to expose the unnecessary delay in processing convicted defendants in a timely fashion. Every person should be capable of receiving a review in a timely manner, not 27 years after the conviction. "JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED!" `#jcgardnerspeaks` `#cobbcountybarassociation` > [!quote] **[[07-16-2023]]** > Last evening of Conclave Houston 2023. The Grand Orchid Gala was simply beautiful. 💙🤍💙🤍💙💙🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾 `#jcgardnerspeaks` `#phibetasigmafraternityinc` `#phibetasigma` > [!quote] **[[07-16-2023]]** > Knowledge for today. We all should be informed and aware of our history. Focus: The 1996 Anti Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA). > > Some of the most notable changes enacted by the AEDPA were to the law of habeas corpus. The AEDPA's habeas reform provisions, codified in 28 U.S.C. § 2254, included a statute of limitations for habeas corpus claims and restrictions on a habeas petitioner's ability to file a second habeas petition. > > There is also a 365 day filing deadline. Failure to file by the deadline results in a bar against further appealate relief. Because of this deadline, prisoners throughout the country have been hamstrung from filing first and second petitions for relief. > > The AEDPA is one of the worst acts ever applied to the appeallate process in the USA. Hundreds of thousands of prisoners languish in prison without access to prove their innocence. Let's fight together to end this act and all similar acts of injustice and inequality. `#jcgardnerspeaks` ### Mentions > [!quote] May 1, 2019 — CaMia Jackson[^9] — [Archive](https://archive.is/PZmQa) >  > Thank you Jimmie Gardner, Masud Olufani, Judge Leslie Abrams, Paula Brown, and the Albany Museum of Art for a great evening! Jimmie's sharing of his journey continues to give me hope for criminal reform and also provides a ray of hope for those wronged by our country's justice system. Masud's artwork was and is riveting. Thank you both for sharing your gifts with Albany! ## LinkedIn  Deleted as of 11-20-2023. **Archive:** https://archive.ph/NvkVp ## Twitter  **Archive:** https://archive.is/zX9HD ### Mentions > [!quote] April 22, 2021 — Mason Center for Humanities Research — [Archive](https://archive.is/qpzm0) >  > EVENT REMINDER! Please join us TOMORROW 4/23 from 1-2:30 pm Eastern for a public CHR Zoom panel, "On Racial Injustice and Restorative Action: A Conversation with Leslie Abrams Gardner and Jimmie Gardner moderated by Stefan Wheelock." Register now via Eventbrite. %%Footer Starts Here%% ---  --- # Keep Digging **Main Page:** [[Gardner, Jimmie]] **Related Pages:** [[JG Timeline]] ## Tags #Index/Person ### Footnotes & References [^1]: [Page Snapshot](https://i.postimg.cc/tXcgjX4T/BDE-Capture-7.png) [^2]: [Event Page](https://i.postimg.cc/rq2Bh5Zf/BDE-Capture-7.png) Snapshot - [Archive](https://archive.is/HnI1B) [^3]: Post text: `We're a month away from the best bowl event of the season! Register now to reserve your virtual spot for the Freedom Bowl where you'll hear from the two people who started it all: Jimmie Gardner and Tyrone Keys. With Jimmie, a former minor-league baseball player, exoneree who spent 26 years wrongly convicted, and GIP board member, and Tyrone, a former NFL player, founder of a youth sports foundation, and supporter of IPF, they brought their common passion for sports and justice to our organizations, inspiring us to create the Freedom Bowl: Tackling Wrongful Convictions one Turf at a Time. Tune in on Saturday, October 2, at 6:00pm to hear from Jimmie and Tyrone and make a direct difference in the fight for accuracy and accountability in our criminal legal system. Register now: https://bit.ly/3ACX9D2` [^4]: Georgia Innocence Project Site [Archive](https://archive.is/650io). [^5]: [Snapshot of Georgia Innocence Project IRS page](https://i.postimg.cc/Tx0XdRTC/BDE-Capture-7.png). [^6]: [Tax Year 2021 snapshot](https://i.postimg.cc/pRYD5n7w/BDE-Capture-7.png). [^7]: [Tax Year 2020 snapshot](https://i.postimg.cc/V19RnT0Z/BDE-Capture-7.png). [^8]: Georgia Innocence Project EIN: 75-3018448 - [ProPublica Profile](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/753018448) [^9]: CaMia Jackson (Democratic Party) (formerly Whitaker Hopson) was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, representing District 153. She assumed office on January 14, 2019. She left office on January 9, 2023. [BallotPedia Profile.](https://ballotpedia.org/CaMia_Jackson)