Hall of Fame Catcher Gary Carter died today at the age of 57 after a battle with brain cancer. Carter was inducted into the Hall in 2003 after a long and successful career with the Expos, Mets, Dodgers, and Giants. Over his 19 seasons, Carter was an 11 time All-Star, 3 time Gold Glove winner, and 5 time Silver Slugger winner. He hit .262 with 324 HRs, 1225 RBIs, 39 stolen bases and 2092 hits over the course of his career “The Kid” was also a key component on the Mets’ 1986 World Championship team and helped lead the Expos to their only playoff appearance in 1981. Carter was the first Hall of Famer to wear the Expos’ cap on his plaque.
Off the field, Carter was a Roberto Clemente award winner, as well as a broadcaster for the Marlins and a coach in the Mets system and in college. Since the announcement of his illness, the Mets played a video tribute with get well wishes for him during every game.
Gary Carter was one of the greatest catchers to play the game and was revered by fans and universally liked and respected by baseball insiders no matter where he went. Off the Bench joins the rest of the baseball community in offering our deepest sympathies to his family.
