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 was born in the early 90’s, thus missing your storied era in New York. But my mother, who has since passed, was a gigantic fan of yours. My friends parents always told me how you were the man and were one of the grittiest players they have ever seen. As a Mets fan, and a human, i want to wish you the best of luck with your remaining days on this earth, and whatever may come after. God bless you and your family.
Sept 1983, Wrigley Field. Cold. windy and game delayed by rain. Most of the 4,000 fans and all of the players were nowhere to be found-they were keeping warm and dry and seeking cover. Except for future hall of famer Gary Carter who was out in the rain signing autographs for the hometown kids. He was the only player from either team to do so. Old school and a class act. The World Series and All Star games are one thing but on that day, Mr. Carter showed that he knew what the true meaning of baseball really is. Thank you and may God bless.
Gary, the pure ecstasy written on your face after Game 7 reminds me why I love baseball, and the Mets. At its core, it is fun, and you never let us forget that. Best wishes kid.
God bless you, Gary. Still hoping for the best.
Gary – you are a true gentleman in every sense of the word. You have inspired others through your own words and actions, You have given me (and countless others) many wonderful memories that I will cherish for a lifetime – thank you!. May you find peace knowing that you have made a difference in the world and that you, your accomplishments and your spirit will live on in the memories of others. God bless you, Gary, and your family.
To Sandy Carter and her family Hope and prayers are with you in this very trying time may the good Lord show you guidance thru Gary’s fight . One more miracle is due for a Met family.
PETITION FOR THE NEW YORK METS TO RETIRE GARY’S NUMBER
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/wilpons-ny-mets-retire-gary-carter-s-number.html
Gary….I am soooo very sad right now in hearing this horrible news. Words cannot express the sadness I ..along with everyone are feeling. As a Montreal Expos fan and a Gary Carter fan …you have given me so much joy. I would travel hours to watch you play. I cried when you were traded to the Mets. You could say that I was and still am a Gary Carter fan…probably the biggest fan! As I am writing this I am all choked up…I am praying for you and your beautiful family….PLEASE Gary…get well!
All the best wishes to you and your family Gary! You were the heart of the Mets and made baseball fun to watch again in New York. Thanks for all the memories! Get well soon!
Gary- May your remaining days on this Earth, be blessed with peace and warmness to you and your family. A baseball fan of Flatbush, Shea Stadium and the days of
sighning you (I think in 1982 from Montreal). I am here in South Florida and we are all blessed with your warm smile and your grace on and off the field.
God Bless.. TOM from BOCA
Dear Gary,
You will always be a Montreal Expo to my family, my husband and father-in-law were die hard fans, you were the best, we drove to Montreal many times to take in ball games at Olympic stadium, I knew it was summer when we would be around the swimming pool and the radio was always on Dave Van Horn and the Montreal Expos, the good old days for sure, we were heart broken when you left Montreal but wished you nothing but success, we were in Cooperstown to see you inducted into the Hall of Fame, my father-in-law proudly wore his Expos jacket and hat….our hearts go out to you and your family at this time, just want you to know we are thinking of you ………Janet, Ottawa, Ontario
Gary,
You were one of my heroes growing up. My Mom gave me a #8 Carter shirt. I loved it and when it didn’t fit anymore, I gave it to my cousin because she loved you too. You help briing the only championship that I have seen in my lifetime. Thank You!You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Heather
gary you are one of the best god bless you and your family if anyone can make it its a met we belived in you then and you were clutch and we believe in you now never give up
Gary, You put the Kid back in Baseball! Sherri & I have you in our Prayers!! Semper Fidelis!!
Gary,
You have been such an inspiration and a positive force in so many lives, more than you’ll ever know. We are all praying for you Kid!
Gary, when I was young and I would play baseball, I wanted to be the catcher, #8, Gary Carter! You were my hero, I loved you. Believe me when you were traded to the Mets I was so upset I really wanted you back in Montreal, and you did come back. I will never forget your last at-bat, a double and you right there on second base taking in the moment!
My prayers are with you and your loved ones. Gary, you can’t imagine how much of an influence you were for this Montreal kid growing up.
Gary my prayers are with you and your family at this time. Never ever give up the fight kid. Know that your in the prayers of all Met fans. I’ve been a Mets fan for as long as I can remember. My fondest memories are going to the games back in the eighties with a good friend of mine. Watching you play and winning the world series. All Met fans wish you good health and are behind you in this fight. My God Bless and protect you and watch over your family.
This world could use more men like Gary Carter, a stand up guy who never backed down from a challenge. As a fellow Christian brother, I continue to pray for you and your family, throughout this ordeal. Gary was determined not to make the last out in that memorable game 6 of the 86 world series, and he did NOT and look at the results. as far as I am concerned He is the best Met there was and # 8 needs to be retired once and for all!! Lets do it early in the season because God could be taking home very soon where there will be no more pain.
Wishing you well in this trying time.
YOU WERE THE MAN BEHIND 1986! I’LL NEVER FORGET IT, I MET YOU AT YOUR BOOK SIGNING YOU’RE A GREAT GUY, SOME OF THE PLAYERS NOW SHOULD BE MORE LIKE YOU! MY SON AND I HAVE BEEN DIEHARD METS WAY BEFORE 1986, JUST KNOW ALL YOUR FANS ARE PRAYING FOR YOU AND THAT’S ALOT OF PRAYERS, GOD BLESS YOU GARY AND YOUR FAMILY, I HOPE YOU GET BETTER VERY SOON!!
gary, my prayers are with you & your family, your were the heart & soul of the mets!
keeping fighting & stay strong our faith is the most powerfull medicine we have.
god bless you gary may our lord watch over you.
Dear Gary,
My mom was a life long Mets fan, and passed that down to me, and it bleeds my heart to see anyone go through this. After just loosing my mother(58) in September to lung cancer that spread to her brain, even after remission, I feel the pain that you and your family are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with the Carter family and friends. We know you can pull through this with all of our love and support. We love you Gary!!!! #8forLife
gary, i loved watching you play at shea-you were always a class act on the field and off. my prayers are with you and your family. God bless you.
Dear Gary:
No one can really put into words what you mean to them. All I can say is that we are all role models, some of are good ones, some bad.
Can anyone come up with a more positive role model than you?
While you played to win, your work ethic did not come across as ‘winning was everything.’ It seemed that giving your all, or doing your best, is what you were about.
If a man affects so many in a positive way, does he ever leave the Earth?
When a kid plays the game with all he has, and yet treats others with espect even if he loses or wins, that is Gary right there, even if it is 50 years from now.
Because when Gary’s body leaves us, his action will remain behind.
Forever.
Dear Gary, Thank you for all the wonderful memories you have given me throughout the years.May our gracious Lord,Jesus Christ, be with you and your family at this time. Peace be with you all Jeff DiGeronimo
Gary,
Thanks for the memories. You were an unbelievable inspiration to me and to a city that needed to be inspired. You did it in a way that showed your dignity, grace, professionalism, and manhood. Sir you stepped up when no one else would.
May God bless you and your family, may He take away your pain and suffering, if it be his will, and may God show his Glorious Mercy to you as you continue day by day. In Jesus’ Holy name I pray.
Get better Kid. When you pointed at Mookie and told him to dig in after you scored in game 6, great things happened. Dig in Kid. You are a winner.
Hey Gary, you are the greatest player for New York METS. I been a long time METS fan. I remember watching 86 World Series Game 6 with 2 outs & you started the rally. We know what hapoened after that. I know you will come through this KID. We all praying for your speedy recovery.
LET’S GO GARY!
JON
Thank you for being one of my childhood heroes. I hung your poster on my wall when I was growing up in Queens and became a little league cather, wearing #8 because of you. Good luck.
Gary, it was enthusiastic guys just like YOU who prolonged the Golden Age of MLB and kept it as exciting as ever for me! I’m sure I’m not alone in saying THANKS! for many, many hours of enjoyment AND for setting such a great example for youngsters with your positive approach to every challenge. You are proof that life can be a wonderful thing, worth living, if one maintains an upbeat attitude and persistence. God bless you and yours. It’s people like you who make the world a better place! Hang in there, Kid! — Jimi in Columbus, OH
Hey Gary, you are the greatest player in NY METS. I remember watching
86 World Series Game 6 & when you started the rally with 2 outs. We know what happened after that. I know you will come back KID. We pray for you.
I watched you as a kid back in 1986. You were amazing as a player, and are amazing as a person. People noticed. Stay strong in the Lord.
Praying and rooting for you “Kid”! Been a fan since ’69 and was there up in the cheap seats when Buckner booted Mookie’s grounder. Keep fighting!!
We love u kid,im a yankee and ur my first idol in mlb.even if you are a met
Hello his wife or kids should read Isaiah 53 to get him well
You have always been my favorite Met. I’ll never forget watching you and Keith Hernandez. My heart is with you and with your family.
Dear Gary, I’ve been a Mets fan since the early 70’s. I was so excited when the Mets traded for you in 1984. Your Mets debut was unforgettable. Helping the Mets win the 1986 World Series was the greatest gift of all. In 2001 you were at an autograph show in East Islip N.Y. My wife and I waited hours on line to meet you. you were a gentleman. Taking time to meet with everyone even when the people running the show tried to rush you along. I’ve rooted for you throughout your Hall Of Fame career. And I’m rooting for you now. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God bless and thank you for everything you’ve given to your fans. Sincerely, Anthony LaMacchia
Gary, After two mastectomies, I’ve always believed G-d watched over me and I know he’ll watch over you. Please know that besides your wonderful family and friends, that you also have the love and prayers of ALL baseball fans. Being the fighter that you are, I have no doubt that you will perservere My love, prayers and best wishes to you and your family. Arlene A long time Met fan.
Kid, your fans are with you. We are praying for you and your family. I hope you can feel our power of prayer. You just keep up the fight and God willing, you will beat this thing. I also wanted to say Thank You for not giving up in game 6! You didn’t give up then and I know you won’t give up now! God Bless.
Gary Carter. My childhood hero. I wore #8 every single year of little league. I was a catcher with a great work ethic, great control of the field, and an awesome snap throw down to third for pickoffs (my big brother was the 3rd baseman, and we caught a lot of guys taking too large a lead). Needless to say I modelled a lot of my technique by watching yours. I live in the DC area and actually was at the game when you and “The Hawk” were on the field at Nationals Park after his innauguration. I was proud that day. Proud of you, proud of Dawson, and proud to be your fan. I hope you are feeling well. Take care, you and your family are in my thoughts.
Dan
Being a Canadian, I watched Gary for all the years he was with the Expos. I wanted him to win a World Series with the Expos. He gave me a lot happy moments. Now I wish him all the best and pray for a speedy recovery. You were the best……
Gary- We are rooting for you. You are a true hero. Thank you for all you do for so many people in need. (I know you can beat this- the body will heal itself if we let it. Eat a healthy diet, live balanced, drink distilled water, take walks, do yoga, enjoy. You will be healed.) Your friend, Jim.
Good luck Gary. Rooting for you…again
Dear Gary,
Must be so hard for you and your family. Well wishes to you – am hoping you can beat this one. You’re a solid human being and left us New Yorkers with great memories.
Best wishes to recovery,
Jared
You an your family are in our thoughts and our prayers. Hang in there and fight. We love you Gary.
Gary, to you and your wonderful family all my best as you battle. Double as rough; double as tough!
My family’s hearts and prayers are with you and your entire family! I’ll always remember the trade that brought you to the Mets and how you embraced New York! I was at the playoff games, and remember the spirit you brought to the Mets and that you brought them over the top. You were one of the all-time greats and it is my honor, pleasure and privilege to have witnessed you play. Yet even more importantly, it was a pleasure and an honor to see your personality grace everyone who saw you play. You will always be “The Kid,” and a beloved Met and Expo. A true Hall of Famer!
Good Luck Kid, God Bless.
Gary, You are in the thoughts and prayers of all METS’ fans including this one.
No matter how dire the situation is, no matter what the “odds” are, don’t ever give up. Don’t ever stop fighting, and keep looking forward to what you’re going to accomplish once this whole horrible ordeal is over. It’s a major speed bump in the road Gary, and I know things don’t look great. But, keep your head up and stay positive. Miracles do happen. We’re all praying for you, kid.