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 were loved as player and athlete when I was growing up. You resemble what role model is all about. If anyone can conquer this dreaded disease, you can!!!!! Get well soon!
Wow, there’s so much I could say, but really, to say you were my favorite all-around catcher in MLB, only to be traded to MY METS, should lead you to all the conclusions you need to reach as far as your standing with me. As a young teenager, you showed me that good guys could win. Well Gary, I sincerely believe you can win this battle as well. We all LOVE you and just remeber, “YA GOTTA BELIEVE!” Please feel the love from your friends and family, and I hope it strengthens you through these, the hardest of times. We will all be waiting for you at home plate when you hit a grand slam to defeat this, your toughest opponent. God bless and keep smiling!
Andy Nichols
Wilmington, NC
Gary:
My mother-in-law was a big baseball fan and took my son to his first game at Shea Stadium. Prior to that I never had an interest in baseball. My son is responsible for my being a Mets fan.
In my mind’s eye I can see you with your hands high after having gotten a hit or smashing a home run ball in the ’86 season. Thank you not only for the memories but for the hustle. Moreover, I have no doubts that you will approach your current medical condition as you approached the plate.
Thinking of you and wising you and your family all the best.
Carol McKenna
To The The KID and his family!!! If you battle this like you did Baseball watch out cancer!!!! Still remeber like it was Yesterday when the Headline news said METS MADE A BLOCKBUSTER TRADE with at the time Montral Expos!!!! Mets get best catcher in Baseball!!!!!!!!!!
Gary- Even though I am a die-hard Cubs fan, I thank you for all the wonderful years of baseball and charitable work. You are a winner in every resepect at the game of life.
You’re the best kid!
Gary – you were my favorite player in 86 and embodied the heart, determination and magic of the Mets! I wish you and your family luck and strength throughout this difficult ordeal and know that The Kid will once again emerge victorious!
Kid,
We loved watching you play the game so well, with joy, verve, and skill. Some of your great Mets moments are indelibly engraved in our memories. We are hoping and praying for the best for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Dan and Eileen T
Best wishes to you and your family, Mr. Carter! You will beat this just you like you the beat the Red Sox in grand fashion in ’86! Go Gary!
One of baseballs good guys. Much love from this Yankee fan.
For as long as I can remember, Gary Carter was ALWAYS a Class Act on & off the field. I remember going to Shea before a game & even going to Port St Lucie in 1988 for Spring Training, Gary always took some time to spend talking & signing autographs with the fans. He always had a positive attitude towards baseball & a smile which helped get him the nickname “The Kid”. Gary is a World Champ & fought his battle on the field & won. YOU’RE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS GARY!
Gary,
Although you were a little before my time, I grew up listening to my dad and mom tell me stories of that ’86 season. I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Stay Strong,
Brandon A’Hara
Gary we all love you and are praying for you here in Tobyhanna, PA. If anyone can beat this…..you can Kid keep the faith!
Gary,
Heres wishing you a speedy recovery. Keep the faith and you will prevail. May the memories of ’86 keep you smiling! All of our prayers go out to you and your family.
Ilene and Donald Platkin
dear gary although life dealt you a serious blow i consider you a very lucky guy not because you played baseball because you are a great person you are a gentleman in every aspect you are kind and consierate and caring and friendly thats the greatest gift on earth good luck alan hame
hi gary – my husband and myself remember meeting you in port st lucie where you resided at the same residence that we did. we were in the office and the door opened and there you were – with that radiant smile of your and the sparkling eyes – we will always remember that meeting and how gracious you were and how excited we were. we are both praying for your speedy recovery and best wishes to you and your family in this time –
take care of yourself – myrna and benamin thomas
I remember standing on the Cub dugout on Sept 17 1986 dancing as the Mets clinched the Eastern division. That year, Gary Carter and the rest of the team gave this city so many great thrills. I was in Dallas watching game 6 of the World Series when you started the two out rally with a single. The Mets never gave up and pulled victory from the jaws of defeat.. I will pray to the Good Lord that he give you strength for one more come from behind win. Look to Him and he will guide you.
Mike Santucci
Hey Gary: if anyone can beat this, you can!
Your style of play and leadership qualities helped win a pennant in 1986, this is just another challenge that you can overcome.
All the best, Met fans never forget, keep fighting the good fight!
To The Carter Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time in your life, and rest assured that if the power of positive thinking has any impact you will beat this thing. You have brought your fans many wonderful and exciting moments in your career and we wish there was more we could give you in return. We look forward to sitting with you at CitiField in the future when the Mets long overdue retire your number, and wish you many more years of health and happiness.
I have been a Met fan since I was 3 years old. You were always my favorite player and still will be. I taught my 4th grade students in Az about you and brought in your trading card that I still have 26 years later. I am pulling for you and am still your number one fan! Love you!
Gary, Sandy & Family, I will be praying for you during this time. Glad that you know The Great Physician who will bring you through this ordeal. 2 Corinthians 1:3&4
Gary, praying for you that the doctors beat this. Still remember watching you play. One of the greatest catchers of all time. God Bless you and your family.
Let’s Go Kid! Ya Gotta Believe!
Looking forward to another Curtain Call soon!
Gd Bless.
Daren from Queens.
Thank you for all the great moments you gave us in a Mets uniform. My favorite was the 1986 NLCS Game #5 walk off RBI base hit you got in extra innings. I was in attendance at Shea that day, for one of the greatest games I ever attended (with the exception of Games #6 & 7 of the World Series). The Kid was the last piece the Mets needed to win that Championship!
My prayers go out to you & yours Gary.
Prayers for you Kid. In my heart and memory always.
Harry Weinberg
Gary, if there is anyone who can beat this, it is you.
Routing louder than ever,
Bradley
Hello Gary, You are one of the best NY Mets ever and I enjoyed you being part of my team.
God bless and I pray for a full recovery and a long and happy life for you and your family.
Dave Duffy
As a fellow catcher, you were my favorite player growing up. As a life-long Met fan, one of my first memories is the 1986 World Series (I was 4 at the time), and sitting with my Boppy in the living room watching the games. You gave us so many great memories through those years, and beyond, and I am hoping you get to make so many more. Swing for the fences, Gary.
Gary-
You gave us Met fans your all and now we’re here to give you our support! May God bless you and your family! XOXOXO
Donna
Gary, as a boy growing up a Mets fan in the 80’s, you were always a class act and someone who I looked up to. You are an inspiration to many. Keep fighting there are millions behind you rooting for you harder than ever before! Prayers and best wishes go out to Gary and the Carter family.
Frankie S
Gary, you have always been one of my all time favorite players, Mets or otherwise. You were one of the major reasons I started following baseball when I was in middle school, and the major reason why this southern boy from NC who’s never been to NYC loves the Mets to this day. I will always remember your smile and love for the game. A lot’s been said about the swagger and attitude of the ’86 Mets team, but I know without a doubt that team wouldn’t have made it to the World Series without your leadership. You played the game the RIGHT way, the way it was meant to be played. I always admired the way you seemed to relish being able to play a kids game for a living and never took it for granted. Now it’s time for us, your fans, to give back to you the support and love you so richly deserve. I know your faith is deep so I hope you know there are thousands of Kid Carter fans out here praying for you and wishing you and your family the best in your fight. Thank You Gary!
Gary, I guess I’m not alone with my story. I still have my autographed photo from you that I received in 1985. As you wrote to me, I write to you- “God Bless you” Gary. If anyone can beat this its you.
may God truly bless u Gary Carter! i hope they find a way to rid of this cancer. you were my moms favorite player when i was a kid- she tought you were cute! LOL
The Mets went all out to get you and along with Keith the 2 best trades in Met history. As a player you were indestructible and a model citizen. As a team leader you set the standard for catchers and you were a class act. It was a pleasure to watch the greatness of you. Gary, I hope to express the appreciation from a fan since 1962 and all Met fans. We are indepted to you.
May God bless you and your family.
God Bless you Gary!
When I met you and you autographed my photo you signed “God Bless Gary Carter”, lets hope he does, all the best !!!
wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery Kid!
Dan
Gary,
From a Met fan for nearly 50 years now, thank you for all the great times. Wishing you the best, and may the divine light shine upon you always.
Gary,
My family and I are HUGE fans from your days with the Montreal Expos and we are all praying for you. We believe in miracles and and we will pray for a speedy healing. We know that anything is possible with God.
God bless and know that you will beat this!
Colleen McMurtry
Dear Gary, I remember writing you a letter when I was in 7th Grade at Madrid-Waddington Central School (New York/ near Cornwal, Ont). You were having a slump with the Expos…and you wrote back, and sent an Autographed Postcard! For a 13 year old, living out in the country this was better than hearing from the President! I now have worked my life as a Cardiac Nurse…and can only wish you God Speed and Strength…You’ll Do Great!…Keep Smiling….With Best Regards, Matthew J. Dalton, RN…Plattsburgh, New York.
gary i wish you the best, im a huge mets fan, i was so happy when you came over to the mets in 1985, you were by far my all time favorite athlete. god bless you!!!
gary, you were inspiration to me growing up, i was a catcher in little league, and high school, been a mets fan my whole life, you were the only non met player i liked, than i was watching monday night football, when they said you were coming to the mets, i was so pumped. 1986 i was there game 7, unreal, crazy night, i wish you the best, god bless you!!!
Gary,
You were my favorite player growing up. A couple of years ago my brother tracked you down at a Samford University graduation and got you to sign a ball for me for as a Christmas gift. Thank you for that. You hit a homerun in the first MLB game I ever went to back in 1986 in Atlanta. It was awesome to watch you play the game with so much joy and being an example of a Christian man. I have been praying for you and will continue to do so.
Ryan
Gary – There was something about you from the minute you became a member of the NY Mets team that captivated everyone. Your spirit, your grace, your positive attitude and the positive example you set for every member of your team was an inspiration to all of us. I am a life long fan and you are my all time favorite Met player. I feel so sad that you are going through this difficult time. I was at CitiField the other night when they played tribute to you and it brought tears to my eyes. You have all of our support and prayers. God Bless You and your family!
Dear Gary,
25 years ago you gave us a miracle and I will be praying for one for you. Hang in there and be strong and know that we are pulling for you. I have faith in you and know that you can beat this. Go Team Carter!!!
Gary, you have been a great player and a great human being i hope for the best for you and your family through this difficult time you are my idol, you have great spirits and you will pull through this, may God be with you and your family.
Robert Walsh
formally from the bronx now live in IllInois i am a true mets fan for over 43 years and you are my favorite met keep the faith
Dear Mr. Carter,
You played a significant part in the 1986 Mets season and that is something I will never forget. You have always been a gentlemen and a true professional on and off the field. My thoughts, prayers, and best wishes to you and your love ones, always.
Gary Carter … You were my idol growing up being a catcher….and you are still my idol now. I wish you all the best as you go through this time. Prayers and faith to you and your family.
Stacey Belhumer
Dumont, NJ
Gary the power of prayer and faith in the LORD is wonderful , and as a believer in Christ I will pray for your wellbeing everyday . Have faith in the LORD especially in times of trouble , Just believe
Hi Gary,
I actually got to meet you at a autograph session back in ’85, and I remember how classy and gracious you were to me. I’d like to return that kindness in the form of prayers and good wishes to you and your family.
Take care,
Ricky Diaz