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—- I wanted to wish you the best, ” hang in there KID, you are going to make it ! “
Gary, Thank you for some great baseball memories. A truely Great Allstar— The Best of the Best!
Gary, I remember being there the day you hit that memorable home run on opening day to win the game and everybody chanted GARY GARY GARY I will never forget that thanks for the wonderful memories
Gary,
As a lifelong Mets fan and New Yorker, I wanted to send you a “Hey” and let you know that I am thinking of you, and have added you to my personal prayer list. You are a courageous and wonderful man, and I know that you can and will fight this to the best of your ability. Keep strong, my friend.
Gary,
As an aussie fan of the best baseball organisation in this sport, I wish you well and speedy recovery in this batte you have..
If the way you played the game is an testimony, you will beat this illness.
God bless you
the lord be with you gary thats all you need
Gary I pray that you are doing better …….
As a fan, the 1986 Mets, specifically, are a part of my life. Therefore, Gary, so are you! My thoughts are with you and yours.
Al Ortiz
Puerto Rico
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HANG TOUGH KID THE BRANCAZIO FAMILY FROM NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY
Ya Gotta Believe!!!
Gary, As a 16 year old kid, I recall watching all of that 1986 season with my dad who I lost in 1990. You were my favorite Mets player and one of my all time favorite MLB players. You represent the way the game should be played on and off the field. I hope and pray that god protects you and is with you and your family during this difficult time. My family will pray for you as well. Beat this thing KID, you can do it! God Bless! Thank you for all the wonderful memories. Now, get better and make some more of your own with your family!!!!
Dear Gary, My God Bless you and keep you in the palm’s of his hands. Keep figthing kid……
Gary, you were one of the primary reasons that the Mets won back in ’86. You will forever be endeared in the hearts of Mets fans. We will never,ever forget you. May God bless you and your family during your struggle. We will continue to pray for you. We will always love you. Be blessed.
Gary,
I hope and pray that God blesses you with good health and a complete recovery. You are an inspiration!
Gary, I was a college senior with a press pass to NY Mets games and I will never forget how kindly you treated me despite the fact I was just a green college kid with a radio show. The grace and humility you displayed will be forever remembered. I wish you a complete recovery and thank you for the lessons you taught me at a very young age. Not to mention you were one of the best Mets of all time. Thanks for the thrills…
Gary, i grew up in Brooklyn and instantly became a huge Mets fan and watching the game in the city in 1986 when i was 7yrs old. so i always wanted to say greeting from nebraska where i now reside in. everyone in our house i rooting for you and can’t wait to see you up and moving around. i’ve too had diffculties in life with 6 open heart surgeries and i’m still here standing strong. so god bless everyone in your home including you. thanks for the great memories tho.
My prayers are with Gary and his family. You have always been my favorite catcher. I have a ball signed by you saying, “God Bless you Marie”.
Ditto to you Gary. Be strong, I know you can get through this.
Gary has and will be my favorite catcher of all time.I had alwas thought that he played the game the way it should had been.I wish you all the best…and keep fighting Kid.I’m with you 110%!
I can still remember being a 20 year old kid watching you brilliantly call those games in 1986. You were the fabric that held that volatile team together while always demonstrating sportsmanship and class. I believe that if you had not started that rally in Game 6, Bill Buckner’s life would have been much different ;-), and the incredible season would have ended in disappointment. Bless you for the wonderful memories, broad smiles, and all that you give back to this great game. Keep fighting, kid!
Gary,
May the Lord bless you and your family upon this Thanksgiving holiday with the best of all recipes: A speedy and healthful recovery. I give my thanks to you for your unselfish committment to the game of baseball and to the New York Mets family. When you first joined the Mets we all sensed that the final piece was in place to help us win a championship….and you delivered mightily on that premonition. Your exuberence, faith and leadership are sorely missing these days. I am so sorry that my10 year old son, Henry, never got to see you play. But he LOVES watching the 1986 highlight reels and knows exactly who you are. and so will his grandkids.
Thank you Mr. Carter!
Love,
The Psaltos Family (Nick, Leigh and Henry)
Gary,
I wanted to stop by here and let you know that I am including you in my Thanksgiving prayer. I pray for your recovery and I thank you for not only playing for the Mets, but for giving so much of yourself. You gave a generation of fans a true role model.
Veronica
Gary and Carter Family,
I am a 34 year old Mets fan, who Idolized you as a young kid and I would like to wish you and your family well. You all are in the thoughts and prayers of my family! Kind regards, keep your head up, Cancer is only as strong as you let it… Keep on Fighting Kid!
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”
You are one of my heroes! I’m 52, a lifelong Mets and Gary Carter fan and I wish you well. I have MS and confined to a wheelchair, but results in life are sweeter when things are harder. I hope I’m making sense, but I hope you understand it. I’ll never forget and always treasure that image of that line drive single in the bottom of the 9th to conquer that “6th” game and series! I think of that often. Thanks, Tony
My Mom got diagnosed with lung cancer 10 years ago, not a good cancer to get. She had surgery, chemo, and radiation. She is now 80 and cancer free, and gets around like a 50 year old(if not younger)! Hang in there Gary, happy endings do happen!!!!
Gary Carter was the Heart and Soul of the New York Mets team when he was there, I wish you well and pray for you and thanks for being a big part of the 86 championship, God Bless You
Hang in there Gary. Wish there was something more I could do to be by your side through this battle, but I’m here for you and you are in my prayers.
Gary, You gave us Mets fans memories to last a lifetime. As a competitor there was no one better then you! There is no doubt in my mind that you will win this battle!!
Gary, get well soon my friend, you are a beloved member of the mets and NY. and thruout all of baseball. Fight like you played and never give in! We are ll here for you! and besides all of that would love to see you as hitting instuctor for the mets someday! Be well!
Gary …. Only wishes of a speedy and complete recovery …. fight with the same intensity that you played with !! …. God bless you , you in my prayers this Thanksgiving season !!
Gary, I LOVED your enthusiasm when you played. I enjoyed watching you during interviews because you obviously love life. I met you at a card show in the early 1990’s when I had something autographed, and you were so friendly and so warm, which didn’t surprise me. I wish only the best for you and I hope you get better real soon.
I wish you the best, I know this is not an easy battle, but with your determination, you can do it and beat this. In my prayers always, karen Susech
Gary —
You are the reason I got into baseball. I wore number 8 and was a catcher in Little League. I wanted to be just like you. Growing up in New York, you were my hero. Get well soon!
sadly never got to see you play, but you’re a legend and a family favorite in my house. hoping, rooting, praying for you!
As a 7 year old girl at the time the Mets won the 86 Series, I still felt your importance to the team and your passion and dedication as a player. So much so in fact that almost 22 years later, when I gave birth to my son, I chose to name him Carter Shea. You are in our thoughts and prayers and as always, we’re rooting for you!
Gary Carter,
You are my beloved catcher. The Mets game sure miss you in the line up and definitely behind the plate. We are all rooting for you.
When I was 13 years old the Mets won the World Series, I emulated your swing in little league and you sent me an autographed photograph (you and Davey Johnson were the only ones who answered my letters). I’m not a religious person, but I’m praying for you. Get well Garry.
Bryn
Gary,
Get well soon and hope to see you catch the first pitch of the 2012 season at the ballpark.
Get well soon Gary, you can fight back, I want you get better soon, and move on with your life. I remember the 1986 world series, I was a 13 year old NY met fan back then.
Gary you are a hero to us all, get well Gary my prayers are with you and your loved ones
Gary, my thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery! I’m going thru chemo right now also for Stage 2 Ovarian cancer. I know what you are going thru and I pray for continued strength for us both! You have always been a huge inspiration to me! God bless!
Always my favorite player & my role model for everything I’ve done in life. Play hard, give 100%, and have fun doing it. Get well, Gary.
Good luck Gary…God bless
Gary, you’re one of the best people on earth, we are all on your team and wish you the very best in your battle. You have taught many what it means to have a positive attitude, I’m sure that same great attitude will help you win! – Eric
Gary,
I am one of your biggest fans. You have always been a winner. As soon as the Mets traded for you I knew that we would win a World Series with you on our team. You have always inspired me. FYI, my son had brain tumor when he was 15. He is now 27 and is a healthy young man. I anticipate seeing you on the field again real soon. You are in my daily thoughts and prayers, God Bless.
Angelo, US Navy (ret)
Gary, all the best to you and your family. We hope to see you next year at the 50th Anniversary celebration.
Gary: It was such a joy to watch you play. You always played with your heart. You are an inspiration.
Hey Gary,
You made me cheer, laugh, cry and scream. You were truly one of the best catchers in MLB ever. 86′ was a great year for all of us. Never, ever give up! Your Mets friends in Orlando.
Bob
Come on Kid…We’re all right along side you keeping you in our hearts and minds… Stay tough
Your a leader! We are all right behind you bud!
Gary
I wish you all the best during your fight. I’m rooting for you!