Former NY Met Catcher Gary Carter Dies

Former Montreal Expo, New York Met and Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter died Thursday at his home in Florida. He had been suffering from brain cancer. Carter was 57.  The announcement came from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter. Gary’s enthusiasm, giving spirit and infectious smile will always be remembered in Cooperstown,”

Jane Forbes Clark of the Baseball Hall of Fame said in a statement Thursday. “Our thoughts are with Sandy, Christy, Kimmie, DJ and the entire Carter family on this very sad day.”

Gary “The Kid,” Carter was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. He played over 19 season in Major League Baseball with the Expos, Mets, Giants and Dodgers..

“When you think of the great baseball field generals, you think Gary Carter,” Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson said. “He ran the game from behind the plate with strong leadership and passion. The Kid's contribution to our National Pastime is big, but his heart was even bigger. We’ll always remember his caring way, ever-present smile and strong devotion to family, community and the Baseball Hall of Fame.”

Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig called Carter “one of the elite catchers of all-time.”

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. Like all baseball fans, I will always remember his leadership for the ’86 Mets and his pivotal role in one of the greatest World Series ever played.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.