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 
Praying for an easy recovery. Fell in love with the 86 Mets thanks to you.
You were an inspiration to watch and encourage all your teammates.
Once they broke up my 86 Mets it was never the same.
All the best to your family too
We have you in our prayers.
You are in my prayers. Never forget how much you are loved.
Gary my family and I are wishing you all the best. Our prayers are with you and your family. You not only played for my favorite team that accomplished a goal many do not reach but you are also a person of character. Thank you for making my childhood magical and we’re still here for you years later pulling for you to win again. Much love.
Gary – you were my favorite player of all time growing up – thinking of you and hoping you get well soon!
Hopes and prayers for a speedy recovery
Phil Coffey
Dear Gary, Thank you for all the wonderful memories you have given all of us. I lived in NY in the mid to late 80’s and because of your commitment to the team and the fans I vowed to be a Mets fan for life. You signed a baseball for me years ago and I smile every time I look at it. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please get well soon. Georgia
I started becoming aware of baseball around 85/86. Lived in Queens, so obviously it was Mets country. Out of all the characters on that team, you were the player I gravitated to. You were “the gamer” and I’m sure you’re still that throughout this event.
Get well and know you’re in our thoughts!
Gary,
Get well soon & I wish you all the best.
We are all praying for you.
Thanks for all the great memories
LET’S GO GARY !!!
Gary, your an inspiration to many. Stay positive and be strong and kick cancers but. Sending you well wishes with lots of love. .
I still remember opening day 1985 when you ended the game with a game-winning home run. You were a great Met, a great player and a true Hall of Famer. Wishing you a speedy recovery and many more years of a happy life.
Dear Gary and family, Prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Gary – You were the best, You are the best, and You will always be the best. God bless you and your family
All the best to Gary and his family. Very fond memories of watching him play and a huge reason why I am a Mets fan 25 years later. If anyone can lick this thing it’s The Kid!
My prayers are with you and your family. If you fight it like you played ball you will beat it !!!
Thank you for all the memories and keeping baseball fun AND competitive. Stay strong.
Hi Gary,
Growing up on Long Island as a kid in the ’80’s you were by far my favority Met, and it was a blast rooting for you!! I even became a catcher in little league and through high school because I idolized you… I even imitated your batting stance for a few years! Now it’s 2011 and I’m rooting for you again! I’m sure you are quite aware, but you have made such a great impact on so many people, and we are all pulling for you and praying for you. If anyone could beat this, it’s you!! Thank you Gary and God Bless!
Brian,
Plainview, Long Island
You always gave 100% to your team. Now you need to do it again…for yourself. Get well soon and know that there are a lot of people rooting and cheering you on.
Gary,
Thanks so much for what you have done for the Mets organization! Hopefully you can get healthy soon! Best wishes!
Gary, you’ve always been my favorite Met and you’re in my family’s thoughts and prayers. You’ve always handled challenges with class and dignity, and I’m sure you’re doing the same now. God bless you and your family.
Best of luck to you Gary. You made my day so many times when you were playing with the Mets. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Please get better quick.
We will always love you!.
Even when I never watched you played because I’m only 20. I will always know you as on of the all time great Mets
God Bless you and your family during this time of need. Thanks for the memories and the difference you made on our beloved Mets!! We will always remember. God Bless you Always
Gary,
I wish you all the best.
We are all praying for you.
Thanks for all thengreat memories
We are praying for you here in TX.
Praying for you. Get Well Gary!!
We are hoping for a speedy recovery for you. Your enthusiasm during your time with the Mets made a big fan out of me and countless others. Please get well soon.
Get well soon, you were and continue to be an inspiration to me and countless others. You are my favorite all-time Met.
Gary, Our prayers are with you and your family… We know what a fighter you are, and you can beat this thing. Having had 2 brain anuerysm surgeries myself, I can relate…… We look forward to hear, positive and favorable results… Keep your positive and sense of humor strong… We love you John & Kris
Best wishes Mr. Carter. Loved watching you play for the Mets. God Bless you and your family
My absolute favorite player! I found your leading style to be amazing while with the Mets. I have all your cards & they will be displayed proudly in my home forever. Take care of yourself & fight the good fight!
Mr. Carter… I’ve been a life long Mets fan and you are one of my all time favorite players! My thoughts and prayers are with you as you take on this battle for a home run recovery! God’s continued blessings to you and your family! Sincerely, Deni G.
We will always remember Kid and the difference you made on our beloved Mets, Thanks for all you did for us and I pray to God for your recovery. Our good wishes to you and your family. God Bless.
Dear Gary,
Thank you for all you’ve done for the Mets organization! Every professional athlete (Met or otherwise) could take a page out of your book when it comes to reaching out and remaining classy. Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Gary, you always gave 100% no matter what. And you’ve done so much for so many charities. You have a hard battle ahead of you, but if anyone can win this, you can. God bless and I’ll keep you in my prayers!
Gary,
I enjoyed your playing as a NY Met! Please get better quick!
Eric Soley
Dear Gary,
You have been one of my favorites since you started with the Mets..My son started following you and had to be Gary Carter for Halloween when he was 4..he is now 28 and we still follow you.. God Speed… Yes You gotta Believe..Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your famiiy .Thank you for the memories and great times with the Mets…Hope you feel better and get well soon..
Karen
Gary,
Heartbroken over the news, but not without hope. My prayers, and clearly the prayers of many others, are with you and your family. You gave baseball fans a lot of great memories. My Mets jersey is still a #8 and I was catcher throughout high school like my favorite player. Above all you were an example of a decent and kind human being in an arena in which that is sometimes hard to come by. You remain a great example.
Peace and grace,
Mike
Gary, we love you and are praying for you. Thanks for being a role model for our kids.
Andy, Maureen Adam and Lauren Piera, Livingston, NJ
Thanks for the all the great years of baseball, it was an awesome time in Mets fans history when we got to root for you, Let it be known we are all still rooting for you. Good wishes to you and yours during this difficult time.
Mr. Carter,
You have always been an inspiration to me. I’ve always been a Mets fan (since my younger brother was a fan of the “evil empire”). I was early in my freshman year of college in Delaware, listening to the World Series on a Walkman, when the 86 Mets won. I had faith then as I do now. I know that you are stronger than this. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
I pray for you. There is nothing impossible for God.
Gary,
Thanks for the great memories and of course the 1986 World Series!!!!! We are praying for you and your family.
Thanks again “Kid”!!!!
Mary Colon
Rockville Centre, NY
Hi Gary –
I was terribly saddened to hear about your illness. I grew up a huge Gary Carter fan, and had the curly hair to match! A few stories, if I may….
My father worked for Harry M. Stevens for years, so we had a few perks at Shea. Shortly after you joined the Giants, my brothers and I went to see you play at Shea. We were there quite early, and I told my dad I was going over to the SF dugout to see if I could get your autpgraph. Not five minutes later did you emerge, and you walked right over to my brothers and I and signed out baseballs. I have a photo my father took from way across the field, behind the Mets dugout, of this moment.
Years later, in 2002, you met a buddy of mine while watching your daughter play softball on spring break in Florida (he worked for Rutgers). He told you what a big fan I was of yours, and you went and signed a photo – even personalized it to me – and he gave it to me when he came back. That photo is in a frame on the wall behind me, in my home office.
A few years later, I had the opportunity to meet you myself and shake your hand, a photo which sits framed on my desk. This was in 2006 at a signing you did with Keith, Ron, Jesse, and Darryl.
Thank you for being so gracious and for all of these great memories.I wish you all the best in your recovery. All of us hope to see you at Citi Field soon!
Gary,
You are one of my favorite all time players. I’m proud of you for battling cancer. Next time I play baseball, I’m getting a hit for you Carter. I don’t care what other people think about in your situation, you are strong & will keep going. You will win this fight Gary, I know it. Don’t Stop Believing Carter!
Miller
Gary,
I’ve had lots of players that I’ve enjoyed watching, but nobody will ever top you. You are my hero. I was an Expos fan before you went to NY and I’ve been a Mets fan ever since. I wish you a complete and speedy recover. I hope all the well wishers here remind you once again how much you mean to us and baseball. God Bless You.
Dan B.
Get well soon Gary! My entire family and I are die-hard Mets fans. Your play, attitude, and great smile have always lifted our spirits and inspired us. Growing up, my sisters and I all played softball. Because of the great role model you are, I chose to be a catcher, a position I played from 1st grade through high school. You are truly someone that makes other people want to be better, not just in sports but in life. God bless. We are all praying for you and your family.
Get well “Kid”. Praying for a complete recovery.
Gary, please know there are millions of people praying for your recovery – you have the spirit and sense of humor to make it thru this with flying colors! God Bless!
I’m now 45 and Game 6 is my most vivid sports memory. I alway appreciated your enthusiasm for the game and your accessibility to the fans and media. When I read that you learned french to speak to the local language press in Quebec province, I though here was a player who “got it” and understood how fans want any sign that the local team players cared about the team-fan community as much as they did. I wish more players would make the effort you made to be accessible to the local fans. Thanks for the memories and best wishes.