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 
Hey Gary, I am a big fan of Baseball! and remember the Baseball of the late 60’s and 70’s, and 80’s, that was good baseball! i remember watching you, and you were good! an Icon! I wish you all the luck in the world in your recovery! and god bless you and your famlly! Me and mine will pray for you all the time! A big fan! Mike!
Gary,
I’ve watched you as an Expo, a Met and as a coach (independent league playing against the Camden River Sharks). I am one of your biggest fans and you should know how much joy you’ve given me and all of your fans over the years. You are always in our prayers. If there’s anyone who taught us the meaning of fighting till they win, it’s you Gary Carter. This will soon be memory you will look back on. Mets fans still need Gary Carter! WE ARE ALL BEHIND YOU!
I remember the sights and sound the day you arrived in New York to play for The Mets and everyone was excited to see a legitimate hitting catcher and fielder. You brought a feeling that now we have a team that can win at The BIG Show “The World Series” and behold you did! You are a Winner… In Many Ways.
H
If my memory is correct, you hit a home run to win the game in your first start as a Met. That showed me who you really were. You were the real deal. Never give up. You can beat this. I know that about you. I watched every game that year. That was when I Became a Mets fan – in my late 20’s. Miracles happen. When you believe. I believe in you.
Hi Gary,
I think you were a class act on the field, a legendary player and of course THEN AND NOW A CLASS ACT off the field forever!!! I truly enjoyed watching you play and so glad you came to the Mets!! My prayers and good thoughts are with you and your family now to beat this thing out of the park!!! Go Gary!!!!!!!!!!
Gary loved watching you as a player, now keep the faith and fight for it all, its the last inning of the world series and you need to bring in the winning run. You can do this!!!!!Praying for your remission and recovery, hang in there. Diane Reid and Mike Cusack
You’re just such a great person and gifted and decent and good. What more can a man expect from another, what more can a man be?
Hey Kid, you’re simply the best! Keep up the good fight and put up a fist pump when it’s all said and done just like when you took a curtain call after a big home run!
We love you Gary!! Many prayers and much love coming your way… looking forward to seeing you in uniform at many more Old-Timers Days to come… God Bless!
Hang in there kid…………………………
I was at Shea on opening day in 1985 when in your first game as a Met you hit the walk off home run. I was a fan from that day. You epitomize the idea of never giving up when you started the rally in game six of the ’86 series. I know you are fighting with everything you have now. You are a winner and I KNOW that you can beat this. Keep on fighting!!
I was at a Mets game a number of years ago with my son who was probably 10 at the time. I think you were getting some kind of award from the Mets, and you were walking thru the tunnell behing home plate with a couple of other people and I leaned over the railing and said ‘Hey Gary, can you sign this ball for my son’, you stopped, looked up a me and motioned for me to toss you the ball, you signed it and tossed it back to me and gave me a wink !
Dear Gary,
Game 6, nobody on, two out, and with the second strike, I shut off the VCR. I gave up. But then you led a charge– one that I will never forget. I was in the sixth grade. God used you to change my life that night, and probably many others. I was already a believer, but it intensified an inner strength. I won’t ever give up again. The way you carry yourself, off the field is even more meaningful, especially for your loved ones. Thank you. May God be with you, and your family. We can do all things with Him, that strengthens us.
Darren
Dear Gary,
I’ve always admired you, both on and off the field. Your love of the game was contagious, and you were outstanding both behind the dish and as a hitter. I’ve also appreciated your enthusiasm for life and your gracious, outgoing demeanor with the fans. Like you, I am a committed, believing Christian, and I want you to know you’re in my prayers. I hope your treatments are going well. I know you’ll bring a full measure of faith and determination to your treatment. May the Lord bless you.
Best wishes,
Eric Monson
Gary, you are a class act, and have always been a leader on and off the field. Stay strong, and know that you have made and will continue to make a positive impact on so many of us. You can pull through this. My prayers are with you!
Always thinking of you, All best wishes, I still have your T-Shirt with #8, been wearing it a lot lately. I just know you will beat this.
Gary first & foremost I want to wish you a speedy recovery from this awful disease. If the is anyone in this world that can conquer this, it is YOU! I have always admired your faith & leadership both on & off the field & I am sure that this will help you in fighting this terrible illness. I will always remember watching games on TV & in person, I remember being at Shea I believe it was either 87 or 88 and watching you launch a HR and you took a very emphatic curtain call. I will always remember Game 3 of the World Series, when you launched 2 HRs over the Green Monster helping us win such a pivotal game en route to the 86 World Championship. So I send my best to you & your family, God Bless & feel better “KID”
Hi Gary, my three sons and myself used to attend many autograph shows throughout New Jersey. In all the years we went you were the sweetest and kindess man we ever met at the shows. You took your 86 WS ring off your finger and let my kids wear it as we took pictures with you that still hang on their wall. You made a great impression in our lives and we hope and pray for a speedy and COMPLETE recovery.
Gary,
I have been a Met fan since 1964. You are one of my favorites players of all eras. You and your family are in our prayers and we wish you well in beating this illness. You will always be the “Kid” to me!
Hey Kid, I met you in 1986 when I was 11 years old. You’re the first baseball player I met and my idol growing up. I’ve never forgotten that autograph signing. I handed you the two baseballs I had and said “This one is for my brother” and you looked at me, smiled and said “And let me guess – this one’s for you”. Get well soon Gary! You’re a winner AND a champion! Winners succeed. You WILL succeed!
Shea in the 80’s was my haven, my favorite place to be.
Killed me when they traded Hubie, but what we got in return was so much more, you were part of my favorite memories as a kid, so thank you, and my prayers to you and your family
“You gotta believe” that things will turn out fine for you and your family. My thoughts are with all of you at this time. Many fun times were had with my father and I watching you guys play, win or lose, you all had heart and the game was everything. When you were the champs in 1969 we had a parade on our street and toasted you with champagne. Memories never to be forgotten. Get well!!!!
Just want to tell you to get well soon. I remember watching game 6 when I was only 5 with my dad and getting all happy when you guys came back to win. You will always be a part of the METS family to me. I hope you get well soon and they need to hang you Number 8 with all the greats so no one wear it again. My prays are with you and your family.
Gary, take care mate. I was living in CT mid 80’s. Even though a Brit, I fell in love with baseball and the METS. I will never forget ’86..still got the shirt. Back living in the UK but you and the METS are never far away.. You and your team gave myself and millions inspiration….our thoughts are with you.
You gave us leadership, strength, and faith in 86. I hope we can show you the same when you need us. As a fan of yours who faithfully and happily wears number 8 Carter Mets Jerseys exclusively to Shea/Citi Field you’ll always be my fave player and I got to stay up late in ’86 with my dad, as a kid to watch “The Kid” especially playoff night games 🙂 My father and I send you positive energy and prayers always and wish you ALL THE BEST!!!
Dear Gary, In 1986 my son was 4 years old and I mailed a birthday card to Shea and asked you to sign it and return it to me. You did it gratiously and returned it. You signed it, with warm regards,Catch you later Gary Carter. My son to this day has the card and you will always remain his favorite MET. Almighty God will have to (Catch you later) cause He is not ready for you yet. We need you still down here,The latest news on your prognosis is very encouraging. Our prayers for you and your family are continuios. We love you Gary Anthony Vaicels
With your strong christian faith and the love of your family, ands the prayers of all your fans like me.I have no doubt you will make a full recovery. I doubt God can get any rest until you are well. Our prayers must be getting pretty annoying by now. God bless you and your family.
2 outs and nobody on, down 2 runs in the bottom of the 10th representing the last out of the World Series……….you taught me to never give up no matter the odds. Be Strong KID. We are praying for you!
wish the Kid the best
Mr. Carter and family:
My mother recently passed on August 3rd of cancer. She was my inspiration and the rock of the family. In 1980, I made a scrap book of all of your newspaper clippings from the Expos season. I found it in her memory stash, and have it sitting on my lap as I write this note. This was the book that helped gap the widely spread relationship my dad and I shared. He was married to baseball, ate drank and breathed coaching and watching. He was such a fan that the game would play on the french channel, and he would turn down the volume on the TV, while listening to Duke on the radio in English. Creating the scrapbook was the only way for me to truly speak to his heart. You were a cutie and I had a crush. It all made sense. Mom said that my father was wowed by the book, but never had the courage to tell me. I handed it in for a school project and got an A in current affairs. I truly wish the best for you. There are no words to describe the pain and suffering for the family that come with cancer. I identify, thank you and will pray for you.
our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
and looking forward to seeing you at the for many fathers day to come.
y
To Gary and Sandy and family, our prayers are with you all, from a SHHS fan.
“Bless the Lord who is my unmovable Rock. He gives me strength and skill in battle. He is always kind and loving to me; he is my fortress, my tower of strength and safety, my deliverer.” Ps 144:1-2
Leslie
Hey Mr. Carter, I just want you to know that I hope you are doing well and beat the problems you are having. I actually named my son after you, yes, his name is Carter “The Kid”…Our plan was to eventually meet you and tell you the story, have you sign some stuff for him…He’s 2 and a 1/2..So hurry and get better so we can meet you personally, thank you.
Mr. Carter-
My mother raised me as a fan of the Big Red Machine (Dad isn’t much of a sports fan) with the essential cog that Johnny Bench was for that team. As a nine year old Johnny Bench fan, I was crushed when you were elected to start the All Star Game in 1981. After seeing you hit 2 homeruns in that game, I was a changed little boy. You were the greatest baseball player after that show in Cleveland. I floundered for a while seeking a team to call my own. Growing up near Lynchburg, VA, I began to go to some L-Mets games. Then the moment that changed my life, you were traded to the Mets. It was then I decided that my favorite player has a new team, then I also have a new team. That was 26 years ago and i remain a die-hard Mets fan. I love being a Mets fan and I owe it all to you!!!
Thank you for giving me a team to call my own.
You will beat this; I know it. Keep fighting and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your biggest fan,
Todd
My husband introduced me to the Mets in 1987 when we met. The Mets became my team too. I don’t follow the team as closely as I use to and as a result I really do not know the team. In my head the Mets are players like Piazza, Franco and Carter. That was a happy time for me at Shea.
Praying for you and rooting for you!
Clara Pecoraro
You have always been such a good person and a great role model for kids.
Though we do not share the same faith, we share the same God and we pray to him that you can beat this thing!
best wishes to you and your family Gary. I know you are a man of great faith, and that will sustain you and your loved ones through these difficult times. Please know all of the love that so many of us have for you!!
God bless you and your family.
Keep Strong Gary, I’m praying for you and your family, I still wear my #8 Jersey, tribute to the “Kid”.
Hey Kid….NY’ers and I are rooting for you again, in this personal battle…..praying for you / your family…..pls stay well!!
My brother and I really hope that you get better. We will pray for you and your family. God Bless and keep you and your family safe.
Our prayers are with you. You can beat this.
The Winans family
praying for you Gary keep the faith
praying for you Gary keep the faith
you are my favorite MET. keep the faith kid.
Hang in there Gary, you’re the man.
Gary, you have always been in our hearts and will remain there forever. Be well and stay strong.
Hang in the Gary, we are thinking about you.
ROOTING FOR YOU GARY, WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE GOOD OLD DAYS AT SHEA.
OSAWLD ALLISON
Hey KID, you are the best. Remember GAME #6 – you had FAITH. WE have FAITH now. You were a WINNER then and you are still a WINNER now! Be Strong.