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
You were my childhood idle growing up and to this day you are still my favorite player of all time. When I was in elementary school, we had to write a letter to somebody. I chose you. I remember asking if you could send me an autograph and you did just that. The picture read, Joseph – God Bless, Gary Carter. To this day I still have this picture hanging in my house. Thank you. I never had a doubt in my mind whether or not the autograph was authentic because that is the type of person you are. You have been in my prayers and will continue to be. I know you will pull through and beat this. Thank you for everything you have done for us fans over the years. And now it is time for us to be there for you. Get well soon Kid….Love ya!!
Joe
Wishing you all the best Gary…stay positive! When the Mets signed you; we knew we were going to win the World Series. May God continue to watch over you and your family.
Gary,
Thanks for the great memories. You were the heart of the Championship ’86 team. Wishing you all the best. Give it hell.
(batter and battler that is!)
You’ve always been a batter Kid, wishing you the best to a guy who always gave us his best!
#8 is number 1 in our hearts.
With heartfelt wishes for your health and happiness, and deep thanks for the many years of pleasure your passion for the game of baseball brought to my passion for the game of baseball. I cry every time they play the tribute video to you at Citifield.
Thanks for so many great years to look back on they were the best. Our prays go out to you each and everyday.
One of the best,wish you well!
When we finally establish a NY Mets Hall of Fame for classiest guys that have played for the team, you’ll be the first charter member. Wishing you all the best, pal.
Kid Carter a boxers name for sure, Thats exactly what you were. Putting on the glove every day, catching a beating every day. Regardless of how beat up you were there you were day in and day out. Always a big smile for the camera. An inspiration to everyone who were lucky enough to see you play. Kid Carter a fighter who happened to play baseball. Your in the biggest fight of your life right now. A battle only a fighter could win, keep smiling and fighting you’ll be the champ again. Love ya Kid!!!!!!!!!!
Gary,
I remember a great game that I went to in 1986 and you were catching. You signed autographs for anyone who has something for you to sign. You were there at the end of the inning and you were still there after the bottom of the inning started and you only stopped, when you had to go in and get ready to bat in that inning. I also loved see you come to bat and to watch you help the Met’s win in 1986. I hope that you have a quick recovery and to see you at the ballpark someday. God bless you and your family in this time and I know that you will be alright.
Get well Gary 🙂
God bless you Gary! I loved watching you catch and play for my beloved Mets… You are the greatest! My family is praying for you and yours.
Calvin Damron
Hurricane, WV
Gary:
I praise the Lord, Jesus, for the hope, healing and daily miracles He is giving you. The news of your improvement is blessed, indeed. When you go back to the Book of John and the account of the man born blind, it is stated that the reason for the man’s blindness was not based on sin, but that the Glory of God would be seen in the situation. May the Glory of Jesus be reflected though your healing.
I was a 12 year old Met fan in 1986. I waited very late into the night after a game with my then 50 year old mother. A good hour and a half went by and no players stopped as they left Shea. You however, who were almost always the last player to leave, stopped and signed autographs for everyone. You were always a classy player and remained a classy man in retirement. You were there for us then and made my boyhood baseball dreams come true that year. We will all be here for you, with thoughts of a successful recovery on our minds whenever we watch or even think of Mets baseball.
My wife and I named out first daughter Shea, and I hope all of my children love watching baseball as much as we loved watching you. Be well. Keith
I just read the news that you are improving and spots were benign. I’m a life-long Mets fan who is praying every day for your recovery. Thanks for the memories and look forward to seeing you at Citifield..
Stay strong Gary. We’re praying for you.
Gary, always enjoyed watching you play.You played the game the way it was ment to be played.You are a credit to the game,you are an awesome human being and i wish you a full and complete recovery…Stay strong always believe ….Michael N Pallotta.
Kid, you were an inspiration on the field, and now you are one off the field. Prayers be with you.
Thanks for making 1986 the best year of my life!
I’m keeping you in my prayers, Gary. I hope you can beat this! May God be on your side during your battle ❤
It’s really great that people are sharing this informotain.
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God bless you Kid i know you will beat this battle with the Grace of God. You have always been a winner and i know you will win this fight. We love you and hope to see you on the ball field soon where you belong.
De Santis Family
Kid u were the best!! We’re praying for you and wishing for a complete recovery. We will never forget the thrills u gave us in the 1986 season, a season to be remember forever in the minds of the NY METS fans.
The Carvajal Family
Eda, Melanie, Ana and Jose
Gary,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Best wishes for a complete
recovery.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Depend on the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, to deliver you from this trial. God bless you.
To my favorite Met of all time! Thinking of you all the time and sending warmest wishes and a hug!
Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family!
We’ll keep you in our prayers brother. We love you.
Gary – Thanks for all your hard work and efforts both on and off the field. You’ve provided many wonderful memories to me and so many others out there and before going any further, wanted to say “thank you”.
I also wanted to let you know that my prayers are with you and your family. I hope it helps to know that so many people are behind your efforts to recover, but even if a little doubt might still creep in your mind, remember too, that you have God to help you through this time. He, wants you to succeed in your fight as we all do. Wishing you a speedy recovery — Anthony
If anyone can beat this it’s you Gary, your steely determination was one of the main reasons the 86 championship came our way. All of New York is behind you. God Bless!
Gary God’s Speed to you! I am certain many people, know to you and not, consider your life to have been a blessing in their’s and for that alone you are in my prayers! I will never forget your great smile during so many great Met’s moments. It was almost as great as your talents! You were my Nana’s favorite player, my Mom’s favorite player which of course puts you in high company in my book! Keep Swinging Gary!
Gary, your efforts on and off the field have always been a true inspiration to us all. Sending our love and prayers to you and your family as you face this challenge head on. All the best, The Hegedus Family
Sending good thoughts to you and your family.
sending lots of love to you and your family
be strong
Don’t ever stop fighting “Kid.” You’ve inspired so many other people through your play; whether it was your endurance, resiliency, or joie de vive. There are so many of us in your corner.
Get well soon Gary we will keep you in our prayers… Ruiz Family
Gary: All the best to you & your family! “Chambersburg Johnny” Macciocca
Get well soon best wishes love The Watson Family Ilion,ny
You were and still are my favorite player of all time. You can beat this “Kid”. Love you man, hang in there brother.
Still rooting for the Kid, get well soon Gary.
Thinking of you, and wishing you a complete recovery. Thanks for the memories
You’ve always been one of the classiest people in baseball. May God give you strength.
Gary, You were the epitome of a never -give-up ball player and I watched you throughout your career. So I know you beat this one as you never give up. May God bless you and your family.
Joe Lewis
You are the reason I am 32 years old and have played ball since I was 8. Inspiration to all, Thank you and Get Well!! XO, Shan Burke
Get well, Captain Gary
We love you Gary…all our prayers are out to you.
Praying for you
Still wishing you well.