@MetsRewind Hall of Fame Profile: Gary Carter
Gary Carter was considered the final piece of the puzzle in the construction of the 1986 World Series team. He was inducted into the @MetsRewind Hall of Fame in Fall 2019.
New York Mets fans have voted Gary Carter into the @MetsRewind Hall of Fame in the Fall 2019. “The Kid” joined Dwight Gooden, Rusty Staub, Keith Hernandez, and Darryl Strawberry in the second class of inductees.
Carter, who ranked second in voting on the ballot, received 2/3 of all fan votes. The Kid as he was affectionately known, was acquired by the Mets in the winter of 1984, played five seasons in New York, winning two National League Eastern division titles and a World Series championship in 1986.
"He was a human backstop. Before his knees went bad you couldn't steal on him. When he wasn't able to throw because of his knees, that never affected his performance. He was running on and off the field after three outs. This guy played in some pain and it was hustle, hustle, hustle." - Keith Hernandez/The Sporting News
During his five-year tenure in New York, Carter batted .249 with 89 home runs and 349 RBI. He was selected to the N.L. All Star team four consecutive years (1985-1988) as a member of the Mets.
"Nobody loved the game of baseball more than Gary Carter. Nobody enjoyed playing the game of baseball more than Gary Carter. He wore his heart on his sleeve every inning he played. For a catcher to play with that intensity in every game is special." - Tom Seaver
In 2003, Carter was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming only the second player in Expos history to receive the honor. His number 8 was also retired by the Expos and Mets.
"When you think of the great baseball field generals, you think Gary Carter. He ran the game from behind the plate with strong leadership and passion. The Kid's contribution to our National Pastime is big, but his heart was even bigger. We'll always remember his caring way, ever-present smile and strong devotion to family, community and the Baseball Hall of Fame." - National Hall of Fame Baseball President Jeff Idelson
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