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 was a huge Kid fan growing up and wore #8 through my baseball playing days through College. In 1997 I was priveledged enough to go to the MLB All-Star game and got to meet Gary at the Fan Fest. He signed my #8 Mets Jersey and took a photo with me. He was such a nice guy and had that smile that he played with all those years. What a great man and ball player, he will be missed.
I will never forget the joy you brought to my life as a kid. I,m sure plenty of others as well. You were part of my best memory ever when I attended the 1986 World Series as a Mets fan and watched you guys win. Also at home watching the game 6 comeback that you started. Thank you for that. You were a class act Gary. I learned more of how great of a person you were off the field as the years went on. You will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. RIP GARY CARTER. We Love You.
The Kid was the best. A first class guy both on the field and off. I always had hopes that he would someday manage The Mets. He will be missed. And he will always be remembered for all the excitment he brought to each and every game. He is gone way too soon. Thank you Gary, for so much.
Gary was my hero growing up, as my mom was born in Montreal. I wear his EXPOS jersey with pride, and mourn both the loss of him and of my beloved franchise. You’re the best, Kid.
I had the pleasure of meeting Gary Carter after he was a Met, when he played for the Giants. I had just interviewed Norm Sherry(Giants Coach), and Gary was stretching on the field. I went over to say Hi, and he responded like we were old friends. Once you had met Gary, it was like you had a friend for life. I still have and cherish the photo of the 2 of us on nthe field at Shea. He is sorely missed. G-d bless his soul.
I was at his first game when he joined the team in 1985. It was his birthday. He hit the game winning homerun, so he was one of my all time fave Mets from that moment on! It was always a joy & a treat to watch him play! He will truly be missed!!
Gary Carter was much more than a good baseball player – he was a class individual and a great role model in every sense of the word! I will miss his smile and the enthusiam that he brought to the game. Please, NY Mets – retire his number 8 and hold a day in his honor and memory both for his family and his fans!
What hurts the most is how emotionally hearted he prided himself as a Expos / Mets player , that many years later after so many well earned accomplishments in managering he along with many of us thought for sure he’d be the next Mets manager for the 2008-09 season , guess not ? Reasons had it that he was overally hunger and to nervy for the job ? I say ‘SO what ‘ ?? Not only as a fan am honored of gary becoming a candiate to manage the mets , but a hungry one that wont stop till he wins ! Nothing wrong with being alittle nervy , being nervy does’nt lose you 7 1/2 games in the standings with 17 games to be played . Rest in peace gary ….. !!
Hello to all. I hope ownership actually these comments from the fans. If so…please understand this, The Kid’s number is past due, retire it already. Should have been prior to his passing.
RIP #8
Game 6 1986 Enough Said! RIP Gary Carter #8 forever in our Hearts Lets Go Mets!
I hope the Mets do the right thing and retire #8 and put it up on the wall in left. Without Gary Carter there would be no 1986 championship!
Gary Carter loved the game of baseball and i loved his constant enthusiasm and energy. You are sorely missed, Kid
Gary Carter was one of the Great & Amazin’ attributes to New York Mets Baseball & will be sorely missed by every team, player and fan who knew, or seen him play!!!! R.I.P Gary Carter! The smile and the way you played baseball, will always stay imprinted in my heart & mind!!!!!
AS A LIFETIME NEW YORK METS FAN THE THING THAT GARY CARTER REPRESENTED WAS PURE CLASS. RIP GARY.
As a Canadian, growing up was about the Expos for me. Gary Carter was the first sports athlete that I wrote to. I still remember as a ten year old, trying my hardest to do a nice job of cursive writing. I took my time writing that letter and mailed it off in hopes of getting an autograph. Well, some time later a letter arrived to me with the Montreal Expos return address. I was so excited and could not and did not want to wait to open it. At the mail box, at the top of my laneway it was opened. Inside was a Gary Carter picture with the autograph “To Gordon, Best Of Luck & God Bless……….Gary Carter. I still have that autograph and treasure it . God Bless Gary Carter, you’re missed!!!
http://missoulian.com/sports/catch-all/heinbach-baseball-loses-a-legend/article_a612e25a-5a95-11e1-8487-001871e3ce6c.html
My story about Gary Carter.
Gary Carter contributed a level of maturity and class to the mets
he will be missed
I live in Michigan and so I would go see the Mets when they played the Cubs, I got to see Gary hit his 300th Homerun @ Wrigley Field. Having grown up in Queens and being an avid fan of the Amazings I will never forget his contributions to the team and Baseball!
The NY Mets & Montreal should unequivicly retire the #8
I’d like to send Happy 1st Birthday home in Heaven to Gary. So fitting that his Birthday falls on this joyous day. God bless him.
thankyou sharon – our hearts are still breaking believe it or not ! I refer to him as ‘king of underdogs’ with that idolizing smile ! Never in my life Have I ever seen a more ‘pumped up player ‘ who plays with 150 % heart & emotion , that I have a seen in gary . Rest in peace old war horse , your an eternal classic ….. !!
I became a Mets ballgirl so that I could be closer to him. His inspiration and positive attitude always helped me. I have never met a more well rounded, respectable person in my life. If there were more people like him in the world, we’d be a greater place for it.
Gary Carter. A Reason to Believe.
God that one hits home ,thankyou Storchfam .
I was so sad to hear of Gary Carter’s passing. I remember watching him as a catcher, and really following the Mets, because of him.I’ll always be a Mets fan, but I’m a bigger Gary Carter fan. Rest in peace, Gary. I hope that he’s with my Mom.
Happy Birthday in Heaven today, Kid!! Had your poster on my wall, you were my favorite Met growing up, and watching that 1986 team win it all you will always be remembered by me as the heart and soul of that team (I loved and love all the guys from the team, but you were my favorite player). Thank you for all the great memories, may you have found peace in Heaven and may your family, friends and loved ones find peace in mourning your loss and celebrating your life!
Been a Mets fans since I was a little guy in the late 1960’s and when I was in college my girlfriend (now my wife) and I would buy go to a bunch of games in the 1980’s and then got Season tickets together. In 1987 we took a road trip to see the Mets in Montreal and stayed in the same Hotel as the team. On morning we got on our elevator to go down for breakfast and behind us Gary Carter came on as well. He was so pleasant to us and didn’t have to be, (met fans first thing in the morning). The memory that stands out was my Girlfriend saying to him as we saw his World Series ring, wow that ring is awesome, he said with a huge smile ” That’s what is all about”, asked if we were enjoying our trip. That smile in person a foot away and his how geniune he was we will never forget…..
In 1985 I used to cut his lawn in Oyster Bay Long Island. I met him only once & he was very cordial. Thanks for the memories Mr. Carter You will live forever in my heart.
Goodbye Kid 8. A true gentlemen and a class individual. He willed the Mets to
overcome Boston in 1986. Didn’t surrender to demons and cop-out like the atheletes of today. A man of morals and self discipline. A good family man. the Mets were lucky to have him in their employ. RIP
Disappointed that I won’t be there for this. Living in Florida stinks sometimes. Seems like yesterday that I watched his memorial. A great player and even a greater man. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family on this day and always. Hopefully the Mets will step it up and retire his number too.
Gone but not forgotten.
Sharon Fiumefreddo
I have always been a big Met fan, but being a resident of Northern NY, up on the Canadian border, never got to many games in NYC. Fell in love with Gary Carter when he was an Expo and saw him with my husband and kids many times. He was a fan favorite no matter which team you were rooting for!!!!!!!!!!! He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by many!!!!
i remember watching the kid in person and on tv. i was happy that one of those times i got to say hello to gary. he was one of the nicest guys you ever wanted to meet. i hope the young players of today take notice of how gary carry himself on and off the field. players like him don’t come along to often. he love the game and gave the fans their moneys worth and then some. a class act to the end.rest in peace kid and thank you for the great memories.
Correction – Levels by avicii
Gary was a great Kid his love for baseball was being real ballplayer he really love New York and I believe he really care for the fans he did this from his heart he is a born again christian and now he free from pain he not in home place anymore but he home with God now! Gary was a Blessing Kid
DJ Willie Monico
Even when he smacked foul balls to the backstop as I remember Gary as an Expo, bending those muscular legs of his, you just felt he was going to rip the next offering down the left field chalk or over the wall. Having Mr. Raines, Mr. Wallach, and Steve Rogers helped plentiful. I always hoped he may some day become a New York Met and my wish came true. For whatever reason, I just enjoyed when the Amazin’s invaded the Cards, especially in Busch stadium when facing Tudor, Forsch and Sutter.. Those were series I couldn’t wait to watch on channel 9. I can’t wait for next Thursday when a true icon is remembered. #8 will be as momentus in Mets history as that of #8 on the other team across the river. Hope you’re resting comfotable “kid”.
I second that , hope your resting comfortable too gary !! …. Now lets go out an snatch that 5th seeded playoff spot for our 2012 NY METs !!!! C’common Gary help us !! Good back ground song , Levels by avili .
In 1986 I was 9 yeard old but I will always remember that team. The 86 Mets was the start of me loving baseball and of course the Mets. They were a scrappy bunch but Gary Carter was my all time favorite player and Met. To me, he is MR MET. He will be missed but lets win it for THE KID this year. We have alot going for us this year, to remember Gary and 50 years of Mets baseball. How awesome would it be, KID, this year is for you.
I believe if Gary never hit or caught a baseball he would have found success.I believe if someone is a good person,father, husband ,friend and son he is a hero . Gary Carter was a true hero in every sense
Carmine – I believe of all the comments I gave read – this was the best…thank you!
I still remember the day they announced Gary was coming to the Mets in 1985. Living on Long Island at the time, I was thrilled to see the “final piece”, of puzzle come together to create the championship season in 1986. Gary was always a positive influence with
everything he did and said. He was a true professional and an extermely talented player. I was so sad to hear of his untimely death, and baseball and the rest of the world will miss him.
Like you, I have been a Mets fan since 1969. Gary Carter was one of my favorite Mets. His leadership, enthusiasm, and the way he played made the game enjoyable for everyone. God bless you, Gary
I am a Mets fan – My entire family are Mets fans. Mr. Carter was my my favorite Met – for his affinity/love of the Game. It was the Fall of 1986. The Mets were in the Playoffs – this was new to me as I was 18 at the time. in the 12th inning of the 5th Game of National League Championship – The “Kid” hit the ball where no one was allowing him to reach first base safely – propelling the Mets to the World Series.
Game 6 of the World Series – Everyone remembers Mookie Wilson’s play with Ray Knight scoring the winning run. (I even have an autograph picture with Mookie and Bill.) But in order to get there, the Mets won game 3 – the Kid had 3 RBI’s. Game 4 the Kid hit two home runs. Series tied 2-2. Sox won game five and then the mets were losing 5-3 in the 10th inning of game six. Two outs. nobody on, the Kid starts the rally with a base hit – He scores – 5-4, wild pitch, 5-5, then Mookie… The Kid was not going to allow the Sox to win the series. I truly believe that. More importantly Mr. Carter believed that! It was a true honor to watch him play. He will be missed.
I am in Texas but a transplanted New York Met fan. I remember Gary when he was signing balls at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.
He was disappointed at not getting in the HOF. I told him he should have been in . Well I am glad he did finally make it into the Hall. No one more deserving.
Sorry I can’t be at game at opening day to pay my respect and tribute to a great KID.
I am 88 years old and a old Ebbetts field fan and always a Met Fan.
I am sure he made it to baseball’s heaven.
Richard Zeni
Typical of a floundering franchise. I have been a fan since 73. Mets are my only true love but why couldn’t you guys honor him when he was alive. We all knew he was sick a year ago. We couldn’t retire his number last year????? Once again Mets your just a little late to the party. Now you know why I cancelled my season tix. You guys are just dumb.
How are they a floundering franchise, dude you are really not a true Mets fan. Go to the Yankees and join the bandwagon. The Mets family doesn’t need you. Good, CitiField is going to be for winners this year.
I was at Gary’s first game as a New York Met. Seems like yesterday. He hit that homerun to win the game. I remember the crowd chanting his name. The amazing thing was they were still chanting his name of the subway platform a half hour after the game. We knew then that we were again on the map. What i remember was how Gary was so upbeat all the time even when the Mets weren’t playing well. He is a unique individual and will be sorely missed. Heaven has another angel.
I will always remember Gary as the last piece of the puzzle that made the 86 mets. in time we came to see that not only was he a great player he was a special man. Base ball needs more Gary Carters, and so dose life. He will be missed. God Bless Gary and his family.
Gary,you were and always will be my hero!People may die but heroes live forever!God speed,Kid!
Excellent frank , way to go !!!!! Your right , Hero’s never die !!! Oh my lord that is so perfectly said ……
Correction : Hero’s live forever !!!!
RETIRING HIS #8 IS A GREAT IDEA AND SINCE HIS PRESENCE IMPACTED BOTH THE EXPOS(NATIONALS) AND THE METS, HOW ABOUT JOINT CEREMONIES WHEN THE NATS ARE AT CITIFIELD AND WHEN THE METS GO TO WASHINGTON . THIS WAY THE FANS OF BOTH TEAMS CAN REFLECT AND SHARE ON HIS IMPACT ON BOTH TEAMS AND ON MLB .
I agree both Expos and Mets should join forces in celebrating the life of gary carter during a national / Mets game by retiring his # 8 number !!
Gary “The Kid” Carter, you were the ultimate professional. A pros pro. Even though I am not a Mets fan I did enjoy watching you play. You were that special breed that demands the respect of friend and foe. Now that you are free from your physical pain you can rest in peace. Your kind may never been seen again. I thank you for the memories.
I am sad for the Carter family to suffer such a loss! For the Met fans in the world our loss is great but not as great as the families since Gary was a true idiol and not someone who could not hold it together off the field! He is a ledgend in my mind and god bless him and his family!
I have been a loyal mets fan since 1984 since then they have had their share of catchers but you Gary Carter were and always will be my favorite.
gary carter was my favorite player growing up as kid watching the mets and was the epithemy of class all the way around a real standup guy which is why alot of the drug addicted morons who played on the mets during those times didnt like him.my hats off to you gary for not giving and being the family man and player aand leader you truly were you will be missed by the mets family.
I can remember when my son was 8 years old and we went to the mall to get Gary’s autograph,he had the inimitable smile and was so gracious. It made my sons day. We were faithful fans and sat on the edge of our seats watching the 86 series. Gary’s # should be retired, his smile was a breath of fresh air, you never got tired of it. Be at peace “kid”.
Its amazing ,ever since 1981 gary has been my # 1 idol . Over the last 25 years without even trying , I do the same “concentrating facial expressions” as him , whether its getting into the batting circle , or driving my MTA bus by smiling at all the passengers even the ones who complain to me about the other driver , I just feel that you have a positive attitude in life . Once you got that face into a smiling mold – you automatically get looked up too . Thankyou gary for making abetter person out of me and the rest of us who learned from you !! Rest in peace , we love you & miss you !
Never will I forget turning off the TV thinking the Mets were done but then flicking it back on again to see Gary start the rally in Game 6 in 1986…. Thanks Kid for never quitting
Being a Red Sox Fan, I did not like that 86 Mets team but I respected a lot of them and none more than Gary Carter. One of the best catchers ever and a great person. He will surely be missed.
how about retirement of no8
Great idea!! And The Nationals should follow suit. He played 11 seasons for them when they were the Expos
I became a baseball fan cheering for the 1979 Montreal Expos of which Gary Carter was an integral part. Gary’s outgoing personality and success on the field helped convert myself and and many others in Canada in becoming loyal MLB fans.
I still remember like if it were yesterday when Gary Carter joined the Mets in 1985
I was sad to here of his passing , It was like part of my childhood left with him. May God Bless Gary Carter’s family and in knowing his faith he is guaranteed a better home for eternity. God Bless Gary Carter
As a METS fan from across the pond ,I still remember Gary Carter smiling face bomming out ,LETS GO METS GO during the 1986 World Series straight into the T.V. camaras.That will stay with me foer ever.
Thank you GARY for bringing a smile to the game.
RIP ,GARY CARTER.
His 2 homeruns up in fenway in ’86’ were enormous moon shots over that green monster . that monster wall was primarily wade Boggs & jim rices paddle ball wall in hoping there popup flys could turn into hits . Gary being Gary silenced all that cheap thinking of ‘ballpark generousity dimensions’ by silencing the ” wiffle ball thinkers ‘ who need that wall for fame .