He was nicknamed "The Kid" because of his youthful enthusiasm and infectious smile, but he also was a multi-time All-Star with the Expos & Mets, and won a World Series with the Amazin's in 1986. Today, the sports world mourns the passing of Gary Carter at 57 following a bout with brain cancer.
Carter was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor less than a year ago, just a few short years removed from induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. It was Carter who was a hero for the NL All-Stars in the 1981 game, the first game played after a strike that season. He was one of the offensive leaders for the '86 Mets, and, with first basenan Keith Hernandez (now a broadcaster for the team), he was one of their defensive leaders as well. Carter finished his career in 1992, and was inducted into the Hall as a member of his original club, the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals). He had played with the Giants & Dodgers after leaving the Mets. In recent years, Carter had been involved in the Mets organization, working with their minor leaguers.
I would imagine that the Mets will posthumously honor Carter by retiring his number (8) this season. It would, in fact, be the right thing to do.
Rest in peace, "Kid".
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