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 
Dear Gary,
I was 8 years old in 1986 and living in southern Indiana. I was able to talk my dad into taking me to St. Louis to watch “My Mets” play in person for the 1st time. After the game we stood at the entrance of the Mariot hotel across the street from old Busch Stadium, hoping n trying to get as many Mets autographs as possible. While we were able to get many, numerous players of all stature kindly denied requests. As we were walking away, toward the parking garage, I caught site of you approaching our way. Not only did you sign my autograph booklet, you got down on 1 knee and spoke with us for a good amount of time. My personal encounter with you was brief, but very special to me and will last forever. You were and allways will be a selfless, class act whose personality is only out done by your talent. I have a 17 month old son who doesn’t have much chance to root for any team but the Mets as he grows up. I hope and pray 1 day he can have an experience with 1 of his heros, as I did with you. Thank you for making an 8 year olds dream come true back then. My family and I will keep you in our prayers. The world and game of baseball are better with you as part of them.
Best Wishes,
Adam Cole
We love you Gary. You’re in our prayers
Dear Gary
We are very sorry for what you are going through right now and we are hoping and praying that you will be well soon. You are not only one of the greatest catchers in baseball but you are a beautiful human being. Our hearts go out to you and your beautiful family….
Get well soon Gary! – from a Yankee fan
I pray for your recovery everyday, Gary. Please get better!
Gary,
I have been a Mets Fan since the beginning. I had season tickets for most of the years that you played, and although I am a major fan of so many of your fellow players, you have always been my favorite!! My thought and good wishes are with you. I am routing for you!! Get well!!!!
Margie
Gary,
You helped bring a championship back to Shea that long suffering 50-year old Mets fans like myself can still feed off. Your confidence as well as your ability made it happen. Even more impressive, was when I met you at an autograph signing near the Meadowlands. You spoke so proudly of the 86 Championship, and you took off your ring and handed it to me to look at. It showed me how much that championship meant to you and how much you appreciated the accomplishment and the game. It made me proud to be a Mets fan! – Thanks for that and all your years in New York – my thoughts are with you in the future.
– Ken Hesthag, Hillsborough, NJ.
Dear Gary:
I still have the newspaper clippings from the day that you were traded to the Mets. I treasure the memories of those wonderful seasons in the ’80s. Thank you for not giving up in Game 6. Keep the same positive attitude moving forward and remember that we (myself and the hundreds of others that have signed this) are with you.
Get well Gary Carter! I am too young to have seen you play but my father instilled in me the love for the 80’s Mets and am still a diehard fan today, my 3 year old son and baby to be will also know the history for sure 🙂
You took Jerry Grotes place in my heart as the METS all time greatest Catcher, best wishes and prayers
Gary,
My 2 year old son chants the Let’s Go Mets chant (kind of). And every night that we watch a Mets game (which is just about every game), I tell him about the Mets and one of my favorite players: Gary Carter. My wife even bought him a t-shirt with your name and number on it. I want my son to see you coaching the Mets one day. Get better soon!
All the best wishes for you and your family kid thanks for all the good memories
Gary, when I was 8 years old, my dad took me to my first game at Shea and I got to see Willie Mays play in a Mets uniform. Needless to say, I was hooked. There were some lean Met years after that…then you came along in the mid-80’s and became a great leader for my favorite team and helped to lead them to a World Series win. You started the “singles” rally in game 6 vs. Boston and that was AWESOME! You always played with enthusiasm, a never-say-die attitude, and a smile on your face. You loved the game. So many of us are in your corner now and we love you every bit as much as you have loved the game itself! Best wishes! Sincerely, Paul Kranz
Gary i love you so much i watch you play until you retired hope you fight the good fight .dont make the last out.think of 1986.good luck.
Gary, it was fun watching you play. Your enthusiasum endeared you to all Met fans. God bless you and your family in this fight. Keep your enthusiasum and fight this real hard.
get well gary the 1986 mets were the best and the mets will always be # 1 team ill root 4 ever
hey kid,,,,you still one of the best,,,,,,,,,,,always in our hearts,,,,,,god bless you always,,,,,the marquez family,,,,,,,,
get well
Gary, thank you for the pleasure of watching you perform not only as a part of the Mets, but for your entire career. You were the best catcher of your generation and bought class and dignity to the game. All the best.
We love you, kid !!! God Bless you and be well !!
Gary, this may sound corny, but you were my hero as a kid. I remember the 86 season and saw you as the leader of the team. I had a father son trip from GA to Cooperstown in 2003. I could not help but smile like a kid again. You hustled and had a true love for the game. You are in my prayers. Don’t give up.
-Matthew Ruland
Petersburg VA
God Bless Gary!
We want to see you throwing out the first pitch at Citi Field in 2012!
Gary,
Thank you for bring back the Magic to the Amazings, but I was a fan of yours before you joined our beloved Mets. I watch as you patiently signed autographs as an Expo for the children in the stands and how you always exuded sportsmanship. Your smile electrified the New York days and nights. May God Bless you and your Family during this time….you are in the hearts, thoughts and prayers of all baseball fans, but especially the Mets faithfuls…
Gary,
You are a fighter so don’t ever give up.With faith in Jesus and prayer.you will be at the next METS reunion.You are in my prayers.
God Bless
Dear Gary you were the heart and soul of the met’s. Some players just go through the motions but you played with fire and grit. Kid you wore number 8 but you will always be number 1 to Met nation and me. God bless you and get well soon. I know you’re a fighter and you will win this fight.
Gary…You were a thrilling player to watch…saw you manage in Port St. Lucie….you were kind enought to give me an autographed ball for my grandson…
My prayers are with you…
Kid,
I’ll never forget opening day 1985 when you won the game with a HR in the 10th. Go yard again Kid, go yard!! Get well soon, God bless.
Kid,
Keep fighting and hustling like you always did for the Mets. If the Mets have any sense they’ll retire yours and Keith’s numbers soon. You were a catalyst who played with heart and determination – two attributes that will serve you well in your current battle. Best of luck and get better.
Dave
Dear Gary,
Thank you so much for the wonderful memories when you played for the Mets. Your hustle, effort and desire to win (not to mention your great talent) were always a joy to watch and made we Mets fans proud. I know you will battle what you have going on now with all the same passion and intensity you brought to the game of baseball. Best wishes!
Martin
Gary,
I am praying for you! Even harder than I prayed in 1986 when the Mets were about to win the World Series! I know it’s going to be the fight of your life, but you have the support and prayers of so many! I hope that gives you the strength you need to get through this.
Tara Nutley
Gary, I hope and pray that you can beat this. You are my favorite ballplayer of all time. You were a true American Great. A great role model that I looked up to growing up in NY. Good Luck Kid
Gary – my friends and family include many Mets fans and they all have their favorite players, but they ALL have always loved you! It was impossible not to! I have some personal experience with what you’re going through and I am rooting for you all the way! Be strong and know how love you are!
Tom Minet
Montclair, NJ
Dear Gary,
There are players you follow and appreciate for all of their skills and some who you like because they are characters. You were that special player who was so skilled and fun to watch but even more than that, you were the spirit of the team. We loved you!!! We still love you, and wish you health and peace.
Hey Gary,
Being a catcher myself, watching you always gave me a feeling of pride that someone as talented as you manned the position. You were a true leader by example, and I was lucky enough to meet you at a little league function, where you made sure you fulfilled your promise of an appearance despite being stuck in traffic and having a game at Shea that evening. You are a true inspiration and role model to kids everywhere. I just want you to know that you’re in the hearts and prayers of thousands of others besides myself, and if prayers do help, you WILL beat this!
My prayers ALWAYS!
Guy DeMatties
Gary, keep strong, keep your faith strong, and keep your will strong. God bless.
I was 5 when the mets won it all but i remember you like it was yesterday. You are the best catcher the Mets ever had. You mean soo much to this organization. Be proud and smile for your accomplishments.
Phil, Met Fan
Gary, My prayers go out for you.I still think you are one of the best catchers that ever played the game. I am a Mets fan,thank you for everything.Get well soon.
Gary – You are class act and a role model for everyone. God bless you and my prayers are with you and your family.
Jan
Gary, You were a hero in ’86 and a gentleman on and off the field. I grew up a Mets fan and now live in DC and root for the Nationals (aka the Expos). You represent both franchises with great distinction and both are proud of their Hall of Fame Catcher. Best wishes and best of luck — we’re rooting for you!
Gary…I remember that I was in 7th heaven when you were traded from the Expos to the Mets. I’m truly sorry for what has happened to you. I wish you well and hope and pray that you’re doctors are the skilled people you need to be surrounded by at this time. Hold on to the courage you seem to have already…and best wishes. Len Brussee
Gary, you made the 86′ season so memorable. God bless, my prayers are with you.
Ralph Garcia
Truly one of the Met greats! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Get well soon!
Gary growing up as an expos fan in the early 80s you were such an inspiration for me and I know you can beat this thing! Keep fighting!
God Bless
Peter
Gary as a young man in 1986, you gave me hope with the Mets, you were called the kid, but in my heart and mind you will always be the kid for a now middle age Met fan. You gave me hope and you always were my role model. Keep the faith and I know everything will be well for you for many years to come. I wish you and your lovely family only the best and may God take care of all of you. You are the best, KID. Be well like I know you will be.
Keep the faith Gary. We wish you will.
gary in my heart your still the kid and a true professional i know that your gonna be healthy again
Ray Padilla
Gary, You have always been a fighter and a winner. You helped make the Mets win and for that I am grateful to you. I’ve always admired your spirit and that you have always placed God and family high ln your life. I wish you all the best. This cancer is just another baserunner to be tagged out! Hope to see you at Citi Field when you recover. The Mets should retire #8 for you. I’m looking forward to that day.
Ya Gotta Believe!
Ed Rising
HI MR.CARTER THANK YOU FOR SOO MANY MEMORYS WHEN I WAS KID IM NOW 36 AND I WILL NEVER FORGET WHAT YOU MEANT TO ALL OF US NY METS FAN-GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
SINCERELY
SPC.ANGELO OTCHY
DISABLED IRAQ WAR VETERAN
Dear Gary:
You are my favorite all time Met from childhood and meeting you one day at the e-trade event at Grand Central was such a thrill. And you let me try on your world series ring!! Thoughts and prayers are with you. Alex Agosta
Dear Gary:
Thank your for providing us all with so many thrills over the years. I was so very sad to hear of your medical condition and I am praying that you overcome this hurdle. Get well soon.
Jackie Rayfield
gary….you are my all-time favorite catcher and one of the reasons i became a mets fan in the early 80’s…get well soon and thanks for everything…