Saying goodbye to The Kid (1954-2012)
Baseball mourns the loss of Gary Carter, who helped the Mets to the 1986 title and was inducted in the Hall of Fame after a 19-year career with the Expos, Mets, Giants and Dodgers. “The Kid” passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2012, at the age of 57 in his home state of Florida after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
“Driven by a remarkable enthusiasm for the game, Gary Carter became one of the elite catchers of all-time,” Commissioner Bud Selig said. “‘The Kid’ was an 11-time All-Star and a durable, consistent slugger for the Montreal Expos and the New York Mets, and he ranks among the most beloved players in the history of both of those franchises. . . . I extend my deepest condolences to Gary’s wife Sandy, their daughters Christy and Kimmy, their son D.J., their grandchildren, his friends and his many fans.”
Major League Baseball invites fans to please leave any condolences and memories of Gary in this guestbook blog’s comments.
Remembering Gary Carter 
Gary,
You are in my thoughts and prayers….hang in there…. you have a lot of people praying for you…. you can beat this…. keep a positive attitude…
God bless you in your recovery and I hope we will see you at Citifield this season!
Gary, thanks for all the great baseball,we are all pulling for you 100%. after you beat this ,and you will,stop by citi field and say hello. big fan
As a 7 year old kid in Maryville, TN I became a Mets fan because of an Ivory soap commercial featuring Gary Carter. We had just gotten cable and flipping through the channels one day I stumbled upon WWOR and a baseball game. I recognized the uniforms from the commercial. It was the summer of 1986 and the rest is history. From that day forward you have been my favorite player. Thank you for the wonderful memories and for helping me fall in love with baseball. I am praying for your healing and that God will continue to bless you and your family. Nothing is too big for God!
Gary, I am a huge Mets fan and although I wasn’t born for the 1986 World Series or during your time as a Met, I have always been a huge fan of yours. You are a legend in my household and a true Met. I know you will get through this, just keep your head up and stay positive! Good luck!
-Billy B
Gary,
This is my third year doing walks for cancer. I have met so many wonderful people who against all odds survived.
You are a survivor and you will beat this. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Thinking of you
SusanM
Gary,
At 1986 we believe in you, and now you are one of the greatest. Remenber BELIEVE! God be with you……..
Hang in there Gary! I know that you are going to beat this thing as you have the fortitude and the strength of character to do it. You showed these attributes as part of the Met players who provided us with so many exciting moments mainly in 1986 when the Mets became World Champions.
Good luck! Me and my family are praying for you!
Go get em kid! This will be your greatest achievement, when you beat this, and you will. I’ve been a fan since I can remember and wish you the best!
Last Christmas, my husband bought me a Shea Stadium seat back signed by Gary Carter. Everyone said, “He really knows you!” because anyone who knows me, knows my favorite player from Mets history: Gary Carter. Not only a great player, but a good and decent man, someone who is a role model, like we want a player to be. Gary, you always gave more than 100% to us fans. Now it is our turn to be there for you. We send you our thoughts and prayers. We’ll keep sending them, too. You heard us cheer for you when you were playing; you know we are here now, cheering for you, praying for you, hoping for you to win this one.
gary it’s like running around all four bases, every time you hit a hommer, you would pump your fist into the air as you past first, then second and so forth until you scored,
well this time hit the greatest homerun ever and pump your fist four more times and knock out those four tumors!!!!
we all love you gary and we are still rooting for you
Stay strong and fight the best fight you can. hernandez, Gooden, Strawberry and the rest all were of course, instrumental in ’86, and throughout the late 80’s teams, but it was you who brought the pitching staff together. Without them, and you, there wouldn’t have been a championship in ’86. Thank you for the memories of those teams.
get will soon we love you gary
As a longtime Mets fan we have been thru some bad times and very good times. Like a lot of us the ’86 team was my favorite Mets team of all time. When they were losing you always thought that they had a chance to win. You were always my favorite Mets player and a true leader and role model. I wish for God to give you the strength to be able to handle whatever he is going to dish out to you and that you come thru this like the leader and role model you have always been. God Bless you and your family.
I was 27 in 1986, the year the Mets were truly amazing. You were one of the reasons the Mets were so incredible that year. I remember seeing you with your wife and daughters in the victory parade and thinking what an awesome family man and athlete you are. Thanks for all the memories. God bless you and your family!!
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY HERO, FIGHT,FIGHT FIGHT.
gary ,as a baseball fan from england i was never able to see you play in person , but i know that you played the game the right way , and are recognised as a true leader of the ’86 world champs . i was lucky enough to meet you at the mets fan camp in 2006 , and you were kind enough to spend time chatting , posing for a treasured photo , and signing a print . a class act , and a great guy . my prayers are with you .
Mi Sheberach is a Hebrew prayer for healing.
May the One who blessed our ancestors, Sarah and Abraham, Rebecca and Isaac, Leah, Rachel and Jacob bless Gary Carter, along with all of the ill among us. Grant insight to those who bring healing, courage and faith to those who are sick, love and strength to us and to all who love them. God, let your spirit rest upon all who are ill and comfort them. May they and we soon know a time of complete healing, a healing of the body and a healing of the spirit and let us say: Amen.
You lifted our spirits when you played and made us believe.
Now it is our turn to return the favor. We are praying for you and sending back all the positive feelings you sent us when you played. You were always our “go to guy” and clutch when we needed you. We belive you can come through again. Keep swinging. We’re right there with you…always.
You and the 86 Met players gave us fans a “Season to Remember.” I hope everything works out well for you and your family!!!
Gary, when I was living in NYC and broke I rediscovered baseball and the Mets in 1984 and have been a fan ever since. You are my hero – you played the game the right way, with courage, passion and great talent. I saw you inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame and went to Cooperstown for your induction there. You have given so much to the game and to your communities whereever you’ve lived and played – now it is our turn to give back to you in strength and prayers for your recovery.
Love ya, Kid.
Dearest Gary, please know my family is thinking of you daily and praying for you and yours.
As one of the Flushing Faithful, my prayers are with you. You have given so much to Met fans, in return we can give you our love and support during this time. We know you’ll beat this, Kid! God Bless you and your loved ones.
My one year old boy is named Carter and loves ball already. I know the Bible says God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. Easy to say but hard to live by sometimes. Being a catcher you are used to being the decision maker calling the shots but be the DH this time (designated healer) listen to your doctors, fight and pray to God for healing. With diseases or many health issues if you are not careful you can feel all alone at times even though millions of people around the world are thinking about you and praying for you daily. God bless you, Gary.
Gary – you’re in my prayers. I’ve been a Mets fan since 1962 and they don’t come any better than you, both on and off the field.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Carter family. My father lost his battle with a Glioblastoma four years ago. I really hate this disease and I hope Gary is the man to beat it!
I was just a little kid when you came over to the MEts from the Expo. Opening day and hitting the homerun. I remember everyone at my house was screaming and saying this is it… he’s bringing us a WS. You did!! Keep strong, keep the faith, and remember you have friends, family an above all else God on your corner.
Gary–I’ve been a Mets fan since 1967. One of the greatest moments in Mets history was the day your were traded to the Mets. I always knew you were a special ball player and your first game as a Met when you homered, sealed that notion for me. You have another battle ahead but if anyone can get through this it’s you! You and your family are in my prayers. By the grace of God you will get through this. Hang in there Kid!
Gary, I grew up south of Atlanta and it was my third or fourth ballgame I ever went to you were with the Expo’s and from that time on you were one of my favorite players in the visiting dugout. I’m also half cajun since my dad’s side is from Mobile,Al. and if I could make some Goodies and you get well then I would! I’m praying for you and love you. Let’s Geuex Met’s go. Please get well.
Gary,
I grew up idolizing you. My little league team was the Mets and I caught because of you. I even wore #8. You played the game with heart, dedication, and class. I still can picture you jumping in Orasco’s arms after teh final strikeout of Gm 7. I know you will fight this and win cause that is what you are. A WINNER
Gary, I remember you as a Expo and I saw you when you came to Atlanta near where I grew up 2 hrs to the south. If I could swing some homemade goodies to you and you get better I would! I’m also half cajun and can get anyone hungry. I’m praying for you and think of you often. You will always be a Childhood favorite to me.
I was a Brooklyn Dodger fan before I became a Mets fan. I remember the days watching you lead our beloved Mets through good times and bad. You had the spirit and talent to become one of the greatest players ever. Now at this time in your life, keep up the fight. Don’t give up. Our prayers are with you.
Gary,
My first images of baseball were back at Shea while growing up in Queens, NY. Even though I was still young in the 80’s, I distinctly remember the crowd cheering your name at a Mets home game. I was and still inspired by your passion, energy and drive.
I hope the very best for you and your family. Keep fighting hard and I look forward to you coming through once again!!
Chris
Gary,
I’ve Been a Met fan since I was born in 1984. I played catcher in little league for 4 yrs and Mr. Carter was and still is my baseball idol. My prayers go out to his family and friends and if there’s anyone that can beat this thing it’s “the kid”! In my blue and orange heart for life, good luck Gary. We’re all pulling for you.
Brian
May God hold you and your family in the palm of His hand during this fight. You were a great player and fighter with the Mets, and I’m sure you’ll fight this battle with everything you have.
Good morning Gary, just wanted to say it was a pleasure watching on the baseball diamond and you were my daughter’s favorite player. She still has your jersey. News about your battle bought back memories of my Dad. It’s a battle you must face head on with all your might and spirit. If anyone one can beat this you can. Wish you and your family the best and we are praying for you.
Prayers for your healing Gary. Thru HIS stripes you are healed and I know you believe this. Im a METS fan since ’78 and believe the 86mets rule forever! Blessings to you and your family!
Gary Carter was my baseball idol. Once acquired by the Mets, I went on quest to collect as many different baseball cards of “The Kid”. To date, I have almost 60 different types of baseaball cards of him. I also have 2 separate newspapers from the day after he hit his 300th homer! Prayers are with you Gary and your family!
Gary,
you played the game the way it should be played. Smart, hard and with a little moxie. May you head into this situation with the strength of your family and friends. Hold onto the feeling you had when Shea rocked in your name!
Hello Gary ! My name is Yannick, I’m 37 years old and I live in Louiseville, Quebec, Canada. I’m a baseball maniac and, as a child, I was a fan of the Expos until you were traded for the Mets. Because you were my hero, I’ve follow you in New York and, ever since, I’m a Mets fan ! Thank you for all the passion you demonstrated on the field. Thank you for all the good memories you gave me. Thank’s for all Gary ! As a Christian catholic, I just want to end this message by saying this to you : Whatever will happen, Jesus is on your side. God is Love and he’s with you. I pray for you and your family and, most of all, for the good of your soul. God bless you Gary Carter !!!
I was a huge fan of yours. I remember when I was living in LA during the 86 season I went to see the Mets play the Dodgers. I got there really early and watched you shag fly balls wearing a cast on your wrist as you were then on the DL. That amazed me how you could do that. Also watching replays of the 16 inning game 6 of the 86 playoffs and seeing that you caught the entire game amazes me as well.
I figure this is another short stint on the DL of life. Get well soon.
I wish Gary Carter well. My first memory of baseball came when he was with thet Mets and watching the Mets win the 1986 World Series.
Gary praying for your recovery. Thank you for 1986 the best year in Mets history. Get well soon.
Gary –
You have always been my favorite Met! Good luck in fighting this horrible disease – your spirit and love of life will get you through it as well as all the love from all of us – your fans!!!
Heidi
My prayers are with you are your family. You are a class act and it was a pleasure to watch you play. Hope to see you back on the field soon
A copy of your biography, “A Dream Season,” was given to me for Christmas one year. In it I found a special personalized autograph from you that read “Dear Mike…May the force be with you…Merry Christmas, Sincerely Gary Carter” (my mother told you that the only thing I loved more than watching you play was Star Wars, LOL). You were my first baseball hero and I have treasured that autograph ever since. You were an inspiration to me and a kid with your talent and you continue to be an inspiration to me as an adult with you bravery. As Mr. Darling likes to say, we know you won’t make that last out and we’re keeping you in our thoughts.
I know this little brush back pitch will not keep you down – keep swinging #8! Mets fans are with you!
Gary-
I have nothing but fond memories of that 86 season as well as the rest of your five years with the Mets. It broke my heart to hear about your illness. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Chris Ray
Gary,
You were the final piece in putting together a Championship team. You and Kieth were the leaders on that team and I will always cherish your time with the Mets. I want you to know now as you fight your toughest battle I will be praying for you and I know your fighting spirit will pull you through this battle.
Bob
You were voted into the Hall of Fame in 1993 & The Kid has Always been a Part of The Fans Hall of Fame, God Bless You & keep you strong. We know as always you will keep swinging. With Much Love and Respect a Lifelong Fan!!!