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 
you were my favorite player when I was a little kid growing up. those homers you hit over the monster will forever be burned into me. Get well. Beat this thing! You can do it! Ya Gotta Believe!!!!
Darren
Gary “Kid” Carter,
We are thinking of you as you face the biggest fight of your life. You are a man of honor and your strong religious convictions and enduring faith and the support of your loving family and all the fans will hopefully help you as you go through treatment. Also realize this, that we all wish to let you know how much you are loved. You were the catalyst to the great Met’s team of 1986 and the memorable rally in game 6 of the World Series against Boston. You made baseball fun to watch and we cheered for you in Montreal, NY, Los Angeles and where ever else you played. You were always a team player and a positive influence in any team clubhouse and we were lucky to have you on our team. May you have the courage, strength and love of family to fight this and enter the next stage of your life. Good Luck Kid! We are rooting for you.
Edward D Iannielli III and family
Kid, The day we signed you was one of the best of my life. We finally had the piece we needed to go all the way.
On and off the field you are the perfect example of class and excellence.
May God bless you and your family.
Jeff From Carmel, NY
Mr. Carter,
You have long been my favorite baseball player, much of that was because of the way you played the game, but it was also because of your faith and who you are as a person. I have been proud to tell my sons about you, your toughness, talent, enthusiasm and clutch ability. I have also been proud to show them, through your life and example that great athletes can also be men who love and follow Jesus.
You are in the prayers of our family, asking God to shine His great love around you and to fill you with the peace that passes all understanding and the love that passes all knowledge. We also pray for your family and your community of faith knowing that “our God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory.”
Be blessed,
Abie Kulynych
I’ve been a Mets fan since 1964 and have been to many games at Shea, but my 2 best memories of games I attended both involve you. 1st was opening day 1985 when you homered in the 10th with the winning run (that was also when the curtain calls started), the other time was game 6 in the 1986 World Series when you started the 2 out rally that eventually won the game. You showed me both times that you will never make the last out. You are my idol and my hero and I know we can count on The Kid to win this battle.
Your fan always,
Martin McColgan
As a Northern New Yorker, I had the privilege of watching you play for both the Expos and the Mets and you truly inspired so many young people to get involved in baseball. Our prayers are wiith you. Dieu bénit.
Gary, stay strong and remain positive. You were an inspiration to my father and to me as well. You will never be forgotten, without you 86′ doesn’t happen. Always remember Ya Gotta Believe!
Gary,
Thank you for all of the great memories we’ll cherish forever. Best of wishes and good luck. Let’s Go Mets!
-The Schultz Family
Gary my family and I will keep you in our prayers.You were part of a team that left lasting memories and admiration.I sincerly feel that if you can fight this the way you played the game you are going to be victorious.I will never forget 86.May God bless you and your family.
Gary, you were an amazing player and an amazing man. I will always remember the 1986 World Series. You had the most heart as a player I’ve ever seen. I’m pulling for you
Gary, you were an amazing player and an amazing man. I will always remember the 1986 World Series. You had the most heart as a player I’ve ever seen. I’m pulling for you!
Hey Gary!
It’s been a long time since our days playing in West Fullerton Little League! You’re on the prayer chain at church and we’re praying for a healing for you! We’re also praying that your family will remain strong and optamistic! God bless all of you!
In Christ
Paul Bushay
Numbers 6:24-26
Gary – you were the best – plain and simple – I looked up to you, admired you – you were one of my heroes then, and even moreso now – I am so grateful to you for the memories of my favorite baseball team that can never be replaced or improved upon – 1986 was simply an amazing year – you showed me that no matter what the cause you always fight and with the determination and courage that you always had there is nothing but honor and victory – show that to me once again my friend – God bless you! Dean
Gary,
I know you are a man of faith and are trusting God to see you through. I am praying for you and your family. I know God will give you His grace and strength to get through this trying time. Love you!
Sherry S.
Dear Gary Carter,
I hope the warm wishes you are receiving are fueling your spirit for you fight ahead. This may be more serious then facing the Sox in the World Series, but still you would be the one to come out on top. If the Mets are to pull off a miracle, then let’s start by having them witness yours! Get well soon!
Eddie Hines
Kid,
We all are praying for you and your family to get through this terrible time..You have millions wishing the best for you..Dont give up…You can beat anything…we love you so much keep fighting
Gary, u were the one person who, as met FANS know, always showed your ability as a team player. I cried when u were traded. But U made the METS what they ARE.
I’m wishing u the best, and U are always in my prayers.
Marie DeSario
Thanks Gary.All the best!
Dear Gary Carter,
I’ve just found out about your health situation and wanted to thank you for the years you played in New York. This is one kid from Queens who grew up off the first base line at Shea who remembers fondly cheering you on during those glory years.
And the strength you showed in your post-Mets days, the strength in your faith, you were and are a true Gamer.
My autographed 1986 World Series with your name across the sweet spot still sits on the desk of a now 40 year old man, who sometimes smiles thinking about those great old days at Shea.
My prayers go to you and your family.
God Bless You, Kid,
Ryan Riggs
You were and are the best. May God be with you during this time.
I’ve followed your whole career and been inspired by it. I’ve relayed this inspiration and love of the game to my sons. I know you can win this battle like you have with everything else. Stay strong, we are praying for you.
THE CAMERO FAMILY
Unfortunately Niara Gary went in as an Expo but he’s still one of the Mets greatest players….
Sorry, Anna, but Gary went into the Hall of Fame as an Expo ~ he wanted to go in as a Met, but the Hall committee decided he did more with the Expos~ He was inducted into the Mets’ Hall of Fame however.
I smile when I recall the time when I first heard that Gary Carter had been traded to the Mets.
I smile when I recall the entire1986 season.
I smile when I recall the fact that you went into the Hall of Fame as a Met and not as an Expo.
I will continue to smile when I hear news of your recovery. May God bless you and keep you and your family, Gary Carter. All of us Mets fans pray for you each and every day.
Dear Gary, I was there the night you started the greatest single game comeback in the history of baseball. For years, I thought it was the greatest event I’d ever experience in my life ~ until I met the Savior we both share. Now, that game doesn’t seem so important in the scope of life anymore, yet is still a marvelous fabric that ties us both together. He WILL see you through this trial. He IS true and faithful. Hold on to Him as you have in past times of both joy and sorrow.
Through the storm you do not walk alone. I am looking forward to you sharing a testimony of how God used this time. This may be an extra inning battle but with God’s help you can be victorious.
Hi Gary,
With 2 outs in the bottom of the 10th, a lot of people think it’s the end. We know better. Still rooting for you Kid.
Gary, we hope you get well. Keep trusting in your magnificent Creator. Would in it be great if one day all sickness and diseases be a thing of the past? Get better!!!!
;Dear Gary–Our family has been Mets fans since they first came into being. We, my husband and I and sometimes two of our children , saw them play in cities other than NY and stayed at the same hotels as the team. We met a lot of the players, but my favorite scenario was with you standing in the lobby signing auto graphs and never losing patience with the fans. We have your book which you signed for us.We wish the best for you, Gary, and we keep you in our prayers. Keep your chin up and keep smiling–love your smile.Sincerely, Carol
Dear Gary,
Please know that there are tons of us long time Mets fans who believe getting you on our team was the best Mets move of all time. You were a great player and role model. Also please know that now we are hear for you in prayer and thought. May God watch over you and remove this illness from you. Stay strong Gary.
Joe Licandro
METS fan since the beginning. I remember sitting at my great grandmother’s and listening to the games on the radio. I was 7. I kept score of evrybody’s at bats. I lived in Levittown, L.I. then….Those were the days. ” 69 Mets….Moved to Florida. My son was born in 1986. Yeah thats right ! Gary you were and still and still am one of My favorites. Love ya man…..
I was just a boy, but Gary was my favorite player after my dad bought me an Expos Jersey with number 8 on the back. I followed him to the Mets and have since followed his playing and coaching career. He was a great player and is a great man. Stay Strong Gary… best wishes
Gary, I’ll never forget your game-winning ground single up the middle during the 86 post-season. What an exciting time! May God bless you and see you through a full recovery.
Gary
I have been a Metropolitans fan since they were concieved (ex Brooklyn fan) 1986 was the first year we had cable an I could watch the games. YOU were there. As I was a catcher YOU were my favorite player. You gave us a championship, now I give you my strength in your battle. Good luck with your treatment and God Bless.
Dave Cornelius
Gary
I have been a metropolitans fan since they were concieved.(Ex Brooklyn Doger fan).
I am 60 years old and 1986 was the first year we had cable and I was able to watch the games. You were there. As I was a catcher YOU became my favorite player. You still are. I send you my strength to help in this batte. Keep fighting and good luck with your treatments.
Dave Cornelius
get well soon Gary stay strong and dont stop fighting u can beat this
“Gary Carter is coming to the Mets.” When I heard that, I knew we’d win a championship, because you were simply the best.
You showed great dignity as a player and you are showing great courage now.
All the best and keep the faith, Kid!
Dear Gary, I’ve known you since we were kids playing at Nicholas Junior High. You were alway a great player in every sport you played. I am praying for you and your family. I know you are going to beat this Gary. God Bless.
Rick Romero
Get well soon. Love u as a met. Biggest fan in the 80’s. We all pulling for you kid. God bless you .
I’ve had a crush on you for many years!! Thinking of you and sending my prayers and good thoughts your way.
Ellen Wohlberg
I’ll never forget how kind you were when I took my (then) little boys to an autograph-signing in Gimbels many years ago. You possessed a dignity not often found in super-star sports figures and I was so proud of you. My husband and I pray for you every day and know that you will fight this horrific disease and WIN!
we all pulling for you
with you forever gary stay strong
Dear Kid,
You are an inspiration to all Mets fans, and were always a great example of a good man on and off the field.
May God bless you and give you and your family the strength and dignity to endure this trial.
All the best,
The Saggese Family in NY and NJ
Dear Gary – my mother was a Met fan from their first pitch. She was watching one day, I was keeping her company (not a fan of the game at that time), you were catching. You were getting beat up – pitches in the dirt, hit by a bat et al. The final straw was when a ball bounced up and caught you in the knee between the knee guard. You went down like a stone. Then you got up!!! And, after a few minutes, you continued with the game!! I was officially a Mets fan, especially a Gary Carter fan. And I’ve been a fan ever since. My thoughts are with you.
All theBest Kid , We are routing hard for you
Dear Gary,
Wishing you the best always, my prayers are with you and your family. Whenever I see clips of you playing, a smile comes to my face.
Best wishes,
Lynn Pasquariello
Thank you for your years as part of the Mets family and fan base. You are a symbol of good times in Mets history and I know I speak for everyone in saying that it was our pleasure to have you a part of the community. Thank you again, best wishes!
Pete Scharf
Having been a Mets fan since the sixties .There have seen a lot of good ball players But when I think of a great player you come 1st into mind.The way you played the game, your leadership,on and off the field,your constant smile,team player,You are a great role model for life in general. It was a terrific 86 season.But the icicing on the cake after the world series was when my wife and myself went to the Elton John concert and watched you sing back up on saturday nights all right. Good luck. God bless The REILLYS
Mr. Carter: You were a joy to watch on & off the field. A great strategist & clutch performer. I remember how you would play hurt. Incidentally, I have had several arguments over the years about how I prefer you to Mr. Bench. So many people I know regard you warmly. I know you are bringing your competitive spirit to your present condition. My family wishes you well. Bill Capshaw.
Dear Gary Carter,
Thank You for playing the game the way the game is meant to be played. Your dedication to the Ny Mets was amazin’ and it led to a Championship I will never forget. Thank You so much, Best Wishes, Thoughts and Prayer, God Bless
The Rizzo Family