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 
I wish you the best Gary. I became a Mets fan when you were traded there and have been every since. I still have my collection of your baseball cards. I stopped collecting years ago and sold everything except my Gary Carter collection. Thanks for all the memories and good luck.
Gary, as a Mets fan, i say thank you for all you have done for the mets and as a baseball fan thank you for all you have done for the game. you are one of my favorite players of all time. my heart and prayers go out to you and your family. god bless you and please get well soon.
Gary,
You are in my prayers, as a life long long met fan, I was there when you started the magical game 6 comeback. That was just one of many great moments. Your a winner and I just know you’ll come out on top hang in there KID!
Gary,
You have been a fighter all thoughout your MLB career. You are a greta role model and an inspiration! Feel better and let’s see you back again on Citifield! I’m praying for you!
You were always a winner. Keep things that way and I know that with the help of God you going to win this battle. Keep fighting Kid. God bless you and family.
You were always a winner. Keep things that way and I know that with the help of God you going to win this battle. Keep fighting Kid. God bless you and your family.
My whole family is pulling for you and wishing you to “catch” a star ride to good health and happiness. You have given us all so much to cheer about over the years!
Gary,
We need you at the next Old Timer’s Game. Get better soon.
Mario
Sunnyside, New York
Thoughts and prayers coming your way for your recovery. You are one of the good guys!
I am a native of NJ, now retired from the Army, and have been a Mets fan since ’62. In the summer of 1987 I was assigned to Ft. Huachuca, AZ. My wife, our 12-year-old son Tom, and I drove eight hours to San Diego to attend two games at old Jack Murphy stadium. Tom and I were “in our colors.” The relatively few Mets fans there congregated near the visitors’ dugout as the team came in from practice, waving programs and baseball cards, hoping for autographs. Most of our players ignored us. Only three or four did not. You were one of them. Tom still treasures that autographed program. He now lives and works in Port St. Lucie and is also very proud of the photo he has of Tim Teufel, Howard Johnson, you, and him, taken in 2006. THANKS for those memories, and all the great ones on the field — and for more that we hope are on the way. Hang in there, get well. You are much in our thoughts. Joe Rehyansky — Chattanooga, TN joekatyr@comcast.net
Gary,
As a player, you were an inspiration to an entire generation of Mets fans through your leadership on the field, poise under pressure and boundless enthusiasm for the game. May that same courage and strength sustain you during your current fight. You have many many fans out here who wish you nothing but the best!
My entire family sends all our prayers andlove to you. We all met you at a signing in NY on LI and it was such an amzing experience. We waited outside on a hot Aug day and were at end of line. When we finally got to you, you could have been quick with us but instead you spoke to my 3 boys…and best of all, you took off your 86 World Series ring and let each boy try it on!!!! It was such a thrill for all of us and something we all will remember!! God bless you!!
Gary my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for the great years you spent with our New York Mets and for helping to give me the only world series I have seen. Lets go Mets peter
Gary,
You were Great with the Mets and a true Captain!. My prayers go to you and the family. Stay strong and Believe!!
Gary,
The success of a man in the long run isn’t measured by wealth or even his accomplishments….it’s measured by they lives he has affected. After reading these posts of love and affection, you are truly blessed.
You are always in my prayers.
Gary: You are still my favorite met ever…because of your energy, your drive to perform, your winning attitude. Met you and your wife on the 1985 Mets cruise and were amazed at how nice, friendly, and sweet you both were..thank you…it meant a lot.
my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family…know you can beat this…love you, kid…
Gary, You are in my prayers and my heart. Thanks for all the great memories when you were a Met. I also remember when we came down to Spring Training in 1986. You couldn’t have been more friendly and kind to me and my sister. Godspeed.
Gary, All My Best Wishes and Prayers!!!! You will always be “The Kid”! Thanks you for some great memorable moments!!! Many best wishes to you and your family!
you were my kids favorit player they had number 8 on all there uniform in erery sport , I as well love how you played gad bless you and I pray all goes well
Mr. KidCarter my prayers are in the the name of Jesus Christ. Believe in HIM for HE is Our Saviour Our Healer. May HIS healing spirit comfort you. I know that you will recover soon.I believe as I did in 86 when it was up to you. Once again I believe…. God Bless You and a speedy recovery. NY Mets Fan since 68. Love Ya Peace #8 Kid Carter Forever
Dear Gary, If anyone can beat this, it is you!!! God Bless and stay strong!!!
MR. CARTER,
YOU ARE A SIR,I ALWAYS WILL REMEMBER YOU LIKE ONE OF THE BEST IN THIS WONDERFULL GAME.
I CONSIDER YOU UNDER THE BEST KIND PEOPLE ON THE WORLD !!.
DONT QUIT !!!.
GOD BLESS YOU,SIR !!!
LETS GO METS !!!!
Sorry to hear that you are not well. I always felt that opposing players made a special effort to hit you harder as well as in the head while watching you catch for the Mets. My wife and in-laws always watched you play. I always worried that it would have a negative effect on your health in the future and expressed this worry to them. Unfortunately, it looks like I was right. Hope everything goes well in the near future. Best wishes for you and your family.
you can beat it kid….get well
Gary,
You signed my high school year book at a fan event in Brooklyn, NY in the summer of 1986…and I still have the photo you took with me! It was your smile, your positive demeanor and your devotion to excellence in playing the game of baseball that won me over as a fan of “Kid Carter” forever. I pray that you be strengthened, I pray that you be comforted, I pray that you be healed, and most of all, I pray that you be at peace. Be encouraged; you’ve already won the battle! Your baseball career tells of the phenomenal athlete you are – but it’s the fans and friends you have that are a living testimony to the wonderful, awesome man that you are.
Gary,
I want you to tackle every day with the same figting spirit and fearlessness you exhibited when playing MLB whether it was crashing into outfield walls or blocking the plate on a close play at home! Keep the faith Kid and I want you to know that you are always in our prayers as we ask the Lord to Bless you. Thank you for all the memories and we want you to know that we are with you in spirit every step of the way…BEST WISHES #8 as we pray and hope that you have a full recovery!!!!
What a lasting legacy of love you will leave … just not so soon! So many people are praying and rooting for your healing. It has to be! We will never forget you.
Brendi, now in California, but forever a Met fan
Get well Gary . You were such a professional on the field and very friendly to my 80+ parents down in Port St. Lucie when they were seeking autographs at Spring Training.. Mom passed away just last month from cancer at the age of 82 and we will treasure the Mets memorbilia bearing your name. We have a great signed photo of you in a Marlins uniform standing next to my Mom. She always said that God had a plan for each of us. God Bless You
I admired your grit as a player, and your fighting spirit now.
Gary, I am praying for you and wish you nothing but a speedy recovery. I know you can do it. You have done so much, not just for the Mets, but for baseball in general. Thank you!!!
No Retreat, No Surrender, Gary. The entire baseball world, including your millions of fans, are rooting for you just like they did on the field. Just like versus Red Sox, you will prevail. Hope to see you again soon at CitiField.
I wore number 8 from little league through college and would only be a catcher after watching you play. Also made my parents buy Ivory soap after you endorsed:).
Thank you for years of playing the game hard! Hang in there and get well.
Thinking of you every day Kid in my thoughts and prayers.
Remember October 25th, 1986? The champagne was on ice in the Red Sox clubhouse? Two outs, nobody on, down two runs? Mets were out. It was over. Everybody knew it.
Only problem was there was this one guy in the stadium that night who wouldn’t cooperate.
I expect nothing less this time, Kid. Get this done and bring us back home. We’re with you. Every step of the way.
Get well soon, Gary! You are my favorite all-time Met and I named my youngest son, Carter, after you. I hope you are back on the ballfield and back to your old self in no time!
Gary, wishing you and your family best wishes and a speedy recovery….Thank you for all the great memories and feelings of joy…Metfansince61
Gary,
Wishing you a speedy recovery… thank you for winning the 86 World Series, When you came to the Mets from the Expos I knew shortly you were going to win the world series…..especially with Keith, Doc, and the rest of the crew….get well fast!!!
Die Hard Met Fan Since 69
Get well soon Gary!
Gary,
Love you man. Just named my son Carter, he was born on 8/8….get well buddy
Gary,
Hang in there. We are keeping you in our prayers.
Get well, Kid! You’ll always be in NY pinstripes for us…the RIGHT NY pinstripes!
Gary,
#8 will always be on our hearts. Best of Luck!
Gary,
God bless you. You were an amazing ballplayer and are a great person. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God always has a plan. Stay strong #8.
Gary, you were the best for a long time. Thanks for the great memories! We wish you a miraculous turn for the best and hope to see you at Citi in the near future to announce that you’re in remission!!
I’m no longer in the NY area but will always be a Mets fan. Fondly remember those good old days. Wishing you all the best.
Hey Gary. Your signing with the Mets was one of those “I know exactly where I was the moment I heard the news” scenarios. Your skill and acumen behind the plate along with your leadership qualities made a major contribution to a great 1986 season that life long Met’s fans like myself will never forget. You always had an incredible will to win, because you could battle with the best of them. That is why I know you will beat this thing. Good luck Gary.
Hi Gary,
I’ve been a Big Orioles fan since I was 12, that was many years ago; but I’ve also been a huge baseball fan for the same amount of time – and I’ve always felt, that You were one of the very best! Keep up the great fight!!
Hang in there man. You were a tough player with the mets, I enjoyed watching you and I know you still are. Trust Jesus! Love ya, Mel
Gary you are in our hearts and have our prayers everyday. I know you can beat this and recover. I hope to see you at Citifield soon!
Gary,
I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and wish you the best. Thank you for all you did for the Mets and Expos. You are my all time favorite catcher for the Mets. So hang in there and God will watch over you and take care of you.