Of course, young players like Lenny Dykstra, Strawberry, and Gooden did look up to him during the 1986 season, and I recall times when the camera would catch Carter in the dugout talking to them. It never seemed that he was lecturing them, rather it appeared to be mentoring, and you could tell by the expressions on the younger players' faces that they valued what they were hearing.
1986 seems a long way away now, and as a Mets fan I still recall the joy of watching Gary Carter play, of seeing him running out and grabbing Jesse Orosco and then watching them both get smothered by the rest of the team as they celebrated that last out of the 1986 World Series. It is something I will never forget, and Carter's infectious smile is burned into my mind. I think that's the way we all want to remember him.
So one of the good guys is down but not yet out. Let's pull for him every way we can in the days ahead, and by all means send him good wishes and anything else that can cheer him up. Gary Carter, you are forever young in our hearts and minds; hang in there, Kid.
Photo Credit - Daily News
Article comments
1 - ToddT
I'm sorry to read this about Gary Carter. In 1986, when I lived in Houston, my Astros had a heck of a series against him but fell short in reaching the World Series. There were lots of heroes on that Mets team.
2 - Victor Lana
Todd, I remember that Houston team quite well. You also had great players. The Mets feared Mike Scott most of all. We were lucky not to have to face him game five.
3 - LINDA VONFANTE
WHAT A WONDERFUL ARTICLE ABOUT A DEAR DEAR AMN I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING HIM AND HIS INFECTIOUS SMILE. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIM.
4 - Sportmentary
I grew up watching Gary Carter. First with the Expos and then with the Mets. This was a great article about one of my favorite basbeall players. This is really sad news.