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 have been my favorite all time Met since the time you were a special guest speaker at my little league banquet in Brooklyn in 1987. You are the reason I am a Met fan in a Yankee family. I wish you and your family the best and hope you win like you always have. Hope to see you at Citi Field once you recover!!
Gary: You are my favorite player of all time. If you fight the cancer as hard as you played, the cancer doesn’t stand a chance. Good Luck!
Gary, I have been a Met fan all my life and you stand out in many of my favorite Met memories through the years. My thoughts and prayers are sent to you and your family.
Gary Carter: Growing up in Montreal (TMR) in the 70s and 80s, you were larger than life. You were and remain Mr. Expo; the most recognizable, highest-achieving and, seemingly, nicest Expo around. News of your illness shocked me; probably because in my mind, you are permanently 25 years old, wearing a baby blue Spo’s uniform with the signature curly hair and earnest smile. I don’t know much about your diagnosis, but I know if anyone can beat an illness, it is The Kid. And in 60 years from now, when you and I are long gone,and professional baseball is back in Montreal, I think you will be remembered as one of the True All Time greats. God Bless Gary. One more thing: next time you are in a packed stadium, look around you and realize that not one soul in the stadium will be alive in 100 years. Puts everything into perspective for me.
Even though I was too young to watch you play, Even though I have never spoken to you, shook your hand or even seen you in real life, I’m pulling for you. I wish you nothing but the best Gary. Thanks for the memories, and thanks for leaving a positive image on MLB and The World.
GOD Bless You KID Fight the good fight. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Dear Gary. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You will battle this disease like you played ball….with all your heart. And you know what? You WILL win because you are a winner both on and off the field.
God Bless!
Gary and Sandy, It has been many years since we have seen you both but we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day. You have the courage, determination and faith to conquer this, and you will. May God bless you and see you through this. Your neighbors from Mountain View, Gayle and the kids.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless you Gary & your family! Stay strong & positive like you always are & have Faith, Hope & Love!!!
Gary, You and your family have the prayers of myself and my family. Play through this like you did in 86… you’re a winner!
As a Met fan one of my favorite memories was the day we traded for Gary Carter. I loved watching him play, even as an Expo. His energy and leadership were key for that ’86 team.
Gary I my prayers are with you and your family. I hope that you find the way through this. Keep faith in God.
My Family’s thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep the same positive attitude you always played the game with and you will win this fight! Take care Gary!
Gary,I’m an eighty year old lifetime Met fan.Your time with us was a complete joy and treat for us to have you around. I know your family and faith will give you another turn at bat.Hang in there
Gary: You were always hustling on the field and at the time in my opinion you were one of the best catchers in the National League not just offensively but defensively as well. You were a HUGE part of the Mets Success. Keep battling just like you did on the field!
Gary, I’m a Mets fan all the way from the Philippines. I grew up in New York watching the ’69 Amazing Mets beat Baltimore, and I was reviewing for the bar exams which was a week after the ’86 World Series where I saw you hit that monstrous homerun over the Green Monster. I wish you the best and will pray for you. God bless!
GARY!!!!!! A true Met! Get well for us!
It was so great watching you as a Met. You really made the team intimidating. I was so proud of the Mets when you were on the team. Thanks. I hope you can feel all the warm feelings that Mets fans have for you.. Best wishes, old friend.
Gary, all mets fans are behind you sending you strenth, prayers, and well wishes and you know our motto YOU GOTTA BELIEVE…. You are truly one of the AMAZINS so keep fighting the good fight… xoxo Jersey Jennifer
Keep fighting the good fight Gary! You should know that every Mets fan is out there praying for you and your family … draw from our strength and feel our love. Hold your family close and we’ll be there to give you that emotional lift … the Mets need to retire #8 in your honor because it is the right thing to do … you brought out the kid in all of us and we’ll always remember you for that! God bless!
The Mets should retire the #8 this season no matter what. 2 really great Mets wore it, but I liked you in it the best. Well wishes to the KID. You will get through this Mr. Clutch.
I’ve been a fan of yours since my brother worked at Shea Stadium during the 80’s. My husband and I fight over who is the better Mets player from the 80’s…believe you me I always win. All 3 of my brothers know that I am in love with you and have been since the early 80’s.
my wish in life is life. The greatest gift is life & family. I was blessed with 2 children..though it wasent hard to get them, they were given to me by the grace is God.
I wish you and your family nothing but health and happiness for all your life.
I can’t image what your going though..I don’t want too. But please accept my message as nothin but an amazin mets fan for The One ….the only … Gary Carter!
Keep fighting the fight!
Gary, I hope and pray for you and your family in this most difficult time of your life.
The LORD will continue to watch over you and he will remain with you always.
GOD bless you and continue to fight this battle. Take care of yourself and remember
you will never be forgotton. Thank you for the special World Series you gave to all Met fans in 1986.
Hey Kid, from this military guy and his family, we just want to wish a speedy recovery to a real baseball warrior. Get Well Gary!
Gary, wishing you all the best. Stay strong and may God bless you.
Hey Kid, we are all praying for you.
Fight thru this, are all behind you!
you were ever the gentleman, and cheered us with that brilliant smile. not to mention the amazing athletic skills. may the lord strengthen you and comfort you.
THanks for the memories of 86. Stay strong and get better. Fight it like you fought the season of 86 to World Series.
God bless “The Kid”. Thanks for the great memories you provided me and for being someone who not only played the game the right way but lived life the right way. Praying that the Good Lord strengthen you & your family through this trial.
Gary, may God bless you and your family during this period of recovery. I have had a Robert Stephen Simon litho of you and Doc on my wall for many years. It’ll be there for many years to come. Your time with the Mets was as amazing for us fans as it was for you.
My prayers are with you Gary and your family for a healthy and speedy recovery!
Your fans loved you then and still care about you now!
25 yrs ago you were the man and you still are. You have always been a fighter. Please know that I’m praying for you just like all your other fans. There is no striking out. Just hit it out of the park one more time.
my prays and thoughts are with Gary & his family doing this tuff period in their life.As a long time Mets fan hoping for yet another Met Miracle
Gary,
I am a Mets fan and since you join the team you were my favorite, and still are. Although I personally never met you, all I have to do was to observe and admire your dedication to the game, love your smile and the kind of man you were then and now… a family man, a good friend to your team mates and your religious believes. I pray for you every day. God’s willing you will beat this sickness and will be on your way to a complete recouperation. God bless you and your family.
Your fan forever.
Hey Kid: Seems like yesterday was 1986! Thanks for the great memories! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary…You are a true gentleman and a hero to me.. Please accept my fondest thoughts and prayers. Nameste.
Hey Kid. Ebveryone that is a fan of yours knows how much of a fighter you are and how you can hang in there through the tough times. Have been a Met fan since 1968, and know the up and downs that you and the Mets have gone through. 1986 was such a highlight, and you were a big part of that magic. I know that you will fight hard, and my pryares are with you that you can beat this. Go get em’, Kid!
get well gary! followed you since montreal. thank you for 1986!
I am praying for you and for your family, may God bless you in this tough time. Thank you for the most wonderful season as a Met fan!
My wife and I are keeping good thoughts and well wishes for you during this tough time. My sis and I always remembered as a kids following the Mets that you had a great family support backing you up while you were our team’s leader. I knew when I heard the news of your illness that you at least had them to get you through this. I met you when I was 14 and I have a picture with you. My wife played catcher as a little girl and idolized your play. Needless to say, she was impressed by that pic. I showed it to her a few years ago…and we’ve been together ever since. So, from my whole family, we hope that you beat this soon and the baseball world can have their “Kid” back on the field. God bless.
Gary, I wish you nothing but the best, I know that you will fight with everything that you have to beat this disease…We love ya Kid and God Bless
Gary you were my hero when I was 10 and going through the worst part of my life,my parents divorce and some physical abuse. I lived Montreal, and I was always at the olympic stadium to watch the expos(I had season tickets) I felt free, and forgot about my problems!! I even played softball for 6 years and I had to have number 8 on my jersey!! Today, its my turn to help you as you helped me..through my prayers for you and your familly. I pray to God that you will beat this and continue to enjoy your familly.At the age of 42 now, you are still my hero!!!!! I wish i could get to see you play again…….
Nathalie from Montreal :)))
Gary…My family is praying for you with are rally caps on!!!!!!!!!!!Thank you Gary for the heart and soul of 1986!
Gary,
I just finished watching your hall of fame speech. You are such a great model for not only athletes but regular folks as well. I think you would be equally as loved if you were not blessed with the career you were so successful at. I want you to know that i take all your thoughts from that speech to heart and will try to live the life Jesus Christ would want me to. I am so impressed you always maintained your love of family, religion as well as maintaining a strong work ethic and avoiding the distractions and vices which plague both the sports world and all other aspects of life. You are what makes America great. Best wishes,
DS
Prayers are with you
Gary,
Kid8,
In 86 God provided a miraculous comeback for you in Game 6. I pray the Lord will show us another miraculous comeback as he lays His healing hand on you.
God Bless You and your Family Always Gary.
Gary,
You have the Heart of a Lion & the Will of a Champion & a million prayers from us you love you, Fight the good Fight my friend
I can still remember when I first saw you as a Montreal Expo who was a true power hitter and how I wished you would become a Met and you didn’t disappoint us diehard Met fans who had to suffer one losing season after another. Thank you for the fond memories and stay strong.
Gary,
you have a heart of a champion which will get you through this,keep that smile
1986 was truly a magical year for the mets and their fans thank you
Gary….I wish you all the best, get well and keep on fighting with all that heart and tenacity
Gary: Continue to draw your strength and inspiration from your family’s love, your faith, and from the admiration of your fans throughout the baseball world. We offer our thoughts, best wishes and prayers in this challenge to support your effort to ‘not make the last out’…