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
I know you will come out of this fine . . . you are a man of tremendous faith and strength and you have a wonderful family. I just went back and read your HOF induction speech. You know the power of prayer because you chose baseball over football after you prayed! I will pray for you as I know millions of others will. Hang in there and believe in the power of prayer.
Matt
Gary,
You are the greatest Met ever!
You are a great, wonderful person Gary Carter, who just happened to be an amazing athlete too…oh and let’s not forget that perfect smile.
Get well soon! We are all rooting for you.
Charlie
Gary! I saw hit that winning homerun in your first game as a Met over the left field wall.
That was awsome. I knew you would come through at that moment. And you know what kid? You are gonna come through again and fight this thing. I know you will. And, you know it too you son of a gun!
So, kid, I know ” giving up” is not in your vocabulary. Never was, never will.
We love ya, man. The good Lord is on your side………
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngBECFvZkqU Frank ( die hard Mets fan)
Gary! I saw hit that winning homerun in your first game as a Met over the left field wall.
That was awsome. I knew you would come through at that moment. And you know what kid? You are gonna come through again and fight this thing. I know you will. And, you know it too you son of a gun!
So, kid, I know ” giving up” is not in your vocabulary. Never was, never will.
We love ya, man. The good Lord is on your side………
Frank ( die hard Mets fan)
Our prayers are with you! The best thing to happen to the Mets was you! My mom and I loved watching you interact with the children at the games. You are a blessing to so many. Your faith in Christ radiated in all you do. We were thrilled to meet you and your lovely wife, Sandy, once and let you know how we appreciated your Christian walk. It was the poster signing of you and Dwight Gooden. God bless you. He is watching over you. He has you in the palm of His hand!
Gary and Family,
As you begin this battle with life know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
You were my hero growing up. Named my son Carter after you. He is 10 now.
Best memory is bringing him to see you get inducted intoCooperstown Hall of Fame.
You are a great player and greater person.
Know that you are not alone….all your fans are supporting you.
You are the best!!
#8 in your program, always #1 in your heart!!!
Carol and Carter from NJ
Hey, Gary. You are tough and kind, heroic and charming, a great Met and a big part of Mets fans legend. My favorite game was not in the ’86 World Series but the next to last game of the year in 1985. When the scoreboard announced that the Cardinals had won the pennant… a most amazing thing happened. Everyone in the stadium stood up and began clapping for the efforts of that wonderful team. The hair stood up on my neck and arms as the team came out on the field to applaud the fans. What a lovefest! I KNEW we would win in 1986 that very day. You made that team respectable and gave a great smiling face to the public that represented our team. You came out of the press box area one game as I was walking to my seat. I said “hey, Gary… you the man!’… you smiled and said thanks. My friends who were with me always would say, “hey, Ken, there’s your buddy, Gary Carter!” whenever you came to bat or were on camera. I took that as a great compliment. The Kid. That says it all. You can beat this and every Mets fan is rooting for you.
Gary
We are all praying for you and your family. The Mets family and fans are with you!
Stay strong, Kid!
~ Clare Lafferty
Kid, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. These next 5 weeks will be hell. I pray that your tumors are knocked out, and that all will be well. Reach out to the American Cancer Society. They have wonderful programs for you and for your family. I know, been there….
Prayers and thoughts are with you Kid. Stay positive.
For me, Gary Carter is the Mets. They were never better than when #8 led the team, and #8 was always a source of pride for fans, a class act who respected the game and who earned the respect of everyone who ever saw him play. And he made it fun. Get well soon. There’s a world of us still rooting for you as hard as ever.
get well soon Gary
Of all the Mets fans I know that were old enough to remember ’86, “Gary Carter” are always the first two words to come out of their mouth when they talk about that magical season. Get well soon, Gary
A long time Mets fan and have fond memories of your playing days here. Your smile always radiated and made us feel better about being Mets fans. But this is not about baseball, it’s just about compassion for another person. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family. You have a great spirit and that will help you get through this ordeal. Keep up the good fight. Bless you and your family.
God bless, Gary…praying for you! I was only a couple months old when the Mets won in ’86, but that season has become legendary with fans of all ages; that championship doesn’t happen without The Kid! Thank you for everything on the field and off and I wish you a speedy recovery
Dear Gary,
I read the news about your condition while serving here in Kandahar, Afghanistan; in the name of 1-25 HHC 3-21 Infantry Battallion we wish you a complete recovery and we’re praying for you, Kid. God Bless you.
Gary,
We will never forget how you never let us down, especially in 86. The Kid was always there for us and true Mets fans will never forget. 1986 would be just another disappointed if it were not for #8.
We will see you when #8 is placed on that wall. METS – DO IT NOW!!!! This man has earned it.
God Bless and stay strong. This is just another way for you to show us that you are still a true winner and our Hero!
#8 Forever a Met! We love you Gary.
Joe
Gary–
I don’t know what to say. You were in my triad as I grew up in the 80’s. It was Robin Yount, Dennis Eckersley and Gary Carter. I grew up in Wisconsin, but oddly became an Expos fan on top of my allegiance to the Brewers. Gary, you are an inspiration to sports fans everywhere. I am still here in Wisconsin, but wherever you go you’ll take a piece of me and every fan who ever said, “the Kid is tops!” You’re the best Kid!
I Said A Prayer for You Today
by Frank J. Zamboni
I said a prayer for you today
And know God must have heard.
I felt the answer in my heart
Although He spoke no word!
I didn’t ask for wealth or fame
(I knew you wouldn’t mind).
I asked him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind!
I asked that He be near you
At the start of each new day;
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way!
I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small.
But it was for His loving care
I prayed the most of all!
I have a picture of you with my late son, who was a big fan of yours. It is one of my favorite pictures, mostly because you were so kind and friendly at the time. The best of luck to you . . . rhb
Know that you have countless fans praying for you. May God give you the strength to block the plate against this terrible affliction.
We love you Gary! We’re sending up a ton of prayers for you!
We love you Gary, you’re a Miracle Met, you can do anything!
I remember my dad taking me to the 86 world series and how much you meant to the team. The team needed you then and we all need you now. It’s going to be a bumpy ride but I know that with each and every prayer from all of us, we will help you fight. I’m so proud to own your jersey.
Get well, Gary. We still love you, man. You’re a HERO to us. Please get better!
Get well, Gary…METS fans still love you very much. You’re a HERO to us! Please get better.
Is ok kid god and blessed mother virgin mary and ours prayers are with you always may God bless u always hang in there tough you will never give up miracles do happen keep the faith we will too we all love you Gary take care
It’s never a good thing to hear about anyone.
You’re exactly four days older than I am, Kid. No one lives forever, of course, but you — like me and most people — deserve to think you might till the last day of your life, which I hope will be a long, long time from now.
Get well, guy.
Dear Gary
I hope you are getting better and i hope to see you in Cooperstown this Summer
Rest in the fact that God is in control. Best wishes and prayers for you Gary.
Gary, to a wonderful man, and a Met hero, our best wishes and prayers for you. May G-d bless you and your family…….
We are all behind you Gary,wishing you the best
Kidd, it has been a great pleasure watching you play. you are one of the reasons im a met fan. my thoughts and many prays are with you in your battle. godspeed
Gary
I will never forget the 1986 world Series and what you did to help us win it. I am also fighting cancer and I know we can both beat this!!! You will always be in our prayers.
K
Gary our family’s thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless you. Thoughts and prayers to you and your Family.
You attack this the way you attacked the game and this does not have a chance
YOU WILL WIN! JUST LIKE GAME 6 IN 86
You’re gonna beat this KID!!!
I’ll never forget what you did for all of us frustrated Mets fans those many years ago….Nor will I forget you in my prayers….No matter what keep your faith and keep believing….You have a family of millions who loves you Gary…Don’t ever surrender!!!
Love ya
Patrick in VA
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this challenging time. Take it one day at a time and make each moment count. Stay strong and hang in there “Kid”. All my pitching outings are for you Gary, last night I threw 5 innings, 6 k’s, and 1BB……gave up 1 run. Take care Dude!!
Praying God strengthen, comfort and be with you always. Your great fighting spirit will always carry you through and we’re all rooting for YOU.
Our prayers are with you and your Family at this time! Go get’em KID! Thank you for all that you did and all they you represent as a Met! Met Fans in thomasville, GA!
Here is a message from across the pond , keep fighting Gary , my prayers are with you and your family. ‘Lets Go Mets Go’
And yes RETIRE THIS HOF #8!! Mets organization needs to support and respect the players that brought them success.
We met Gary at Spring Training a few times. He was always gracious enough to stop for pictures or sign autographs. I remember a time he was talking about Game 6 to a few of us and his face was lit up like a Christmas Tree. He looked like a “Kid” in a candy store, you could tell he was both proud and excited to tell the story. Watching him on the ball field there is now doubt in my mind he will beat this. Remember Gary; you didn’t make the last F#&*ing out in the World Series and your not going to make the last out now. We wish you well and hope you have a speedy recovery. Thank you for all you gave on the Diamond and in life. Godspeed
Ya gotta believe!! Get well soon Kid!!!
Miracles DO happen thru prayer……May God shower his choicest Blessings on you and grant
you a complete recovery! Never give up…..
God bless Gary. We are rooting for you. Get well soon.
We need to appreciate what this hall of famer, gamer, the kid Carter, did for the Mets organization. We need to retire his number along with keith. Retire 8 and 17 together and honor these men. Then when piazza gets into hall 31 is next. We love ya kid. Get better soon.
Gary may God bless you.
hang in there Kid we love you