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 
Get well, Gary. You’re a fighter, and you’ll win this one. Everybody’s pulling for you.
Kid, You started the rally in game 6, now is the time for another one. All the best!
Gary,
For all that I can say about what you mean to the Mets, Mets fans and baseball fans all over, it is more important to say what you mean to the world around you. You are one of the truly good ones around, and those around you and close to you are lucky to have you. Between family, friends and fans there are so many people praying for you and wishing you well. Be strong.
Always my favorite Gary. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Speaking as a member of a younger generation of baseball fans, who may have never had the chance to watch you call a game or lead your team to victory, your exploits, leadership, enthusiasm and raw skill will never be forgotten. You are a treasured representative of the major league community and I wish you the utmost strength and love in your fight to conquer this disease. Go get em #8.
Get well soon Kid, your the reason I became a catcher and always had to wear number 8!!!! You played the game the right way, with the entusiasm and passion that has long been missing from the game. I will always remember the 2 out hit single that started the rally in game 6 of the ’86 World series.
Thanks for the great times Gary, we love you and hope for the best for you and your family!!
You were one of the joys of a truly champship team. You brought knowledge and positive energy to the game and I know you’ll use that same positive energy to overcome this challenge in a life of overcoming many of themin becoming a champion.
I still cherish the ’86 World Championship which you were a major part of. Get well soon.
u were my first favorite player and the reason i still love the game so much today-i know u’ll beat this and hopefully we can retire your number on the day you get to declare you are healthy once again
Our family has you in our thoughts and prayers….stay strong and God bless you Mr. Carter!!!
My father took me to my first Mets game in 1985 and there was Gary Carter, “The Kid”. My father said, watch him, study the way he plays ball, there are few like him. Today, I take my two young sons to Mets games and I tell them about Gary Carter, “The Kid” who I watched growing up. Gary, we are all with you, please get better and realize you made a difference in my life, and my father’s.
Dear Kid,
I have been a Mets fan since the day I was brought home from the hospital and placed in my grandfathers arms, back in August of 1966.
You made 86 a Memorable year for us Mets fans. Other then my daughter being born that December, you guys winning the series in October was one of the greatest things I have ever witnessed.
You can beat this. Our prayers are with you. Just remember, you are not going to make the last out.
Hang in there, Kid. Such a tough battle ahead of you, but we’ve seen you come through so many times before. We love you and pray for you. Get Well Soon.
I have the same birthday as you, play softball and my number is 8 and yes i do play catcher. Im wishing you all the best from one Aries to another. I will always remember you starting the rally of 86.
Praying for you Gary. I’ve been a Mets fan since the ’60s. You and your team made the ’80s a great time for all of us. Thoughts and prayers for you and your wonderful family.
I’m praying for you “kid”. You gave the Mets so much and now it’s your turn to get back. Be well and get well
You are the reason I’ve worn the number eight in every version of organized ball since 1981. Get well soon, Gary. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary, just wanted to let you know that all of your fans are thinking about you and wish you the best. I still have my 86 Carter jersey and wear it proudly to all Mets games. Met you once at the San Diego zoo with your daughters and you were very nice to take the time to talk with my friend and me. God bless.
Get well soon Kid!
I was there the night you started the rally that October night. You did not give up then and you won’t now. I was a season ticket holder during your Met years but more importantly you were there for us each night giving it your all. You were awesome! You were and are a class act. Me and my family pray for you. God bless!
U have always been a winner & a champion no matter the score or situation, Kid!
Do whatever that needs to b done in order to come out on top again. Remember Gm 6 vs Bosox in ’86. U refused to let the Mets go down!
Get well & come back to us fans @ Citi Field! God is your manager; He’ll guide u!
Gary…you’ve always been a class act. Fans everywhere (including me) are praying that you will beat this. God bless.
Always loved your confidence and line drives. Thanks for being our championship catcher. My friend has a brain tumor and his wife is pregnant with twins. Both of you will enjoy many more years of a healthy life for all of us!
Get well soon. Thank you for 1986
Get well soon Kid.
Gary We’re all praying for you. Keep smiling We Love You
Get well Kid! I was a huge fan of yours back in the 1980s I am praying for you!
Get well Gary. All of us Met fans owe you a huge debt of gratitude from 1986. We will never forget and always cherish your enthusiasm and the way you played the game.
Gary,
I wasn’t even nine years old, but I remember sitting in my den the morning after Game Six, watching the tenth inning on tape. I was on my knees in front of the TV, with my fingers crossed, praying for a miracle comeback that defied the odds. The miracle happened, and you started it. Here’s hoping you have another miracle in you.
Kid- “May the Lord bless you and watch over you. May He shine his holy spirit upon you. May he turn His face towards yours, and grant you peace”. -Numbers, 6. I will pray for you every day. You are the best.
Gary,
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Your spirit, strength and character represent everything that should be. Stay strong!
Gary,
You were my hero growing up as a Mets fan, and you are still my hero now. I have had problems with tumors in my skull when I was younger, and now all is well. All will be well with youy too, I know it. You are a very special person and too strong for defeat. Best wishes and get well, I want to see you at the game the Mets retire your number, my favorite number.
Anthony Gioe
Good luck, Kid! All the best to you, and wishing you victory in your fight. I grew up watching you with the Mets, and have always been a fan of yours. I am glad I had the pleasure of meeting you twice. Once when I was a kid, and once the day before your induction into the Hall Of Fame. Stay strong!!!!
Gary, we wish you well. You are an inspiration to us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.
Hey Kid: You are my favorite player of all time. Hang in there. I am rooting for you!! Show the world the toughness that you displayed on the baseball field!!
Gary:
My name is Sergio, I am a mexican Mets fan since 86, I am 35 yaers old, I was probaly 11 years old when you and your team mates made me a beleiver in miracles and baseball. Today my oldest son is 11 and I teach him that in life it doesnt matter how you win at the end but how with faith and huge efforts we achieve goals in life. I saw you hit a home run in 1990 whe you where a Dodger at shea stadium, it was probaly one of the final games in your baseball carrer and you probably enjoy it like it was your first, always with a smile, and always giving your best effort. I am sure that with these battle it would be the same, keep faith and never give up. Thank for make me a baseball fan, as today my son is and thank you for your great examples of what a true champion, ledership means.
Gett well Gary
From Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
My family prays for you and wishes you the best……..
You are the best.
when the mets needed hope you came and gave it now keep your hope and beat this my prayers are with you and your family
Get well, Gary Carter. You are a fantastic player, and person.
GET WELL KID! WERE PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
Gary,
If anyone can beat this you can AND YOU WILL!!!!!!
Get well soon, thinking of you…
Get well soon, Kid! We’re all rooting for you!
Gary, thank you for your love of the game. Thank you for all the fun we had watching you play and coach through the years. Thank you for the joy of the ’86 Mets. Thank you for all the autographs in Cooperstown and PSL Florida. I have a framed photo of you golfing and you signed it, “I think I made this putt”. We were so proud to be at your Induction into the HOF in Cooperstown. God Bless You! You are Amazing and ya gotta Believe in Miracles! With Love and Admiration, Don and Donna Byrnes ❤
Kid,
Just wanted to thank you for all you’ve done for the Expos, the Mets and for baseball. It’s hard to find people like you in life let alone in sports. You have been a class act from your rookie season all the way through to your induction into the Hall of Fame! As for the latest card that you’ve been dealt I’m sure you know there are millions of people in two countries that are pulling for you and praying for you. I hope you can feel the love. You WILL beat this!!. God bless you and your family
Get better, kid! You will always hold a special place in my heart for what you did for those ’86 Mets, and for the community. Class act, and great HOFer. Get better! and we hope to see #8 retired very, very soon!!
Get well Gary! Wishing you and your family all of the Best! I have been trying to break Ivory soap bars in 1/2 since I was a kid and saw you do it in those commercials. I know if anyone is strong enough to win this fight it’s you!!!!
God Be With You! You were part of one of the happiest moments in baseball for me!
Get well soon, Kid! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I have never been a Mets fan but have always been a Gary Carter fan. Will be praying for your successful and speedy recovery! Be strong and know we are with you!