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 
We love you, Kid. Come through with a clutch hit, for yourself this time!
get well soon!
Gary,
On Opening Day in 1985 I was standing, cheering and yelling “Welcome to NY Gary!” when you hit that homer. I’ve been a fan of yours ever since. Hang in there! I know if you can attack your current situation with the same determination you showed throughout your great career you’ll win! I’m praying for you!
Get will Gary. You were my inspiration to become a catcher. Just like you didn’t make the last out in 86, don’t make the last out here. My prayers are with you.
Get well Kid!! You are going to rally and get us another big win.
Get well Gary! You were a great catcher and are a great man. You are the reason why I played catcher when I was in little league and wore a backwards Mets hat for the better part of my childhood. Get well brother.
May god be with you Kid, all of us in Las Vegas are praying for you.
May God be with you Kid
Tom
Gary, All of us that remember ’86 know what a huge part you played in our lives. I was a kid that became a Mets fan the year you came over. So, your life mean much to us. I feel that I speak for all of us when I say hang in, be tough, and we’ll be waiting for you at Citi Field when your number is retired.
Gary,
Memories of watching you play as I grew up are forever embedded in my mind. You were a larger-than-life presence on a larger-than-life team. What a thrill it was to watch you and the other Mets play in my childhood. Best wishes for a healthy recovery.
God Speed Gary! I have been a Mets Fan since the 60’s and you brought us the leadership and confidence of a winner. Please keep this in mind when you “take the field” to battle this. You will endure!!!
Gary,
In 1985 you brought us Mets fans hope and inspiration with your ability and enthusiasm. Your were a star who was able to live up to the expectations of NY from your first game on. You always had my respect and admiration as baseball player and a human being. This will be a long journey for you and your family and I know with your faith and courage you will be there to inspire us again.
Sincerely,
Larry Luftig
Thank you so much Gary for everything. I was 13 yrs old in 1986 and got the greatest thrill of my life. I hope God helps you through this difficult time in your life. You are never forgotten..I will keep praying everyday for a miracle. God Bless you and your family…keep fighting. Thank you again!!
Get well soon Pal…the METS may need you back!
Mr. Carter aka Kid,
God bless you and your family in your fight with cancer. You are my favorite player of all-time, and you joined the Mets when I was the ripe age of 2. I always tried to be like the “Kid” behind the plate, and I even had a plastic Mets helmet with no ear flaps for when I was playing around with my brothers in our backyard. Thank you for the wonderful memories.
Good luck and God Bless,
Chris Daly
Toms River, NJ
gary,
You were by far my favorite met growing up in the 80s. You were the final piece to our world series championship, and we will never stop loving you for it as Mets fans. I tried to emulate your style in little league, and if anyone can beat this, you can.
Be strong, your legions of fans will be praying for you every day.
Alan Schechter
Get well soon Gary! Your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
You were always a winner on the field so there is no reason for you not to be a winner in this your greatest test . I remember you being very gracious to the fans in Port St. Lucie and being generous with your charitable time. God has seen all this and he will take care of you for it. You will make it and be back on the ball field in no time. Prayers and respect to a great MAN. Dan Paupeck Former Pres. of the ny/StL Mets Booster Club in Port St. Lucie
You gave so much to the team in your time with the Mets its so
very hard to imagine how the team could have gotten so much
good pitching, it was mostly you. You called a great game all
the time. Will always love your fire for the game and those
long homers. Good luck in all that comes your way…..
dear gary
you are the most amazing catcher of all time!!!! me and my family and friends all wish u and your family the best of luck with your tumors and you are in our prayers
elizabeth
Kid,
Get well soon buddy we are all praying for you.We will always remember the thrills and chills you gave us as Met fans and now in your time of need we will stand behind you and give you the strength and courage to get through this. God bless.
Mr. Carter…You are my favorite player of all time…You hit a home run my first game I ever went to (Opening Day 1985)…In 4th grade we had to write to our hero and me and my friend ernie wrote to you. You sent us a letter and autograph pic I still have. For my 30th birthday my wife got me a game used jersey which you autograhped and is now in a frame in my house. You gave me all this joy and I’m hoping for many more years of joy and happiness fo you
Dear Kid,
my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
get well soon!!!
pete
God Bless you Gary. With two down in the 10th against Boston you didn’t quit on your team or your fans. We won’t quit on you now! See you at CitiField for your number retirement.
When I was just a kid, you were signing autographs at a mid-town Manhattan location with a mock Sports Illustrated magazine cover as a backdrop. I sat on your lap and had my picture taken. The picture is long since lost, but my memories of my favorite ballplayer from my youth are still fresh. I still know how to imitate your batting stance and facial expression as you batted. Here’s to you Kid–get well soon!
You were an inspiration to me when I was younger. I wish you the best & God bless – get well Kid!
Gary,
Just know there are some transplanted Mets fans out here in Denver praying for you and your family. You have given us so many great memories and I just wanted to thank you for that. Stay strong Kid!
Brendan & Kate McDonald
Denver, CO.
Kid,
You have always been one of my all-time favorites; you brought so much joy to many, many people. I pray for you and your family through this fight…God Bless!
Gary,
As one of my favorite Mets growing up I always looked to you as an inspiration when it came to baseball. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family through his difficult time. Just like you did everyday you wore that Mets jersey I know you will put 110% effort into overcoming this.
God Bless,
Mike
Gary and family,
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You.
Matt McNaught and family
If anyone can fight this, “THE KID” can!!! Thoughts and prayers with you and your family! Stay positive, Stay strong and don’t stop fighting!!!
Gary and Family,
You are the Met that always said never made the last out.
My family and i pray for you and yours that you will get well and get back to what you love.
Gary you have a lot of people prayin for you and prayer is very powerful.
I remember the day when you got traded to the Mets and i will remember all the best of your years with the Mets. You Know Ron Keith and Garry talk about you on the air and said how they love the highlights the show on the the board and all the fans stand and cheer. Mets fans love you KID and wish you the best.
All The Best to you and yours
Love
Steven Bozikis
get well! lets go mets!
Gary,
You are by far the nicest ballplayer I have ever met. You took time not only to sign everyones autograph, but sit there and have a conversation with everybody who came up to you. My best wishes to you and your family as you begin this fight. You were a warrior on the field and I know youre going to be a warrior now and beat this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ya gotta believe!
Thank you for all the memories, and I look forward to meeting you again.
Andrew
You were always an inspiration to me as I watched the Mets growing up. Thank you for years of great memories and bringing so much joy to so many Mets Fans. My thoughts and prayers for a fast recovery are with you and your family. Thanks for everything, Kid.
Gary,
I became a baseball fan when I was in 1st grade watching the 86 Mets. I wore the number 8 on my little league teams because Gary Carter wore #8. I caught because Gary Carter caught. I pray now that you will be healed, that you and your family would find strength in this time of struggle, and that through all this, you would remain the same fine example of a man that you have always been.
Fight fight fight! But remember to say the things you need to say, and make sure your loved ones know who they are. Pulling for you Mr. Kid. The world would be a lesser place without you. Here’s to hoping it won’t be anytime soon.
All the best,
Hutch Hill
You brought so many years of happiness to me as a kid growing up watching the Mets. I truly wish you a fast and safe recovery. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Please know that so many of us are thinking of you and your family.
Gary,
Our prayers and wishes are with you and your family while you fight to get healthy again. Your name will always be synonymous with a winning attitude and great personality. Thanks for all your contributions as a NY Met, to baseball in general and to the organizations you support. Keep your spirits up – you helped bring New York a championship and now we’ll return the favor and help you through this. God bless you and your family!
William Wenzel and Family
Browns Mills, NJ
Gary –
Best wishes to you. Keep fighting! We love you! Good luck and God bless you and your family!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for never making that last out and leading my team to the championship. God bless you!
Good luck Kid,
Love you
Mike
Gary, prayers and good wishes … saw you during the great 80s Mets teams, and met you once at Reef Grill in Juno Beach … mentioned I was/am recovering Sportswriter … you had Rusty with you … you were smiling and gracious … here’s to YOUR recovery, and more smiles from a memorable guy!
Blessings,
greg forrer
Gary,
Wow what harsh news. I will be praying for you and your family. God bless and fight this cancer, it will be a long road, but i know that your fighting will pay off eventually.
Dear Gary,
Wishing you all the best in your biggest & most important at bat ever! Just like you came through for us Mets fans for all those years, we know you’ll come through in this battle. Wishing you all the best & our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Alex Dubovoy & Family
Lindenhurst, NY
We hope you ge well soon Gary, from the Betta Family.
One of the good guys of the game. Mets should have treated him better on his longing to be major league manager.
Gary… fight the good fight to a real MAN”s MAN…. My thoughts and good wishes to you and your family… 1986
OHHHHHHHHHHH what a RUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gary,
Watching you play gave me great satisfaction; you always gave 100%, and played with an exuberance and joy that was a sight to behold. Hearing about your condition deeply touched and saddened me, and I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Best of luck with your treatment, and I know you will approach it with the same winning attitude and all out effort that you brought to the baseball diamond! Get well soon “Kid”; your fans are with you!
Gary,
You were art of a group of young men who renewed the spirit of winning in the New York Mets in the 1980’s. We thank you for the thrills and the memories you gave us. We pray for you to earn yet another win, this one against cancer. May God’s blessings be upon you and your family.
With much admiration and affection,
Matt, Terry and Casey Breitenbach