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Gary Carter, Beloved Met And Hall Of Fame Catcher, Has Died
By
Ben Yakas
Published Feb 16, 2012
Modified Feb 16, 2012
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Feb 16, 2012
Modified Feb 16, 2012
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Gary Carter, the Mets Hall of Fame catcher who was diagnosed with brain tumors last year, has died today according to Baseball Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson. He was 57.
"I am deeply saddened to tell you all that my precious dad went to be with Jesus today at 4:10 pm.," his daughter Kimmy Bloemers wrote on the family's website. "This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to write in my entire life but I wanted you all to know. He is in heaven and has reunited with his mom and dad. I believe with all my heart that dad had a STANDING OVATION as he walked through the gates of heaven to be with Jesus."
Carter, a former Mets announcer who had been managing at Palm Beach Atlantic College last year before his diagnosis, hit .262 with 324 home runs and 1,225 RBI in a 19-year career with the Mets, Montreal Expos, San Francisco Giants and L.A. Dodgers. Carter was an 11-time All-Star who was nicknamed "Kid", and he won his only World Series with the Mets in 1986 during a season when he had 24 homers and 105 RBIs, then drove in 11 runs in the playoffs.
"When you think of the great baseball field generals, you think Gary Carter," Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson said in a statement. "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."
In his last interview in late January, Carter expressed to the Daily News his frustration and fears about his worsening condition: “This is an incredible journey, nothing I could have ever imagined,” he said. “God is helping me get through this.”
Tagged
baseball
brain tumors
catcher
gary carter
hall of fame
mets
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Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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