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 
It is a shame that his enthusasim couldn’t rub off on the rest of the team. He loved baseball as I am sure he loved life and his family….rip
There was nothing like watching the 86 Mets..Shea and Gary Carter,
It is so hard to have faith at times like this.
I am a life-long Met fan and so sad about the passing of Gary Carter. I am so happy, though, that I had the chance to meet him in the spring of 2011 while Gary was the head coach of the Palm Beach Atlantic Baseball team and his club was playing Florida Tech, the team that I broadcast for.
My brother e-mailed me a photo of Gary jumping onto Jesse Orozco’s chest after the final out of game 7 of the 1986 World Series. Gary was so gracious to sign the photo and he said, “To J.C. Best Wishes and God Bless You, Gary Carter 1986 World Series Champs.” The photo proudly hangs in my bedroom. What a moment for me. When I broadcast my Florida Tech game tomorrow night, I will have some thoughts about Gary as well as on March 23 when PBA comes in for a three game series. I had the chance to talk to his daughter, Kim, who is the head coach of the PBA softball team, while I was down at PBA broadcasting a basketball game. I expressed my hope that her dad would get through this and she was appreciative of my thoughts. My thoughts go out to her, her mother and the entire Carter family. God Bless.
J.C. Meyerholz
Met Fan from 1971-Present
I am so touched by what you wrote!
Hey Kid – I know your life is tough right now….As a pediatrician I take care of a lot of kids with cancer, and I know how intense the battle to get better can really be. Just remember to take joy and strength in your loved ones, and the thousands of fans who have been inspired by you. I was a little 10 year old kid when you came in and carried the Mets to a championship – and made me a lifetime fan. Keep on fightin!
Mr.Carter: Keep believing!!!! I had esopogel cancer in 2003 and doctors told me i had 5 years to live. As you can tell they were wrong.You gave me more excitment and thrills when you were were playing with all the teams you had played with even though I am a big Met fan. If it was not for you we would not have won the W.S. You were always a fighter do not stop fighting this you will come out on top God Bless You And Your Family Jay Donovan
Gary, You were a player that always hustled and never gave up. You are a great role model for younger players, and even older plalyers. I met you at Fantasy camp and was thrilled. I am praying for you.
Gary,
I had Met you on many occasions during my years rooting for the Mets and living in New York. You always exhibited class and toughness through the years. I know your a fighter and along with my families prayers and the prayers of all your baseball fans and family you will get through this battle. God Bless and get well soon.
Craig
Palm City, Florida
Gary i want to wish you the best in the future. I know for a fact you a strong person and you will get thru this fight. Stay strong like you did that bat at game 6 that kept us alive in the 10th inning. I know for sure you will be around to give us our next world series trophy and watch the next mets catcher go into the baseball and mets hall of fame (Mike Piazza)
God Bless You
Hang In There
God bless Gary , don’t give up the fight. That’s what you taught me .
Gary,
I used to play catch with D.J. on David-Lewis when you came back to Montreal in 1992. He was a great kid then. I’m around his age. I was only able to appreciate your career as a ball player later on. Since 2003 I have proudly worn a vintage Expos Carter #8. My twitter profile proudly displays you playing ball for the Expos – and it will remain until you beat this thing. Of everything I’ve read and learned about you over the years, and of what I remember of your son, you are one of the good guys. Pro sports needs more people like you. Your character and playing career are the definition of Hall of fame. On and off the field. Go get ’em Kid.
Love from Montreal.
Ian H.
You were my son’s hero from the time he could understand what baseball was. He was so thrilled the day he finally met you. And you took the time to talk to a little boy and let him know that you cared about what he said. You are in my prayers everyday.
God bless you #8. I had the pleasure to meet you once. You were kind enough to hold my cell phone and say hello to my mother who loves you….she talks about it still to the day. Stay strong.
Gary,
You always played the game with grace and dignity and are an inspiration for baseball fans everywhere. I always enjoyed watching your exuberance and intensity when you played the game. You are the best. My prayers to you and your family.
Get well soon KID! You are in our prayers……
Gary, my prayers and thoughts are with you. You brought many happy moments to me during your time with the Mets. Best wishes and again you are in my prayers.
you keep on battling kid carter along with your family and doctors you have always been a winner in life and will countinue to be one god bless
hey Gary,
I have been a fan since 69….when you came to the mets from the expos that was the greatest thing, because I saw all the homers you were hitting there in Montreal… now that you came to the mets… I went out and got a met jersey from the 86 series and had your name and number put on it…. you are always in my prayers, GOD bless you… Feel better
HI GARY, I AM MET FAN SINCE 1973. YOU GAVE THE METS HOPE AND LEADERSHIP WHEN YOU PLAYED FOR US. MY WIFE & I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS. GOD BLESSS YOU & WE WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR PRAYERS.
Get well soon and i am a big mets fan just like my dad and will be forever
Thinking of you…
Thanks for all the memories you gave us. We are prayering for you and your family. It is in God’s hand now. God Bless. Timelord Shepherd
Praying for ya Mr.Carter
Gary you gave me so many wonderful memories during your time with the Mets especially that magical year of 1986. I was at game 6 of the World Series, it was a memory I will always cherish. May god bless you and your family during these very difficult times.
Gary, you were mine and my mom’s favorite Mets player. I have such fond memories of you and I still have the little figurine of you at my parents house. I was jealous of my neighbor growing up whose name was Gary! Wishing you the best of health and hopes of a full recovery.
You were “The Kid” when I was a kid, and one of my favorite Mets. May God be with you during your struggles…
God Bless You Gary! One of the greats! Always in our hearts and our prayers!
God bless- best wishes Gary and hopes for a speedy recovery.
Hey Mr.Gary Carter, remember when me & my brother saw you in the runway to the dugout. You were talking to Mr.lupica. I asked you to lay off that first pitch that summer night in 86, you did. All the best Gary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always, GOD BLESS YOU, Guy & family. Astoria,N.Y.
Get well soon Gary, you have and will always be my favorite Mets player 🙂 thinking of you and your family
Gary, On and off the field you epitomize class, dignity and determination. Tremendous ballplayer, outstanding individual and role model to adults amd children everywhere. Thank you for the memories and all our prayers always.
Dear Gary,
You have always been an inspiration in how the game should be played …Now you are an i9nspiration in how life can be lived. My prayers and good wishes are with you and your family!
God bless,
Frank C.
My hubby’s all-time favorite Met. Love you Gary! We’re thinking about you and are praying for you.
I remember one game, The Mets were playing in Boston. The Green Monster loomed in the outfield. Then, THE KID steps up to the plate and BOOM!!! The monster was no more!!! You went DEEP and LONG that day! A true leader for the ’86 Championship team, and always a thrill to watch. My family is right with you in spirit, Kid. Together, we’ll beat this thing. God Bless!
Love you Gary!!
Hang in there, Kid…. God is with you and your family.
My prayers and support, always.
The Kid,
I was a 10 when I first saw you play at Shea. There plenty of afternoons where I lost myself in thoughts of that 86′ team. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the golden curls, and thank you for exhibiting the passion and fire as a player. Get well Gary.
Prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time, You are one of the true great ones that ever played the game. As you answered a letter to me way back when and finished answering all my questions. God Bless.
Larry O’Callaghan
Mimico, Ontario
Praying for your health and in hope of recovery. May God bless you.
Get well Gary.
You are one of the greatest.A great inspiration to others.
Get better soon my friend,everyone is pulling for you Champ.
Bob Blackburn,Mtl.
Dear Gary, our prayers are with you. You have been our daughter Becky’s favorite player since the 86 Mets – she has 2 posters of you in her room. We loved watching you play, with so much enthusiasm! Becky and I went to Cooperstown in 2003 for your Hall of Fame Induction – our 1st time to an induction ceremony. What a wonderful speech you gave, giving glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! May the Lord’s healing hand be on you as you trust in Him. Isaiah 40:28-31
Mr Carter,
One of my fondest memories of time spent with my father is watching the 74 to 84 Montreal Expos play. “The Kid” was my favorite player. My most cherished treasure is the 1982 O-Pee-Chee sticker album, which I was able to get autographed by you. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Debbie from Montreal
Mr. Carter,
Although it’s easy to say the fondest memory I have is of that 86 season, it’s not the only one. You were a member of my childhood for many more years before and after that. In watching you play I saw a “kid” in a man’s uniforming playing a boy’s game, and still loving it! I can only imagine as you face the hardest throwing pitcher you’ve ever faced in your life you’ll fight till that list strike and as you succeeded in not making the last out in game 6, you’ll win this battle with a hit up the middle and reach base safely. Whether it’s to the loving arms of your family or that of our heavenly father.
You sir are what a role model is suppose to be.
Gabriel Cordova
God bless you Gary Carter. What you and the 86 meant to me I will never forget. Thank you for what it meant to me. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Gary, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I was at Opening Day in1985 and at Game 6, where your will pulled us through. If anybody can win this fight, it is you.
Robert Friedland
New York City
Gary, my thoughts and prayers are with you. You are a strong man. Keep up the fight. You’ve been an inspiration to me and I thank you for all the great memories you provided on the field. All the best to you Gary.
Gary, my heart & prayers are with you & your family. Your intergrity, moral values, your belief in The Lord are so exceptional. I am nearly 50 & have been a Mets fan since 1969. I pray for you each day. Please know that you are loved and admired by so so many.
When are the Mets going to announce ‘Gary Carter Day’ THIS season ????
With the Mets looking for more fan support, and to honor a great former member of OUR team, you would think that the Mets would give their fans an opportunity
to thank Gary (personally) for what he had contributed to the Mets.
Don’t wait any longer. The Mets should announce ‘Gary Carter Day’ as soon as possible. The omission of this announcement does not bear well for the team
management.
Sad that Met fans have to “push” the Mets organization to honor Gary, when in fact the Mets should have announced this special event earlier as a thank you to Gary and his fans.
I’m sure if he had played for the Yankees he would already have be honored.
That’s why (and I’m not a Yankees fan) they are a class organization.
We all love you Gary, and hope you have a healthy recovery from your medical problems.
You are so right Frank. I hope the organization sees your post and does something.
Gary, I grew up after you had retired, but still watched you playing as one of the greatest Mets of all time. You’re a true inspiration to so many. God bless you and your family.
God bless you, Gary!
Was there for the Opening Day HR in ’85. No one better in the big moment. Thank you for all of them. You are a great player and a great man. Hang in there, Kid. I’m praying for you. God Bless.
Thanks for everything you did for the Expos and for Expos fans, Gary. Best wishes and God bless you.
Mike Gavin, Canada
Mr. Carter, my fondest memory are of you and the 1986 Championship Team, get well soon, me and my family are praying for you