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,
Thanks for being you!
Get well Gary, we are forever cheering you on kid.
“The Kid !” Enough said ! Get well Gary, your in our prayers !
Gary, I’m just a lifetime baseball fan who greatly appreciated the way you always played the game – with passion, integrity, humility, determination, and honor. Although I grew up a Twins fan, and have since added the Rockies to that description, I have always been – and I always will be – a Gary Carter fan. Take care, and please know we all continue to root for you.
Thanks for all the good times you supplied to us here in Montreal. You always showed and gave a positive inspiration to all and especially our younger fans. You were more than happy to give a “large smile” and an “autograph” when requested by your fans.
Our prayers are for you & your family. God Bless
CATCH YA LATER
you were just what the Mets needed! On a team full of misfits, reprobates and worse, you fit in, and became a leader!! God bless you, & your family, our prayers are with you Kid.
Difficult times change who we are. They put a different perspective on life and make us look at things in a whole new way. I am hoping that you and your family have the strength to get through all you will endure. Hold each other, love each other, and rely on each other for everything. Be inspired by your own determination and will to win. All my best wishes for you!!
Gina B
An fine example that nice guys do finish first. Thanks for all the heart pounding thrills.
Tony
well wishes to you and your family @this diffucult time . you will overcome ur illness because of ur strength and your faith just as u overcame many things in the game to become a leader.inspiration, role model and champion not only as a player but a person as well . GOD BLESS LIFE LONG FAN
Gary, I met you back in 1994 when I was working at the Chart House Restaurant in Melbourne Florida. You were managing the Marlins at the time. You came in for dinner and we had a few minute conversation at the salad bar. I told you that you were a very nice real person and I asked you why you had such a peaceful calmness about you. You said it was your Faith in God. Well….. I know that it is your Faith and your Love of the Lord that is now helping you and your family though your illness. You will be in my prayers ..God Bless…Catch ya Later
It was a thrill to watch you play. I was fortunate to be at game 5 of the playoffs in 86 & game 6 of the World Series.You were such great Team Leader & inspiration. It was also a true honor to meet you at a spring training game a few years back. You were very cordial to my wife & I and I will NEVER forget that. A True Gentleman.I wish you nothing but the best in your unfortunate battle. But just as The Mets came back from almost certain defeat in 86, we all need you to come back & defeat this terrible disease. I will also never forget the message on the Shea Stadium scoreboard in game 6 of the World Series ” Congratulations to the 1986 World Champion Boston Red Sox ” But we all know that was not to be. Be strong & overcome. Best Wishes.
Mike Marz
Lake Worth, Florida
Gary,
Whenever i think of ya gotta believe, i think of 86, when i think of 86, i think of the kid, the leader, the best catcher a team could ask for and the best person out there. Your the best, god bless you and your family, we all believe in you gary. i will always look up to you. You truly are amazin’. Anything can be achieved, ya just gotta believe
Like everybody else posting here, I’d like to thank you for helping to bring a championship to Queens. But more importantly, I hope you are able to beat this disease. No one deserves what you’re dealing with, and people like you deserve it the least. Keep fighting the good fight Gary — and do so with your signature smile. 🙂
Gary,
I was watching the BHOF inductions and was not aware of your condition until B. Blyleven made a comment to you.
My family grew up watching you in the Expo organization and I must tell you, you our favourite player because you LOVED the game. I could see it in every interview you gave and every successful hit, run or throw to 2nd you made. You were a true ambassador or the sport. I only drank 7-up because of you 🙂
Please get well. #8 will be in all our hearts forever!!
God bless you and your family at this time.
Joseph Alarie
I’ll always remember game 6, you refused to make the last out! 86 doesn’t happen without you! Best wishes to youand your family
Kid,
25 years ago you picked up a City and our hearts! No it’s our turn.
Get well my friend. Swing for the fences!
Love n peace
Joe
Gary,
Just wanted to be one of many to send u well wishes. May God continue to strengthen u and your family. Thank u for the many memories. Of course none of us will 4get the World Series run in 1986 and your classic at-bat in Game 6. I was 10 years old and couldn’t stay up late for the game because it was a school night. I had to sneak watching it on TV with the volume down. Your hit started the magic.
Get well soon Gary Carter. You are loved by not just Mets, Dodger or Expos fans, but baseball fans across the world. Here’s to you #8. Luv u, man!!!
Rory
(Transplant New Yorker reppin the Mets in the heart of Braves country in Atlanta)
Get well Gary. Thanks for helping the Mets be world series champions again.
Gary I know you will beat this cancer cause in all the years I watched you play for the Mets you never gave up. I truly enjoyed watching you play thanks you for the wonderful memories that will stay with me through out my life. Now go getem kid knock it out of the ball park. God Bless u . Kevin B Palm Harbor, FL
Good luck gary..nothing but best wishes for you and your family…my family and I are praying for you…thanks for all the memories
Brian’s Heart is in the right place. He mean’s well just by submitting. Possibly he made a mistake with the year. This is not a forum for hate. Thank You. Kurt Malinsky
Brian,
Gary inspired you in ’69??? Do you know anything about “The Kid” or the Mets for that matter?
Gary “The Kid”
I was so saddened to hear of your condition awhile ago at such a young age. I remember you as a great ballplayer in the NL. I grew up as New York Mets fan. I am a life long Mets fan since their inception in 1962, even though I have lived away from New York for years. I can still remember the joy I shared with you as you scored late in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series against the Red Sox that changed that World Series out come in favor of the Mets.. You were a great leader and champion as a New York Met.. My prayers are with you and your family as you fight on.
Ed
Cypress, Ca.
GET BETTER SOON GARY
WE ALL MISS YA AT CITI FIELD WATCHING THE METS. U INSPIRED US IN ’69.
GET BETTER MY MAN
GAARRYYYYYYYYYYY CAAAAARRRRTEEEERRRRRRRRRR
Gary,
I was looking at a website yesterday concerning a sports card show in which you were scheduled to appear. I then found that you were not appearing due to your condition. This prompted me to find out what was going on. When I learned of your diagnosis one man immediately came to mind: Johnny Oates. I don’t know if you knew Johnny, but I’d like to think that you did. Johnny was a local sports hero here in my home town of Prince George County, Virginia. My dad went to school with him and he was a spokesman for us at the bank where I used to work. I’m looking at the last baseball he autographed for my son. The inscription under his name reads “JER 29:11”. Here’s what the bible says: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. ” After being given a similar diagnosis as yourself, Johnny became an inspirational figure, not because of what he’d accomplished in baseball, but because of the path his convictions took him.
I’ve been a baseball fan most of my life. I remember your playing days well (I have copies of every local paper from the ’86 World Series). I just want you to know that from one baseball fan to another, you are in my prayers.
Forrest B. Cleveland
Dear Gary:
Keep fighting. It’s all you can do, and it’s all you should do for your family and yourself. God bless.
You were an inspiration to Mets fans and players ever since your first game as a Met in April of 1985. I was there at Opening Day to experience your tenth inning walk-off homer that began the wild ride through the 1986 World Series. Attack your brain tumor like a hanging curveball Gary. Beyond radiation and chemotherapy, stay positive and be mentally tough. You have millions of Mets fans out here rooting for you like we did 25 years ago!
Scott Arnold, Pompton Plains, New Jersey
Hi Gary! You and that amazing 86 team gave me incredible joy and hope and seemed to be a great pay off for long junior high, high school, and college years of watching the Yankees take all the glory in New York. Despite the difficulties of those pre-86 years, I was a true believer, and spent the off-season counting done the days till April. As a college senior, I loved the fall of 86 where there was always a game to be played, always the suspense of extra innings, always the thrill of victory.
Now as you face this terrible challenge, you have a generation of fans behind you. We love you and we are behind you–Live Strong. I hope I can give you one iota of the support and encouragement you have given me.
All the best….go get ’em!
Rebecca G.
Gary,
As a Met fan since 1962 I can say that you gave the Mets fans the greatest season ever. 1969 was a surprise but 86 was expected and you guys delivered. You as the catcher and leader of the team in both spirit and performance. You were also the steady professional influence on a kind of crazy team. If not for your 2 out hit in game 6 it might have just been another disappointment for Mets fans. I had the good fortune of seeing your 300th HR at Wrigly field some year later.
I know you are a fighter and a person of strong faith and this will get you through this difficult time. I know myself and all Met fans are praying for you.
Jim Albetta
The 1986 Mets were not only the greatest Mets team, but one of the greatest teams ever to take the field of baseball. You are the heart and soul of that team. You were a leader with your enthusiasm and passion for the game.The curtain calls every time a homer was hit were part of that fighting spirit! I’ve been a Mets fan since I was 10 and will never forget the part you played in the Mets history. Thanks for the joy you brought to NY. God bless you and your family and take care. Your friend, Gina Capone
Gary,
Your positive attitude and enthusiasm was always an equal to your Hall of Fame talent. Please keep that positive attitude as we pray for your recovery.
Sincerely,
Jeff Stoner
Gary Carter,
I was at the Met game the other night with my son and while they were playing the tribute about you, my son was asking ” Dad- was he the best the Mets ever had”. I simply said- “there was no one better!!!”
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family- In the words of Jimmy V- “Don’t give up, DON’T EVER GIVE UP”
Miracles do happen- you already was part of one in 86- now do it again to prove that wasn’t a fluke-
Gary just like the Mets I know you will get through this tough time this is just another curveball that was thrown your way. I know you can knowck it down and throw for the out. We are all praying for you. I still have a framed picture of you and the Mets (Hojo, Strawberry, Gooden). I played cather in little league in 1988 and always strived to be like you. We are thinking of you!
Gary,
As a long time Mets fan , I was a big fan of yours when you played for the Mets. I will never forget this past summer when you came to the 2010 Little League World Series, and i waited in line to get your autograph and to talk to you. I didnt have anything but my Official Mets hat and you said you would autograph it. It was getting old , so i said OK and then i have it retired. Thank you for that. Then i noticed the 1986 World Series ring you were wearing, and I ask you if I could see it. I was really surprise when you actually took it off and handed it to me to look at and hold it. I will never forget that memory. Thank you for giving me that. You were very kind and a down to earth person, and was happy to take time out for your fans. Your one of the greatest. I was sick to hear about the sad news, and really hope , if its God will and prayers, that you will beat this. Keep a positive and fighting attitude. You will be OK and keep praying and God will take care of you.
A PA Mets fan
Many people with better prose have expressed perfectly how special you are to all of us. Stay strong and upbeat in the knowledge that you were, are, and always will be a fantastic athlete and more importantly, a good man.
You inspired a team and a fan base w your tenacity and never say its over attitude! We mets fans now wish you the strength and courage to never give up your battle! We love you gary!!!!
Kris
You showed what Teamwork means, “Kid.” Keep fighting as you always have. I hope these mets learn teamwork soon.
Thank you for ending my 9 year wait, for a Championship.
Gary, I just hope that all of these people truly help you understand what a true American hero you are. My brother wrote to you a few days ago- he is in Yale New Haven Hospital working on beating his own rare form of cancer. He and I used to watch every single game when you played… we were playing little league at the time, and “The Kid” was our man. I am 35 now, but I still remember you rounding the bases and gunning the ball to second, making even Strawberry look slow. You brought a lot of joy to us during the hot summer nights, watching on a tiny B & W screen…
Slow down, take stock, and beat this thing. You are a true role model, and the “Greatest 8” to all of your fans. May God Bless and keep you,
Your loyal fan Dave
Gary,
My best wishes for you and your family. You have always been my favorite player due to your humbleness, sportsmanship and will to succeed against all odds. So my man, i’m still sticking by you, You got a great heart and it comes though to everyone. You are the kind of player that Is A Role Model and is a refreshing thing to see in such an ego-filled society!!!!! i wish you the best of luck.
-frank maniscalco
I was a cub reporter at the All-Star Game in Cleveland in 1981, when you hit 2 HR & were MVP. I was impressed with your humility and class in the postgame press conference–and have been ever since. Was thrilled when you came to the Mets, and have appreciated all you’ve done for the team and for baseball–you’re an example of what a sports star should be, and that’s these 2,000 people and thousands more are pulling for you, why we love you.
Hello Gary,
I have my 40th birthdat coming up on July 26th. I will always remember living in connecticut surrounded by Red Sox fans, crying, knowing that season was over. I will never forget running around screaming and shouting when you guys made that rally happen. You are a part of my life that will live with me forever and I tell my son about everytime we play catch or watch baseball. I wish you the best in your fight and hope you have the same resolve in your heart as you did at the plate in October 1986. Your accomplishments will be a part of my life as well as my son’s forever. For that I thank you. Get well soon!!! .Robert Minto, robert.minto@live.com
Gary wishing you and your family well.
Kid Carter, I am wishing and praying for you a cure for your illness and a return to normalcy as soon as possible. God Bless…..Mets fan in Iowa
Gary you gave us a reason to celebrate and a reason to rejoice. Noneone will ever forget your determination and competitive nature. You can defeat this just as you and your teamates defeated the red soxs in 86 and gave us a division in 88. Thanks brother.Be strong. If you can hit a 95 mile an hour fastball, you can defeat cancer.God be with you.
Nathan Brahm
Highland Falls, New York
Our love to you ad family…You have been an inspiration to ALL Baseball Fans and will always remember what you did for the NY Mets. Best wishes!!! Dick B. a loyal Mets Fan
Gary Carter,
This is from an old man who was a New Yorker and a Giant’s fan until they went west. Then the Mets, the hard first years, then 1969, and then 1986, the team that played the game right. That 6th game is like yesterday to me. Thank you, God Bless…
Sarasota, FL
Gary they called you the kid but to me you well always be the man. My prayers are with you and your family. God bless you.
Johnny 5
Gary,
What better name than “The Kid?” You played with the enthusiasm of a kid, and in each of your post playing career ventures you maintained that same enthusiasm.
The Scriptures tells us to approach God with “childlike faith.” How appropriate. We are also told to “lay our cares upon Him (Jesus) for He careth for you.”
Gary, please maintain that “Kidlike” faith. We expect to see you throwing out the first pitch (or catching it) on opening day at Citi Field in 2012.
God Bless you, Gary
Pastor Bruce
I always enjoyed watching you play. For me, you were the Jose Reyes of the 80’s! I am part of a loyal fan club of Sisters of the Divine Compassion.
I know this is a difficult time for you and your family. Be assured of my prayer for you all.
Sincerely,
Susan McCarthy, RDC
Gary, I am naming my soon to be born son after you. Good Luck and take care.
Gary Carter…………………drove the greatest comeback in mets history. a leader, he took matters into his own hands and delivered the first spark in the firestorm that pushed the mets right past the red sox on the most famous game 6 night of our lives……………………….no one on…………………………2 outs…………………..0+2 count to Gary Carter………………………..who refussed to go down without a fight…………………………who stood there and drove that 0+2 pitch right out to the outfield and said “not tonight, not me !!!!” you inspired so many lives that night of so many different ages. Thank you forever Gary Carter. That swing lives on forever. You will live forever.
Fairlawn, New Jersey Mets Fan