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 
What I remember most about watching the Mets teams you were a part ! Never give up. Overwhelming odds don’t mean anything. The team lead by you always came back, and if they didn’t one day they definitely would the next. That’s the spirit that will make you defeat this. You will, because that strength that helped you guide those special teams will keep you strong and like on the ball field, one again you’ll show us, what a true leader you are.
Dear Gary,
thanks for all the memories you provided me. I’ve been a Mets fan ever since you went to the Mets. I have read both books and had the pleasure to meet you at an autograph signing. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family as you enter this fight that i know you will win!!!!!!!!Thanks for the memories KID and get better soon!
Dear Gary:
I have been a Mets fan all of my life and some of my fondest Met memories are of the mid-late 1980s Met teams. You were a MAJOR part of our success and we are all rooting and praying for your recovery.
I’m a lifelong Mets fan which means I’ve both suffered and celebrated with them. 1969 was special but 1986 is the year I will always remember as the year we showed the world we were true champions and not just a “miracle.” You, along with Mex, Ron, and Doc, were a huge part of that team, of that aura that we wore so proudly as fans (even tho’ it took most of us a while to get used to being winners of that caliber!). My heart goes out to you and your family during this trying time. Be assured you are in our prayers every day. God Bless You and Your Family, Gary Carter!
Dear Gary, We all have many memories of your days as a ballplayer both with the Mets and against the Mets, but I always remember you as a player who gave 110% effort on what ever you did. So, being a Cancer survivor myself, I can only envision you giving that same kind of effort in your greatest battle ever against the Big C. I wish you and your Family & Friends only the Best and pray for your complete recovery, so that we may see you once again wear a New York Mets Uniform.
Sincerely, Mets Fan since 1968
Dear Gary,
Thank you for your contributions to the Mets, especially in 1986. I’ll never forget the base hit you got to keep the 9th inning going in game 6 of the World Series. You were and are a class act and a great role model. May God bless you as you fight this battle, and know that you have thousands of fans rooting for you once again.
Gary,
My son Daniel asked to watch your video, Think Big, tonight. As I got the video rolling my wife told me the news about your health. We wish you all the best!
As long as I live I will never forget your first game as a Met – your majestic homer winning the first game of the season. It made me think if one guy could make such a magical difference to a team, I could make a difference in anything I wanted to do. Please know how much joy you have given to me, my family and millions of your fans over the years. We rooted for you then and will do so even more now. I will say a prayer for you and your family.
All our best wishes,
The Geller Family
Gary,
As a Met fan since the team’s inception I have many happy memories of you and the outstanding Mets teams on which you played. It was always a joy to watch you play as you seemed to enjoy the game so much. As you battle with your current health problems I am praying that you will have God’s peace in this matter and that you will overcome this dread disease. I rooted for you then, and I’m rooting for you now.
Bob Allen
“Kid” Carter,
I am a lifelong Mets fan. I spent my teenage years during the 80’s and watching that team grow from also-rans to contenders. As a young catcher I can say that my defensive skills were molded after your game. I watched and studed everything that you did. There was no doubt that anyone who say me play in little league through high school who my catching idol was. All I can say to you is thank you. May god watch over you and your family and keep the fight “Kid”
Gary
You were a true example of a Met. Be the underdog and never give up. Continue to believe this. I have a daughter that has had the same problem for 14 years and continues to survive with a quality of life. Believe ,never give up. Let’s go Mets.
Hey kid!
Being a Mets fan since the beginning of the team I’ve seen a lot of great players. I have never seen some with so much energy and talent and you had such a winning attitude for the Mets and even the Expos. You will fight through this YA GOTTA BELIEVE. Get well Gary, We love you.
As a Mets fan that grew up near St. Louis, I know what it is to stand up for what you want. I see that same fight in you! You have inspired so many in your years in baseball to be the best, play hard and stay true to yourself and your beliefs. I have you and your wonderful family in my daily prayers for a speedy recovery, comfort and strength. You can beat this!! Keep smiling that famous smile!! God Bless you and your entire family!
Dear Gary,
I was saddened to hear about your illness. As a lifelong Mets fan, it was such a thrill to watch your spectaclar play during the Mets championship season in 1986. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!
Andy Benesch
Dear Gary,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. If anyone can beat this you can with your positive attitude towards life. Keep on fighting.
Dear Gary Carter,
You were my boyhood idol growing up. I begged to wear the number 8 on all of my little league teams. I even tried to copy your batting stance and swing. To this day I still have your figurine sitting on my bookshelf. I wish you strength during this difficult challenge. You touched many lives in such a great way. Get well soon!!
Gary:
Two down, bottom of the ninth, game 6, and you kept the Mets alive by fighting off a pitch and dunking it into center field for a hit. We need that fight from you now. We need that kind of spirit, that relentless, that refusal to give up. We want to see Gary Carter again at Citi Field celebrating the 86 team, and reliving the moments that thrilled us all. Hang in there buddy. All of New York loves you. You’re a legend. And you’re going to make it through all this stuff.
Best wishes. Keep on fighting. Keep on thinking positive. That’s the Gary Carter we all know and love.
JB
Gary, I hope you get well soon. Best wishes to you.
God bless you, Gary as you battle this disease and prayers for you and your family.
I am a season ticket holder since 1986. You coming to the Mets made me want to be there as much as possible. To witness your spirit,your drive,your talent, and what came across as genuine niceness, was everything to me. You NEVER gave up! Don’t you dare give up now! Fight fight fight as only Gary Carter can. Do it for yourself, your family and your fans. I don’t know you but I love you. If prayers work well then your cured!
When I was 12, the first baseball game I went to was on July 11, 1986. The Mets beat the Braves 11-0 and Gary hit a 3-run homer and a grand slam. Since that day he is my all-time favorite player. I celebrated in Cooperstown the weekend he was inducted into the Hall of Fame and today I pray with everyone for his health and well-being.
Thank you Gary! As a young man growing up, you exemplified so many wonderful attributes when you took the field. You were a hard worker and you came to play. How many wonderful moments you gave to so many of us. Now in our adult years we all know the truth – that life is hard. There are so many highs and lows, but it’s how you choose to carry yourself throughout that actually defines your legend. Well the legend of “The Kid” is carved in our hearts and to take it a step even further – you were an amazin’ role model. I can’r speak for everyone, but I was a catcher until I came to my senses at the ripe old age of 43 (over 30 league). I hustled, always enjoyed myself, enjoyed the respect of my team mates by being a strong leader and I was always grateful just to be a part of a special community of friends..
I now own a Bikram Yoga studio outside of Chicago. I work hard, I enjoy the respect of my staff and students by being a strong leader. We’ve created a very special community surrounded by exceptional teachers and the folks who practice yoga here.
I had wonderful parents, but a little help from Seaver, Carter and Piazza went a long way! 😉
Thanks Gary! Met fans and good people all over the world will carry on your legacy.
We’re all pullin’ for ya’!!
gary you were the mets get well
Mr. Carter: Without you as the glue that held together the ’86 Mets, there would have been no championship. God bless you sir; you’re one of a kind and a true American baseball hero.
I have been a Met fan for all of my life. I have so many fond memories of going to games……Strawberry’s first home run, some exciting pennant races with the Cubs and I have even taken a ball in the face believe it or not. But one of he greatest games was a very cold day in April when you made your Met debut. That was exciting enough, to know you were going to help re-energize my team. But that home run!!!!!!! Who could have written a better script? Well now my wish is for an even better outcome for you and your loved ones. If the power of positive thinking and good wishes from many ,many fans can help to heal you are on your way. May God help you and yours thru a difficult time. I am sure you will handle it with grace and a never ending optimism. Good luck and best wishes.
Gary: I remember the night I heard you were traded to the Mets. I was watching Monday Night Football and Frank Gifford mentioned that you were a Met. I called my Brother who was at his friends house with a couple of buddies and I heard them yelling and cheering the news. we immediatly made plans to attend opening day and were there for your first game whan you hit the game winning Home Run. I was a fan of you as an Expo and you in a mets uniform just made us so happy that you were on our side. We were also there when you got the game winning hit off Houston in the playoffs and watched on T.V. as you started that rally in game six of the World Series. You are so much a part of Mets History and your name will always be mentioned whenever we talk about our favorite baseball team. You are in our thoughts and prayers are with you as you battle the toughest opponent you have ever faced. Be strong “KID” and may God be with you.
Andy M.
get well soon
mets fan
Joseph Nuzio
Hello Gary: You are my HERO. You were the player that NY METS needed, when you joined the team. They did not call you THE KID for nothing…..Always a smile on your face. I wish you the best of health. I am praying for you every day. You are going through the biggest game of your life, but in the TRUE Gary Carter fashion, you will prevail.
We all love you and wish you a speedy recovery. GOD BLESS YOU.
Bob from Florida (always a met fan from 1962 till today).
Dear Gary:
I was a little girl in elemenatry school when you played for the Mets. But I still remember how well you played and saw you in the World Series of ’86. You will never be forgotten. God bless you and get well soon!!
Just a mention of your name brings a smile to my face. You hold a special place in the hearts of all baseball fans.
You are in my prayers!
If everyone had half the heart Gary has, the world would be a much better place! To my childhood hero: get well soon and god bless you, your family and the NY METS!
Dear Gary,
May God and his angels surround you in your battle…with God’s help, we can overcome anything. You epitomize everything a human being, not just a ballplayer, should be.God bless you…
Steven
Gary, I’ll never forget your Opening Day homerun in 1985. Prayers and wishes to you for good health. Keep up the fight!
You are the best catcher ever my man. I became a catcher becuase of you & wore the famous #8 on every team I played on. I hope you get well soon so that I can one day meet you in person.
Dear Mr. Carter.
My parents and I saw you in 1986, when you guys play the Philies. You were a great player and Class Act. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
-Vereb Family
Mr. Carter,
Growing up in South Florida in the 80’s, we had no professional baseball team, except during spring training. I skipped many a school day to come out to the ball park to watch you take BP and play in games. In my room, their was a poster of my dream car (64 Mustang) and of Gary Carter, the ballplayer I dreamed fo becoming. You will always be remembered by me as the greatest catcher that ever lived!! If the mets of today had half the heart that you do, we would never leave 1st place!! Lets go Met’s!!! Let’s go Gary Carter!!!!!!
Dear Gary,
One of the moments of my life I treasure was meeting you back stage at Billy Joel’s concert in 1986.I still have a picture of you and me from that night, and I’ll never forget how, when I had the privilege to be in the clubhouse at game two of the World Series that you remembered me and knowing what a huge Met fan I was, came straight up to me and showed me around the clubhouse, securing me autographs from all of my heroes. I’ll never forget your magnificent performance in the Series and how you refused to fold, delivering the rally-igniting hit in game six. I was there pulling for you. In later years when you were nearing the end of your career, and struggling a bit with the curve ball I happened to be sitting on the third base side at Shea rooting for just one more heroic moment from my hero. You smacked a home run and I stood up in the box cheering you as you approached the bag at third. I want you to know we are all cheering for you still. You are The Kid who always gives it your all: a class act and a a role model for everyone. God bless you.
Bill Zampino
Huntington, NY
Will be praying for you and your family, Gary … Some of my fondest baseball memories growing up are of the way you played with such heart, passion and talent. Even my 7 year old son, John, has become a fan of yours. Sending good thoughts and love your way. You just keep on fighting …
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family stay strong and POSITIVE!!! My son is a new Mets fan, does my heart good for him to know of you and the ’86 Mets. Was too young for the ’69 Mets, (lost my Ma in Aug ’69) but I remember baseball giving me a smile when I needed it most. In ’86 you guys were my “personal” miracle Mets (the fighters). Especially you and your tenacity and smile. Hard to explain what baseball does for the regular person in the day to day fight! Life is baseball, so like the guy said…”Remember it was the bottom of the 9th and two were out and you got a hit”. You kept a little kid like me going then as you do now.
You are nothing but a winner! Just like 86 stay strong and you will win again!
Hello Gary and thank you for so many good memories you gave to myself and all met fans.You have given us all that we wanted and asked for on the baseball field, and now its our turn to help you in any way we can. This is 100 times more important than any game ever played. Like the previous posts..”.Your the guy that won’t make the last out”…and we’ll be here to help you swing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family stay strong and POSITIVE!!!
3 on field brawls and 1 which Gary wasn’t involved in at a restaurant in Houston, Cooter’s. 😀
If there’s anyone who has the spirit to overcome this disease it YOU GARY! Your will to beat this thing and your sense of humor will serve you well in the next few months of treatment. Become a part of the Mets broadcasting team during your comeback!
Good Luck! I don’t think anything can stop you after years behind the plate in the MLB. (especially for a team that holds the record for most brawls in a season-the ’86 Mets)
I’m a Pirates fan and didn’t enjoy Carter when he killed the Bucs so often. But despite all the hurts that he passed on to us, he was a true to the core, baseball player and a tribute to the game that I love so.
I can only offer my prayers for a fine gentleman that played the game the way it was supposed to be played.
Gary, thanks for the memories.
ur in my prayers kid , hang in there
Gary, I remember sitting in one of the local Queens establishments watching Monday night football when Howard Cosell announced that my beloved NY Mets just made a trade for Gary Carter. A bunch of us started giving high fives at the bar, then we high fived again on opening day at Shea when you won it with a home run and capped it off with the ultimate celebration in October of 1986. Thanks Kid
You are the Man!
Dear Gary,
You are a part of my heart because you brought my heart such joy during your stay in NY as a champion NY MET. I will forever be in your debt and I cannot thank you enough for all the joy you brought us all.
Now in this difficult time you can collect all the love from all the hearts you captured and hopefully that and modern medicine will get you through this battle.
Remember it was the bottom of the 9th and two were out and you got a hit. Never give up.
We will never give up on you.
Love from
Lori
Yet another way to send you the love! In this age of steroids, and all kinds of disgraces, you stand apart as a man a wonderful as the smile on your face! Your devotion to your wife and family, to your God, to your team are an inspiration for all of us!
You are down, but not out! We storm the heavens for you daily and pray that God works a miracle in you!
Lean into the love that surrounds you,
My love,
Mary
Dear Gary,
You are what every baseball player or fan has in their heart, a fighter and a believer. Your life is dedicated to this philosophy and you have demostrated it over and over again.
Well Mr. Carter, bottom of the ninth, two outs, grab a bat and get something started.
I WILL SEE YOU AT CITIFIELD….
Mr. Carter: You are the reason why I became a Met fan when I was a little girl. I fondly remember your commercial for Ivory Soap that featured your young daughters (awww!). I wish you nothing but the best! Have a Happy Fathers Day.
Dear Gary Carter: I have been a Mets fan from the beginning in 1962. Over the years, many players have come and gone but you stand out! Watching you play those years with the Mets were so exciting!. I wish you nothing but the best and hope that things go well for you and you can visit us at at Citifield in the near future!! Hang in there and get well soon!!!