A beautiful homage to Gary Carter by Joe Petruccio. (click to enlarge)
FRANK CASHEN: “The genesis of the trade was that we wanted to add a big bat to the lineup. He did that right away, but perhaps more importantly was the way he handled our young pitchers. He was the perfect guy for so many reasons.”
DAVEY JOHNSON: “Gary was a one-man scouting system. What people didn’t know was that he kept an individual book on every batter in the National League. He was the ideal catcher for our young pitching staff.”
DARRYL STRAWBERRY: “What he added to the team was character. His approach to the game was contagious. It spread to the rest of us. He helped each of us understand what it took to win. I wish I could have lived my life like Gary Carter”
RON DARLING: ”The baseball world lost one of its gladiators today, and I have lost a friend. Gary Carter was everything you wanted in a sports hero: a great talent, a great competitor, a great family man, and a great friend. To know Gary was to care deeply for him, and I am deeply saddened. All my thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sandy and their children.”
DWIGHT GOODEN: “I relied on Gary for everything when I was on the mound including location, what pitch to throw and when. Even when I didn’t have my best stuff, he found a way to get me through the game. He was just a warrior on the field.”
WALLY BACKMAN: “He was like a big brother to me. I always went to him for advice. No matter what time of day it was, he always had time for you.”
BOBBY OJEDA: “We are all very saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. He was not only a Hall of Fame ballplayer, but also a Hall of Fame man as well. He is gone too soon for us to understand. May he rest in peace.”
TIM TEUFEL: “The baseball community has lost a Hall of Fame player and a Hall of Fame person. He was a good man and will be missed terribly.”
MOOKIE WILSON: “The one thing I remember about Gary was his smile. He loved life and loved to play the game of baseball.”
KEITH HERNANDEZ: Watch this touching and very emotional video by Keith:
