Legendary Mets catcher Gary Carter passed away this offseason, but his legacy will forever live on with the franchise he so valiantly played for for five seasons.
As a tribute to his life and career in baseball, the Mets - coaches and players included - will don a number eight Carter jersey during batting practice of today's season-opener against the Atlanta Braves.
The team made the announcement via Twitter, including a photo of the jersey with the message.
Carter, affectionally known as "Kid," played 21 seasons in the MLB, earning 11 All Star bids, three Gold Gloves awards, and a World Series championship with the Mets during the team's infamous 1986 playoff run.
He battled brain cancer in the latter portion of his life, eventually succumbing to the disease on Feb. 12 of this year. The Mets, in further tribute to his legacy, will wear a patch honoring Carter throughout the 2012 season.