The sudden and saddening news of Hall of Famer Gary Carter's death has the baseball world mourning, and the New York Mets, who Carter helped win the 1986 World Series, released an official statement after his passing, courtesy of Mets.com:
"On behalf of everyone at the Mets, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Gary's family -- his wife Sandy, daughters Christy and Kimmy and son D.J. His nickname 'The Kid' captured how Gary approached life. He did everything with enthusiasm and with gusto on and off the field. His smile was infectious. He guided our young pitching staff to the World Series title in 1986 and he devoted an equal amount of time and energy raising awareness for a multitude of charities and community causes. He was a Hall of Famer in everything he did."
Others associated with Carter during his time in New York also offered statements to team's website:
General Manager 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."
Manager 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."
Teammate 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."
Teammate 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."
Teammate 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."
Teammate 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."
It is clear, from the words spoken by those who knew him so well and from his contributions to the game of baseball, that Gary Carter will be dearly missed.