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 
I always said that before 1985, the Mets need Gary Carter. It was a great day when we got you. You will be a Met hero forever, so we the fans are here for you.
The first game I went to was in 1985, against the Reds, the fourth game of the season. Bruce Berenyi beat Mario Soto 1-0, with the only run of the game coming on a Gary Carter home run in the 4th. I was six years old, and completely hooked on baseball and the Mets. That game confirmed my fandom forever. Thank you, Gary, and get well!
Stay tough kid! You can beat this thing! You were always there for us Met fans. We’ll always be there for you!!!
Gary – you put us over the hump!! Get well soon. You can beat this!!
Gary, you didn’t give up in Game 6 with two outs and the World Series on the line and you got us the hit we needed to start that AMAZING rally. This same determination , strength and leadership will get you through your current fight against cancer. Best wishes to “The Kid” for an AMAZING recovery!
Gary, you were the missing piece in our championship team. The grace of God will protect you no matter where this journey leads you. Have faith. You already have courage and the love of millions. God Bless You!!!
Dear Gary:
You were my favorite player when I was a kid and I considered myself the luckiest girl in the world to have been at Game Six and watch you lead the rally in the 9th that eventually led to the Mets’ win that night. (Of course, at the time, I attributed the win to the fact that I brought my Gary Carter Mets Cabbage Patch Kid with me to the game that night.) You were a class act, even while those around you were certainly far from it. You were always a hard worker, on top of being an extremely talented player. Thank you for loving and respecting baseball the way you do.
I am sending my prayers and thoughts to you and your family and hope that you get well soon. You are very loved. I know you can fight this!
Gary…You were so good to the NYC school kids.I remember you got on my friends bus and gave each kid an an autograph,it was a rain out & they came to the park to exchange tickets.It was awesome…You will be in our prayers & our hearts for ever….You gotta Believe……. Katie
I’m pulling for you & your family to meet this challenge with the same level of dignity you showed us on the field. Peace be with you.
Thank you for being a class act. All the best as you start this battle.
Kid — today’s bunch couldn’t hold a candle to ya. You gotta come back and get these kids to play the game the right way. Put it in the Lord’s hands. THY Will, not my will.
Kid – from a Mets fan in the UK who has spent a lot of time in the US.
I remember the 86 World Series well. It was shown in highlights in the UK but I was lucky enough to be in New York for part of it and the atmosphere was amazing.
I always remember the pile of players at the end. I have a lot of it on DVD/BluRay and watch it occasionally with fond memories.
I watched you for a long time with admiration at your demeanour on the diamond and your sportsmanship.
I wish you well at this time and God’s speed for a swift and full recovery.
Gary, You were there for us. We are here for You. You helped us in 1986 and we are here to pray for you in 2011.Get Well Soon. Our Prayers are for you and with you.
Dear Gary,
Please, please fight this as you have been a fighter all your life. You have always been one of my favorite Mets, and your influence and positive energy have always been a part of the great Mets days since you joined them! You should have been inducted in the hall of fame as a Met, but, your contributions with the Expos were amazing as well! Please fight this with that great fighting spirit that you have and you will win!
With much love and best wishes,
Joe Maggio
GC,
All the best to you in this time.
Gary,
I was nine years old when the Mets had that Magical Season. When I watch old footage I feel like a kid again. Thanks for a great season and career. My thoughts are with you and your family. Get Well soon Kid!
Kid, without you being determined NOT to make the last out in the ’86 world series, we might have lost but you fought to keep your team alive, and I know you will fight even harder now and I will pray (just as I did in 1986) that you will not make “the last out” in this battle you have! You will fight off all that is thrown at you and I know with prayers and faith that you will get that hit and beat this cancer! I wish the best to you and your family and will keep you in my prayers and I hope one day to see you at Citi Field cancer free and having your #8 retired. I can see this in the future and have faith in God that you will beat this Gary! We fans are with you and are united in this fight with you. Get well Kid, I want to shake your hand some day and tell you how hard I prayed for you! I know you will beat it!
God Bless
I love you, LORD, my strength
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield[b] and the horn[c] of my salvation, my stronghold
I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I have been saved from my enemies.
Keep the faith KID
Gary,
You are my favorite baseball player ever!! I wish you nothing but the best and a speedy recovery!! My prayers and thoughts are with you & your family during this difficult time.
Gary, we’re all rooting for you and praying for you. God bless you.
stay tough mr carter , im praying for you and your family
thanks for that 86 season made me a met fan for life !
I am praying for you and your family as you go through this difficult time. I have always been a fan and I am rooting for you to be healed completely. Get well quickly ,Kid!
Dear Mr Carter. I have been a fan forever. I was 16 years old in 1986 and am now a retired NYPD OFFICER. I am not going to shed tears “KID”. The reason being I know you will beat any odds my friend. You have always made the impossible, possible. I, as well as my 10 year old son and wife will be praying for a speedy recovery for you. May God bless you and your family!
I been a Mets fan since 1964 but I’ll always remember you for your positive outlook even when we were down in some of the biggest games in baseball history, called the 1986 mets post season. I know you will fight this and win with same energy and positive outlook because after all you are “the Kid”. God Bless you and your family.
Hi Gary,
I still vividly remember the late 70’s and early to mid 80’s when Gary Carter was the best catcher in the game. I still remember the ’79 All-Star game when you took that throw from Dave Parker to make that play at the plate. What a whale of a break my Mets got when you came on board, you were the last missing piece to that great championship team, as well as it’s leader. The ’86 Mets are right up there with the ’27 Yankees, the ’54 Indians, and the ’75 Reds as one of the greatest teams in history. I will ALWAYS remember your time and your impact in baseball. You remain the greatest all-around catcher in Mets history, Piazza could hit but he didn’t have defensive skills like you. Grote was one of the greatest defensive catchers ever but he certainly couldn’t hit like you. I will say a prayer for the Kid and wish you only health and happiness. God bless.
Matt
Gary, you are a family man, father, husband, hall of famer, you have been blessed and will be blessed some more, because if anyone can beat this, it’s “THE KID”, you didn’t make the last out in game 6, you won’t make the last out this time either, hit a grand slam, a long , loving, healthy life to you, God bless.
Gary, you are a family man, father, husband, hall of famer, you have been blessed and will be blessed some more, because if anyone can beat this, it’s “THE KID”, you didn’t make the last out in game 6, you won’t make the last out this time either, hit a grand slam, and long , loving, healthy life to you, God bless.
Gary, as a met fan all of my life the game i’ll most remember was obviously the sixth game in ’86. i spent many a friday night driving down from ct to watch doc when that place was a seismec epicenter, and the memory i’ll always have is of you charging out after the ninth with saucer plate sized eyes to meet him. that enthusiam was and will always be what and who you are, and will carry you through this next challenge. may God continue to bless you, your family and all of those that are dear to you. be well and get well soon.
Gary,
Your character represents all that is important in professional sports. You put the team first and played with a passion and a constant smile. As a teacher, I was extremely impressed by how much you give back to the community with your foundation. I am truly one of your biggest fans; after all, my son’s middle name is “Carter”. I pray for you and your family as you fight the fight of your life. (#8)
Praying for the Lord’s physical touch and the Holy Spirit to give you spiritual strength, Gary, during this difficult time in your life.
Gary Carter I remember the day that you came a NY MET I remember the 32 home runs you hit 1986 I was at the game 6 1986 I remember the 1st 2 outs I remeber saying that Gary will not be the last out no way on this planet I recall my firends telling me I am crazy and Look what you started we won game 6 on that magical saturday Ocotber 25 1986 I cried that night tears of joy when the mets won Your not done and you will win this battle When heard I was stunned and said to same friends that Gary caqrters upbeat and unwavering belief and the fac tyou dont beleive no win situation you will win this battle . My prayers and hopes are with you on this battle that you will win cancer is opponet that picked the wrong perosn in you and you will hit it the out of the park in to oblivion A Met Fan and Gary Carter Fan Forever who has appointment at Citi Field when you beat this damn thing Pete
The best kid ever, always laughing and smiling. My family and I are rooting for you. With well wishes and lots of prayers going out to you and your beautiful family. God bless!
Get soon Kid! – I LOVED watching you play back in the day!! –
I’m rootin’ for ya, Gary! Hopin’ you send this thing about 400 ft out to left field!
JOHN 11:4-When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
Mark 5:34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease.”
Exodus 23:25 And give worship to the Lord your God, who will send his blessing on your bread and on your water; and I will take all disease away from among you.
Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Psalm 30:2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
Mark 5:36 Jesus said “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Gary,
You were a big part ofthe reason I became a Mets fan. All my mother could talk about when I was younger. All I heard was “Kid this and kid that” untl I finally started watching. You became oneof my sports heros, so strong and resilient, always coming through fo the team. I am sure those qualities will shine through in the face of adversity. i know yu’ll fight AND WIN! Be strong and fight the good fight. You are in my thoughts and prayers. We, and when I say we, i mean baseball fans, not justMets fans, love you and are praying for you
Gary,
My families prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this very challenging time in your life. Knowing how you gave nothing less than 100% in playing the game and becoming a hall of famer, I am sure you will attack this dreaded disease with the same aggressiveness.
Gary,
You were my favorite player back when I was playing in little league. I still have my baseball card from them listing you as my favorite player.
I wish there was something I could do to repay you for what you and the team meant to me growing up. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Gary,
I remember reading about Spring Training 1973, getting to know John Boccabella, and turning to Jesus. God has always been with you, even before then, and He is with you now. It’s been said that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and with your great faith, you will come to the peace you deserve. Get well soon, and God bless.
Gary,
My prayers are with you for a quick and complete recovery. You brought this town some much joy in ’86 and the other years you played here. You were a great player and competitor and we had looked forward to you managing the Mets. Will always remember you and your unique style of play.
Hey Gary, you’ve always had a great smile and helped me become the mets fan I am today. God Bless you and your family.
Keep smiling
James 1:2-3
How do you thank a man for making Mets fans dream come true? I remember how I said to myself in game six in the 9th inning that the Mets have lost it, and Boston was going to celebrate on our home field. This catcher who I thought was the best catcher I seen had since Johnny Bench, came up with the look of determination like i never saw before, and the rest is history. I just want to thank you for teaching me to never quit, and that dreams, no matter how far fetch they may seem to others, you can overcome and become legend. You and the rest of the Mets made world take notice, not just for the game but for life itself. I still believe in you and I know you will do your best as you always did. Please get well soon; I too have a dream that maybe one day I will get to thank you in person for helping me to believe in miracles again.
Growing up in Brooklyn, I have been a crazed lifelong Met fan since 1964. I follow the game closely. I would just like to tell you how much my family and I have appreciated not just your Hall of Fame baseball skills over the years, but more importantly, your contagious enthusiasim and obvious love of this GREAT game. This unyielding inner core is what WILL carry you through. We are with you Gary!
Hang in there, Kid! We’re all pulling for you!
My father bought me a Gary Carter cabbage patch doll in 1987. I still have it. Its weird I dont know anyone else who had one. Get well soon.
Now you know someone else who did! I cherished it then and I cherish it now.
~EricaLynn
You got us through Game 6, Gary – now it’s OUR turn.
I have been a Mets fan since the 70’s.
I loved the way Gary Carter lead the 86 team with such spirit. Gary Carter will always be one of my all time favorite 86 New York Mets players.
We are all rooting for you Kid.
God is with you and has faith in you and your family.
Gary,
I grew up on LI till 1992 but that 86 season will be one I will never forget. As a 7 year old you were my Idol I even had the poster on my wall that I got at Shea! Its because of your ball playing abilities I fell in love with this great game. I now live in PA and my wife has been battling Cancer for a while now shes in remission, so just keep fighting stay positive as it worked for her!!! I may be a Pirate fan now but will always love the greatest Mets team of my childhood THANKS for all you did and GOOD Luck Man My Prayers are with your family. Beat em #8