Feb
25
2012

Family, Friends, Teammates Say Goodbye To The Kid

An article by 72MetsFan

More than 1,000 former teammates, family members and friends of Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter paid tribute to him at a church memorial in Palm Beach Gardens on Friday evening.

Among the Mets contingent who came to say goodbye to “The Kid,” were former teammates Darryl Strawberry, Jesse Orosco, Wally Backman, Bobby Ojeda, Rusty Staub and Lenny Dykstra. Current Mets Terry Collins, David Wright, Jon Niese, Josh Thole and Bobby Parnell also attended.

Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench, whom Gary Carter looked up to and wanted to emulate as a player, was also there. “I’m gonna miss that smile, I’m gonna miss every part of Gary Carter because of the way he was,” said Bench. “For those who knew him, no words are necessary. For those who didn’t, no words are adequate.”Among those who attended were

Carter died Feb. 16 of brain cancer at the age of 57.

An 11-time All-Star, Carter’s tenure with the Mets may have been short, but to Mets fans he is iconic and will always be remembered for igniting one of the most improbable rallies in baseball history when the Mets came back to win Game Six of the 1986 World Series.

You belong to the ages now, Gary.

About the Author: Drew Staley

On June 1, 2012 Johan Santana officially became my favorite current Met! I'm a Queens native who grew up in the shadows of Big Shea. I was a huge Ron Darling, Dave Magadan and John Olerud fan. Honored to be a part of such a great site for Mets fans. Ya Gotta Believe!

5 Comments + Add Comment

NJstuckinTX February 25, 2012 at 12:25 am

“For those who knew him, no words are necessary. For those who didn’t, no words are adequate.”

I don’t think it could be said any better. I wish I had the pleasure to have met him.
MetsJets13 February 25, 2012 at 12:27 am

Rest in peace, Kid.
Des February 25, 2012 at 8:32 am

Thanks to Drew Staley and MMO for covering this story. More than 1000 attended so I’m blown away by Kid’s impact. It’s as it should be.
Joey D. February 25, 2012 at 3:16 pm

Still in shock and disbelief that Kid is no longer with us, even after learning about his illness a year ago last.

I do hope that his strong faith was indeed a comfort for him to fight off the fear of knowing his days were numbered way before they should have and that he did not have to endure pain and suffering as his illness progressed.

Rest in peace, Gary, knowing also that your legacy off the field is one that today’s children who idolize ball players could look up to. Keep that beautiful smile when looking down at your family and all of us.
srt February 25, 2012 at 4:54 pm

I understand this was streamed live. I couldn’t bring myself to listen.

He’ll not be forgotten.

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