By the end of the 1984 season, the New York Mets had crawled out from their cellar-dwelling. They improved by 22 wins from the 1983 season and finished second in the NL East. New York was strong at first base with Keith Hernandez, powerful in the outfield with a young Darryl Strawberry, and potent in the rotation with an even younger Dwight Gooden. The glaring weakness of this team was production from the catching position.

Gary Carter was the best in the majors at that position: a seven-time All-Star, Gold Glover, power bat and a natural leader. In other words, he checked every box.

Even if it took dispatching the popular Hubie Brooks, plus 1984 backstop Mike Fitzgerald, Herm Winningham, and Floyd Youmans, it was a no-brainer. Suddenly, the Mets went from having a catching void to having the best catcher. And with it came anticipation for a season unlike any in more than a decade. Although the deal was more than validated with Carter producing two stellar seasons, the ultimate goal of a World Series title— which the franchise hadn’t had in 17 years and Carter hadn’t enjoyed in 13 seasons—was reached.

Carter had become the toast of Montreal. Merging defensive instincts and a power bat, he led the league in throwing out potential base stealers three times and posted six seasons of 20 or more home runs all while raising the stature of the Expos franchise. But disenchantment within the organization and failed attempts to reach the World Series led some to believe Carter may be expendable. Count Mets general manager Frank Cashen among them. When the Mets’ general manager got word the Expos were dismantling, he made his move.

Seven years before, the Mets dealt away their very identity. Tom Seaver went to the Reds for four nondescript players who collectively had less impact than the man they relinquished. Now, it was the Expos parting with their symbol and the Mets giving up four players who couldn’t measure up to Carter’s value. “This is a banner day for the New York Mets,” Cashen proclaimed.

The return on investment had remarkable potential for a team whose stock was ascending. With Carter, the Mets possessed the most potent lineup in its history. The quartet of Hernandez, Strawberry, George Foster, and now Carter combined for 92 home runs and 383 RBIs in ’84.

The perceived reputation of Carter’s fixation for the camera and unabashed enthusiasm quickly took a back seat soon after he joined the Mets. He gained favor with the public and his new teammates. A walk-off homer on Opening Day followed by a career-high 32 home runs, 100 RBIs, guiding an inexperienced starting rotation to success, and a blistering September on damaged knees led the Mets to 98 wins.

The 1986 season was his truly last peak year, but it couldn’t have ended better. He set a franchise record with 105 RBIs. More importantly, the Mets got their championship ring. Carter delivered crucial hits in October — none more than the single to keep Game 6 of the World Series alive.

Carter was one of four catchers to reach 300 homers, 2,000 hits, 1,000 runs batted in, and 1,000 runs scored. He remains second among all backstops with a 26.1 defensive WAR and fourth with a 56.3 offensive WAR. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003 to become the first—and to this date, only—member of the last Mets championship team to be inducted.