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Click Below to See All That This Site has to Offer!
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This page is dedicated to YOU the fan and YOUR memories of Gary
January 2007
Hi Mike,
Your website devoted to Gary Carter is one of the most impressive I have
seen. Good job!
Gary was not one of my favorite players because he always seemed to
"crush" the team that I was pulling for!!!!
I saw him in Atlanta in July of '75 and he hit two homers against the
Braves! I hadn't paid too much attention to him before then and this
was like his second year or so, but my cousin told me "Watch out for
that Carter guy. He can hit!"....and you know he was right. He was
always a hustling, hard working player and that sure gets your
attention. Too bad there aren't more players like that in the major
leagues these days.
GC just came to play, that is all. He had heart and certainly deserves
being in the Hall of Fame. I don't guess there has ever been a player
who enjoyed the game more than him.
When he came to bat in that historical 6th game of the '86 World Series,
I thought to myself, he is gonna get a hit right here, and of course he
did. Very clutch.
Keep up the good work!
Best wishes,
Rick Beaver
Salisbury, NC
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February 2006
Dear Mike:
I first met Gary Carter in 1975 when he was a rookie with the Expos.
His
infectious smile and enthusiasm were a couple of the attributes that I
admired initially with him. His graciousness in taking time for the
fans
is almost unheard of today in a sport that is almost all about me now.
Gary would sign autographs with a zest that if he missed someone, it
was
like he was letting them down, and he wanted to fulfill every request
and be liked.
Gary was the first professional athlete to personally witness to me his
faith. Although, I was already a Christian, his openness will always be
respected and cherished.
My life changed forever in 1978, when Gary asked me to personally do
photography for him and Sandy on the Expos Family Day. His first born,
Christy was two months old. Although I lived 175 miles from Montreal,
Gary asked shy introverted, unconfident me. He arranged my press pass
and I complied and there I was on the field photographing all of my
idols. From that moment on, I gained the confidence to associate with
Major Leaguers of which many I still see on a regular basis today. I
would walk through security after that and watch and photograph many
games from the camera box in the Olympic Stadium. After 9/11 that could
never be achieved today. Thanks for the memories and giving me the
confidence Gary!
Late 1999, saw an amazing story unfold. I met my wife on The Christian
Matchmaker on the internet. There was a photograph on her profile with
a
softball held to her forehead with the caption under the picture, "May
the force out be with you". It was a photograph out of the LA Times
sports section. We communicated and interestingly enough my wife's
first
husband met another school teacher (his now wife) at Sunny Hills High
School in Fullerton, Ca. and her world was left devastated. Well, I
was
living 3611 miles away on the Atlantic Ocean in Canada. If we had not
been online at that exact moment in time I would not be sharing this
with you today.
In 2003, my son sat on Gary's lap in a private box at the Olympic
Stadium, the week after he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. There
are
tons more memories and photographs but I feel truly blessed by that era
in my life that Gary and Sandy touched.
Russ Hansen
Brea, Ca.
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October 2005
Mike,
My memories of Gary started at a young age like several of the other
writers. I played Little League Baseball with him in West Fullerton.
What a stud even then. I would go to his house to play ball or he would come
to mine. One day we were playing catch in my backyard and I threw a ball
that he couldn't catch and it broke a window. To this day my mother tells
people the story of how Gary Carter broke a window in her house.
He won the National Punt, Pass and Kick competition 3 years in a row at
different age levels. He didn't play catcher in baseball until he was
in the Expo's farm system. Quick study.
But the thing that sticks out about Gary is how he treated, and still
treats I'm guessing, other people. No matter where I run into him he's never
to busy to stop and talk. One time when he was with the Expo's I got
dugout seats at Dodger Stadium and took a friend of mine who was a big fan.
We went to the dugout and Gary stopped what he was doing, before the game,
and chatted with my friend for 5 minutes like they were old buddies. My
friend still talks about that day.
His father used to come to our Little League field every year and speak
at opening day. He was a true gentleman as well. We named our field for
Mr. Carter after he passed away.
His passion and compassion for other people is very real. I think that
is why he had such a huge following. He never got too big for his
britches.
Great site Mike.
Steve Hite
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November 2003
Hi,
First of all, for the first time since I have my computer (Sept) I decided to check if there were any Gary Carter website, and I end up in here. You do a great job believe me.
I started to get interested, becoming a true blue Expos fan in 1984. But of course living in Montréal, I have heard often of that great man. During the 1984 season, I met a lot of the other Expos, but Gary was getting out of the Stadium by some other door. I remember, I had met his wife, and their 2 daughters (whom I had taken a great picture, and Sandy was pregnant with their son at that time), but never Gary. On one sad day of summer 1984, I woke up and I didn't feel quite well. The phone rang. I had entered into a contest in a restaurant, with the sponsorship of CFCF 12, and they called me that I won a trip to see the Expos on the road. I was going to St-Louis!!!! Gee. As it was possible here to see the opponent team and meet all of their players on their way to the Stadium, I thought hey.. I think I will meet Gary..
On that Sept day of 1984, before the game, yes, my friend and I met him!!!! Funny thing, he had a bag full of shoes, that he gave to the young kids, who wanted to make money as shoe shiners. That was so cute, he divided his shoes and made sure the kids had some to shine!!! We went by the dug out for the pre-game practice. I saw Gary giving one of his batting gloves to a lady, who was for sure a Cards fan. Joking, I
told Gary, hey!! and what about a fan from Montréal?? Not more than 2 minutes later, he got out of the dug out, and he looked at me. My friend was sort of pushing me to get the glove.. He moved his head saying no, and he aimed the glove to me.. It was an old batting glove, that he was using underneath his catching mit. It has a piece of hard
rubber crossing the hand and another one on the middle finger. My friend was a bit jealous. And couldn't speak English, so after the game, I thanked again Gary, and I asked him if he would have another one, cuz my friend was a bit frustrated as she didn't get one.. He asked me if I would be there the following day, and yes as we were just leaving 2 days after.. So after the game the next day, he was there with another
batting glove. He kept his promise. That is Gary..
Like most people, my heart hurt so badly that day of Dec 10, 1984. I was shocked. It is like it was yesterday. The Expos have finally moved they trade... no need to repeat that... (at this right moment I have tears in my eyes).
I always was there during a series against the Mets. I was going at the hotel where the Mets were staying. Often, we were going at the airport on Sundays when the Mets were leaving Montréal after their last game of the series. NEVER he refused a photo or an autograph. ALWAYS was the nicest person I met in my life. How could people boo him when he was here? When in 1987 the Mets came here, he was at La Baie, a dept store downtown Montréal. I had switch shifts with one colleague to be off that day to go and see Gary. I was broke as I was receiving my pay the day after he was there. So I couldn't buy his book at that time, but I promised him the next time the Mets would come here, I will have the book. I had one of these great shots I had taken of him.. My friend's
father and uncle were working for Power Corporation, and sometimes we had those tickets in the first row of the opponent's dug out.. So I took a picture of Gary with my 200 mm lens. I had it enlarged as an 11 X 14 ... He just stared at the picture. He was sitting next to Richard Morency who was working at the CKAC radio station, he was the sport director (if I am right). They both looked at me and asked me where I got the shot.. I told them, well I took it myself. And Gary was just looking at it.. I told him..Ok. I will get one for the next series. And I kept my promise.. And gee I got a deal.. Not only I got the same size but for cheaper I could get it laminated!!!! So I brought it to him the following time..
Once, I don't know if it was the same year or the year after (1988), but I was with my friend at the hotel. I had a baseball card and as you know, he would sign if only you would make a donation, which is quite fair. But I forgot that part. So innocently I handed him the card. There was a big black man, looking like a bodyguard who mumbled something in Gary's ear. I remember my friend was sitting on a couch near us. She didn't come close to Gary that time. So after the guy mumbled his thing, Gary told him: No it's ok.. She's my sweetheart here. It's ok for her. I was stunned. So I just stared at Gary and said: I am you what??? He replied to me.. You know you are my
sweetheart!!!!! I just couldn't breath. My friend was wondering how come I was like that. It hurt her a bit, because she loved Gary for longer time than me. But I guess again my bilingualism helped me!!! Later on, I asked him what he had done with the picture I had given to him.. He said it was in his office.
In 1992, he made a come back here in Montréal. I was living in Ottawa at that time. The opening game was on a Monday. And if I am right, it was also a holiday, maybe Easter Monday, so I had the week end off. I came for the opening game. I was at the dug out and took a shot of Gary. I screamed at him: I am so glad to see you back here!!!!
My biggest disappointment was all those years he was forgotten for the Hall of Fame.
And I couldn't even go at the Stadium on August 2nd. One of my aunts died and I had to go to Québec to empty her apartment. But my thoughts were in Montréal.
While I am typing this, I am looking at that great shot and if I turn a bit my head, I am looking at a photo I took of Gary holding what I should say THE picture.
So these are some memories. Hope to see him again.
Keep up the good work on your site.
Sylvie
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July 2003
Hi Mike,
I loved your site. I have a memory quite different than any others listed here that I can see. As a child, I loved baseball. I am a Canadian so my options are the Toronto Blue Jays and the Montreal Expos. So at the age of 12 I
first saw Gary Carter, the handsome, talented and of course respected catcher for the team. That sealed the decision. I was now an Expos Fan. I did everything Expos, of course though mainly because of Gary. As is often the case
with pre-pubescent girls, I was completely infatuated initially solely because he was handsome. However, I began to study the game, his career, his abilities and soon came to respect him for the gifted baseball player he was. Several
times, I wrote him, and other members of the team, supporting their wins, agonizing in their defeats I was a true fan. Anyway, Gary became the spokesperson for the Chrysler Magic Wagon and at our annual auto show, I found out he was going to be doing a guest appearance. I went both days and just stood their and watched him, being terrified to say more than my name and thank you as he signed my hat. He was very friendly seeing my nervousness and on they way out, invited me to walk with him (and the Chrysler people) to the front door. He continued to chat with me and brought me out of my shell. By the time we made our way through the maze of people to the front of the convention centre I was never so sad to see somebody get in a car and drive away, but not before Gary bent to give me a kiss on the cheek and tell me he had enjoyed meeting me. I can remember that moment as if it was yesterday.
Later that season, there was quite a bit of controversy about the contract Gary had signed with the Expos and the money he was being paid. By today's standards, it was pocket changes, however it created quite the media frenzy here. Of course, I felt Gary was worth every cent and probably more. Having been the type to be strong in my convictions, I took it upon myself to write the Bronfman's (the then owners of the Expos) and tell them just why they should be happy Gary was willing to sign with them and what he meant for the team, and the fans. Curiously, Charles Bronfman was quite impressed with my letter and the dedication I had to Gary and his career. He invited my mother and I, all expenses paid to Montreal for the weekend and put us up in lavish fashion, making us special guests of the Expos, dining with them in Salon 76 at Olympic Stadium and lastly, getting to sit down in the dugout with Gary while practiced at the games that weekend and talking to him before and after the game. Again Gary was so gracious and talkative, although this time I was not nearly as nervous as I had been the last time I had met him. He continued to chat and I remember he caught a fly ball, just past the netting and stopped looked at me, called me down (I was only sitting about 5 rows up) and handed me the ball, right in the middle of the game. That is a memory I never forgot.
I used to insist that my mom take me to Montreal for my birthdays, buy me the latest hats, shirts etc etc. Of course, he was then traded to the New York Mets where I was never so thrilled when he won the World Series. He so deserved that honor. He wrote a book shortly after that, and was kind enough to return it to me autographed when I took the liberty of forwarding him my copy. Again another jesture of good will difficult to find in an athlete today,
especially one with so many fans.
I have continued to follow his career and was so thrilled to watch his induction into Cooperstown yesterday. I am now a 31 year old woman with a career so I was unable to go to the ceremony but I can tell you that I will be making
the trek to Cooperstown to see his name in Bronze, as he so deserves.
Best regards,
Kim
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July 2003
Mike,
I wasn't alive when Gary Carter began his career, I was too young to even see him play, only know him through books, his cards, and Ken Burns' documentary on Baseball. That was what initially did it for me. There was a segment on the 1986 World Series. Just seeing Carter get a single to keep the drive alive was exciting (even if it was on a documentary),and this comes from a Red Sox fan! But with the players today more worried about their hefty paychecks, real baseball fans should look at players from decades of past, one would definitely be Carter. I was so happy to find your website, I was just surfing, and just typed Gary Carter on Yahoo. Also, I was wondering if you've picked up Gary's book series, "The Catcher's Mask", they’re a good read for kids.
I love your site, homage where it belongs... to a player who smiled, win or lose. If only more played and acted like Gary!
Seth Pohorence
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May 2003
Hi, I am in total awe of your great site. I'd like to tell you some things about myself. My name is Neil B. Downey. I have been a Gary Carter collector since 1983. I currently have over 1,000 different items in my collection. I have met Gary Carter 5 times. Once I showed him my checklist of items in my collection and he told me that I had one of the
largest collections that he had ever heard of, next to his own - lol.
One of the greatest moments in my Carter collecting came two years ago when he was here in New Jersey signing at a show. I had my then 10 ½ year old son Eric with me. Eric was aware of my vast collection but he was more impressed to meet Gary in person. As the two of us made it to the front of the line, Gary stood up and reached out his hand to shake mine. He then said "Hello Mr. Downey - how are you today". My son was totally shocked. You should have seen the look on his face. He knew who Gary Carter was but was speechless to know that he knew his father. It
was an exciting and proud moment for me. Although he might not remember me now, just the fact that he did once was "priceless". Keep up the good work. I look forward to coming back to your incredible site again and
again.
Neil
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April 8, 2003 Happy Birthday Gary!
Mike,
What a great find to discover your website. I am a 56-year-old nurse practitioner in psychiatry. I only played baseball with my cousins and was always the last to be picked for a team. Perhaps, that is why I am an unlikely fan of a baseball player. I never really liked baseball until I moved in with an avid Mets fan. I complained about her watching so much baseball but found myself watching just to be with her. Being the psych person I am, I began noticing this catcher who, gave credit for the win to the other players and often hugged or showed other gestures of support to his teammates. Was this a typical player? I guessed not, but started watching just to see this sensitive guy.
That was in the early 80's. In 1987, we went to Shea Stadium to see a game. I was so very excited. We had seats beyond the nosebleed section. I began to cry, stating, "Gary doesn't even know I'm here!!!"
We tried to get close, but I was only able to see Gary from a far distance.
I sent Gary birthday cards, telling him of my admiration for him as role model for youth and all who aim to be Christian. I felt somewhat silly, being as close to a groupie as I had ever been even growing up in the Elvis and Beatle era.
Several years ago, I heard that Gary would be in Rochester for a sports dinner, a fundraiser for the Leukemia Foundation. We quickly got tickets and prepared for the event. I sent goodies to Gary's room, but was terrified to see him. In fact, I almost backed out. I told my friend that I wouldn’t be able to handle it if he were a jerk in person. Fearing that my hero might have feet of clay, I stood in line. When my turn came, I choked out my name and he graciously was happy to meet me and asked if I was still in nursing. He talked to me for a long time and I was thrilled that my hero was all that I thought he was.
I am so thrilled that he finally made it to the Hall, but know he has certainly made Heaven's Hall. He lives a life worthy of being called a hero and model for all children interested in sports. They can learn teamwork, respect for other players and the Lord. He is a remarkable human being and I am thrilled to be a Gary Carter groupie.
Thanks for the opportunity to tell you and others of my admiration for Gary. I am happy to be in such good company.
Liz Masco
Rochester, N.Y.
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February 2003
Mike,
I can't tell you how great it was to find your website! I am a 34-year-old mother of 5 boys. I have over 971 baseball cards of Gary Carter. Eight of those cards are of other players but I collected them because Carter was in the background. I followed Carter from 1980 until he retired. There was not a better catcher in the game nor was there a finer human being to step out on that diamond.
My most memorable Carter experience took place in Houston, TX back in the late 80's. I went to a Mets vs. Astros game in Houston. The Mets lost. I went down to the gate that I knew they came out of. All the players were there...Strawberry, Gooden, Hernandez...etc. A couple of them stopped BRIEFLY to sign an autograph here and there. Gary Carter stopped to sign autographs and talk to his fans. He motioned for the bus to go on ahead without him. Twenty minutes later his wife showed up and he greeted her with a smile. He continued to sign autographs and talk to his fans..actually acknowledging them...making eye contact and showing genuine concern for them.
He didn't leave until EVERYONE had an autograph.
Like I said, I had been a fan since 1980...but that night changed the way I looked at him. He already had my respect as the best catcher in baseball. But that night he earned my respect for being a great PERSON. Every April 8th I say a prayer for him and his family. He is truly a wonderful man and role model.
Semper Fi,
GotaBeUSMC aka...Shonna H.
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January 2003
Hi Mike,
Wow what a great site!!! I can relate to everything.......I fall in the 30 something age range. Lived my whole life in NJ as a Mets fan so it was easy for me as a teenager to fall for Gary when he and his curly locks came to play ball at the Big Shea.
Met Gary a few years ago at a baseball card show in Somerset, NJ and had him sign a photo of my teenage room. Room was filled with wall to wall photos/newspaper clippings/baseball cards of Gary....When he looked at the photo he said..."Wow I remember this!"....He remembered the fact that 15 years ago I mailed the same photo to him with a letter while he was on the Mets.
My next story just sums up what a GREAT guy Gary is. He is truly the nicest, sincerest man. My cousin ran into Gary in the Bahamas and was not sure whom he was. My cousin went up to Gary and said, "Excuse me sir do I know you?...you look familiar." Gary advised him who he was and then my cousin proceeded to tell him about me....Told him he had a cousin who admired him and that she just had a baby and named him Carter. Gary then asked him for my address so he could send an autographed photo. My
Cousin only knew our street not the number but Gary sent two beautiful autographed photos to our house with just the street name on the envelope...(luckily the mailman knew who we were) . One photo addressed to my son Carter advising Carter how honored he is that he was named after him. He also sent an autographed picture to me thanking me for naming my son after him. Gary did all this on his own!!! I knew since I was 15 that my son would be named Carter. Carter was born on April 10, 2001 but his actual due date was April 8th (Gary's birthday). I also went to Rutgers and majored in journalism in dreams of becoming a sportswriter---my goal was to interview Gary Carter in the locker room. Needless to say Gary retired my senior year in college and I do absolutely nothing with journalism. Anyhow....great site and will definitely see you in Cooperstown.... maybe our Carter's could meet!!!!
Carol
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January 2003
My Gary Carter memory is one that I still treasure to this day, about 22years later. I was a ten year old girl and I idolized Gary Carter. I collected all things Gary and stayed up to watch many games with my Dad. I heard that Gary was going to be appearing in the local mall to sign autographs. I was shocked and so excited. I begged my parents to take me
and they did (like they could stop me!)I got there and there was a huge lineup, I was so disappointed. I was a short, tiny little thing and people must have felt badly for me and they let me go to the front of the line. He motioned for me to come over to him. I had brought a baseball for him to sign for me. He put me on his lap like Santa and he talked to me for ages, almost like there was no one else there. I was pretty much the only little girl there and he seamed genuinely interested in the fact that I loved baseball. I still
have my baseball today and wouldn't part with it for anything!
The following year my family went to Montreal and Dad bought tickets to see the Expos. I was so happy until we got there and Gary was in the dugout due to an injury...needless to say I was a sad little girl!
It was funny, when my daughter was born, I kissed her and then turned to my husband and said, "She was born on Gary Carter's birthday!" He just rolled his eyes (he's a hockey fan)
Anyway, sorry to be long winded, but I came across your great website and had to write.
Congrats to Gary on the Hall of Fame....richly deserved!
Lyne
Nova Scotia
Canada
PS: I would have named my son Carter too, but hubby is a Star Wars fan, so the name Luke wonout....
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January 2003
Hello Mike,
I saw your web site when looking for info on Gary after the Hall of Fame voting was announced.
I went to school with Gary from 1st grade through 8th grade in the 60's. I also played on his team, the west Fullerton little league's Red Sox that his dad coached.(I actually got to pitch to him on those rare occasions when he wasn't the one pitching).
Everyone in the school and little league knew that he had talents that were extremely rare, he hit the ball farther and could throw it harder and more accurately that anyone else. Gary was always a Phenom in every sport he played, even at 7 or 8 years old he won the national punt pass and kick contests and got to go to the White House in the early sixties.
He was the star quarter back on the Sunny Hills football team and anyone who went to high school in the Fullerton CA area in the early 70's knew of him. He was always well mannered and kind.
I followed his MLB career and think he definitely deserves to be in the hall of fame. Say congrats to him for me, although I doubt he would remember me.
Thank you!
Frank Ciampi
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January 2003
Dear Mike,
I really like your web site as I have been a GC fan for many years! I have always admired his absolute ability as a catcher. Further, I have admired him even more for his contribution to various charities. In 1989 I just had to write to him to tell him this, and he in turn thanked me by sending me an autographed postcard! A friend of ours, knew of my admiration for him and one year gave me binder full of his cards-wrapped in brown paper bag!
On July 11, 1989 we went to Phila to see him play. I remember that day very well as it was my birthday and our 11 month old daughter was wearing a little METs dress. Well, she filled her diaper, a kind security guard brought us down to the mini emergency room there so I could change her! Then when we arrived home, we watched the game on video! I never knew there was a park named after him in Wall Township, and I happen to live in NJ and frequent AC.
I have waited for years to hear of his induction and I am so happy for him - he certainly deserves it! We have always said that when (not if) he is inducted, we'd go to Cooperstown, well, now we are going! Maybe we'll see ya there! Keep up the good work on your website.
Take Care
Mrs. Joann Deak
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January 2003
Hey Mike,
Great website. Gary is a great person from a great family. My brother and I played Little League in West Fullerton with Gary and his brother Gordon. Gary and I were good friends when he was about 8 and I was 10. We had a lot of fun as kids. I even got a hit off of him when he was a pitcher. I think I have the Little League news that has it listed that was a big accomplishment as Gary was good at everything he did, including being a good friend. He was a class act then as he is now. My heartiest congratulations to Gary, and his family on this wonderful honor, the Hall of Fame. Gary is deserving, as he was a great player and as I said, a great person. See you in Cooperstown in July.
Can you give any help on how to send Gary a congratulations note other than
through his Foundation? I've already done that. Thanks Mike. Great tribute
to Gary on your site. I'm sure he's very appreciative of your hard work.
Terry Hibler
Rio Rancho, NM
Formerly Fullerton California
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January 2003
I have a great Gary Carter story. I am 40 years old and when I was a kid living in Memphis, TN playing little league baseball, Gary was the hero of the local minor league team. One of my friends and teammate had an older brother involved in a motorcycle accident that had left him paralyzed. I guess Gary Carter went to the hospital quite regularly (not once a year like most athletes or only when the cameras are there) to visit sick children and teenagers. This guys brother was a big baseball fan and Gary would visit him often. On an outing that my team made to the ball park several of us player went down close to the dugout to beg for autographs. Well my friend with the injured brother called out to Gary, and Gary remembered his name from seeing him in the hospital. He gave him an autographed ball and signed autographs for all of us and took the time to talk to each one of us personally. As I moved on to Chicago and became a Cub fan and hated the Mets, most of my fellow Cub fans couldn't understand how I liked the hated Gary Carter. Some people transcend rivalries.
Ken Powell
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January 2003
What a great site. I am sitting here in San Antonio anxiously awaiting todays hall of fame announcement.
I actually have two great mOments. One of them happened of course in 1986. I was playing college ball at St.Mary's Universtiy ( home of Danny Heep) and the playoffs were on during practice. My coach let me bring a battery operated tv to practice. I will always thank him for that, anyway, Gary was struggling and my teammates were really ragging me. Low and behold when Gary came up with a chance to win the game, everyone was watching. Gary got that hit to win the game and I just about fainted from excitement. What a day.
Secondly, on August 31, 2001, my first son was born. My wife if you can believe this is from Boston and of course isn't a Mets fan. She was convinced that our child was a girl. We have twin 4 year old daughters. I knew our child was a boy, during the delivery she asked me what name we wanted for our next daughter. I refused to answer her question and told her we are having a son and we will name him Carter. Just as clutch as Gary Carter was during his career, my wife was just as clutch.
Carter is great and will soon begin his baseball career.
Thanks,
Doug Campbell
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January 2003
COOL SITE, JUST HEARD HE’S UP FOR THE HALL!!!! WOW I WENT TO SUNNY HILLS HIGH WITH HIM, HE WAS 2 YRS MY SENOR, BUT HE WAS OUR PAPERBOY FOR THE FULLERTON TRIBUNE?????, AND HE COULD NEVER PORCH THE DAMN PAPER ???
HE WAS A GUARD OR FORWARD ON BASKETBALL , Q.B. AT FOOTBALL AND A GREAT PITCHER TOO .
I DO REMEMBER HIM AS A NICE GUY ALSO . ALWAYS SMILED, COOL GUY.
GREAT SITE, THANKS
RANDY PETERSON
CLASS OF 74 SUNNY HILLS FULLERTON - NOW IN THE OZARKS...
GO HOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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August 2002
My favorite memory was meeting him at Shea Stadium back in 1986 when the policeman let me into the game about two hours before it started. Gary was so considerate to a poor 15-year-old girl, at the time, who idolized him tremendously, to pose for a picture and the next day autographed it personally to myself.
He was so kind and seemed like a wonderful human being. To date my 3-year-old son plays t-ball and I am training him to be a catcher and he wears #8. Hopefully they will both be in the Hall of Fame someday. Thanks for all the great memories.
Raquel Noren
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August 2002
Hi Mike -
I enjoyed touring your Web site. Although the current, "state of the game" has eroded just how much I care about any given team or player, it's easy for me to harken back to my days as an ardent Expos fan and Gary Carter supporter to remember what it was like.
In fact, I just returned home from Olympic Stadium where I traveled from my Boston home for Gary Carter Bobblehead Day. I wish someone would have told me that there was a lottery for one of the 5,000 units the team gave away!
I latched on to Carter as my favorite player in an odd way. Most of my pals were Red Sox fans. I decided that I was going to like the most obscure team out there to a kid from Boston, the Montreal Expos. And when I became a Little League catcher, Carter quickly became my favorite player. I used to read the paper every day during those exciting seasons from 1979-1982, and each Expos triumph and Gary Carter feat became my own.
Anyway, here are my top Gary Carter moments. You'll have to forgive the lack of specificity.
- 1) Carter wins first all-star MVP. I thought this proved he was the best player in the whole league.
- 2) Carter's single keeps Mets alive in 1986 World Series Game 6. I just knew in my (ample) gut he would not make the last out.
- 3) Carter's two homers at Fenway Park get Mets back in 1986 World Series. Again, I had a gut feeling he was about to put the team on his back.
- 4) Carter single in 1986 NLCS gives Mets extra inning win. I remember what an awful slump he was in that series, and he really came through in the clutch.
- 5) Carter wins second all-star MVP.
Countless others, but those are off the top of my head.
Warm regards,
Mike
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July 2002
Well I was just surfin the net and keyed in Gary Carter
and WOW I couldn't believe it. I am also a huge fan of Gary's since I was a kid. I am 29 years
old now and still wish Gary was still playing. I can't wait until he is inducted into the Hall of Fame which he should have ages ago. I met Gary in Montreal back when he played with the Dodgers. I shook his hand and got an autographed ball that day. I was the happiest day of my life and will treasure it forever. I live in Newfoundland, Canada.
Cheers,
Scott
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June 2002
Great web site!!!!!!!!!!
As you can see by my e-mail address, I'm a Gary Carter fanatic also! I'm a New Yorker who also started following Gary's career at a young age. I remember watching the playoff game vs. the Dodgers damn you Rick Monday) and seeing Gary coming up in the bottom of the inning and getting a base hit to keep their hopes alive. Watching his kid like enthusiasm for the game got me hooked. I followed him through out his career with Montreal and was thrilled when he was traded to the Mets in '85. My father purchased season tickets (sorry, I never saved the stubs) and I was able to attend most home games during the '85/'86 season. I was lucky enough to be at all playoff and World Series games. The only stub I saved was game six and was fortunate enough to get it signed by Gary.
I've met Gary on four different occasions. Three times were at card shows and once through a mutual friend. He signed numerous items for me including my Gary Carter scrap book and a baseball. Every time I met him he was a great guy who made me feel like I was a long time friend.
I also attempted to talk my wife into naming my first son Gary Carter Cxxxxxxxx. I lost the battle but was able to name my daughter Sydney SHEA, after Shea stadium of course.
Great web site and I'll see you in Cooperstown next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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March 2002
Hi there Mike,
Just finished reading your site. I was very impressed; I am also a massive Kid fan. I am 36 years old and live in Idaho the past 5 years but grew up in Montreal and had Gary as my hero. I've been on the net the last few
days trying in vain to find a way to contact him (hoping the foundation address helps) and share some memories, etc....and offer suggestion to the back of his mind as to why to consider, simply consider...an Expo cap to Cooperstown.
I have many memories of Gary but two stand out. The first is unpleasant. It was his first series back in Montreal as a hated Met in '85. The park was pretty much in a frenzy to show Gary feelings of the past. I, as a stubborn, pigheaded teenager who was hurt by what I thought to be betrayal booed him incessantly, loudly, during quiet pauses to make sure he heard me. Nothing vile, just "Turncoat, Traitor, etc..."
The second....is a wonderful one. Gary is a consummate professional but even I was surprised by the "unprofessional superb generosity" he showed when in his return year to Montreal, sometime late that year I managed a dugout level seat at the Big O and as the anthems were finishing up and the call of "Play Ball" sounded, I called out to him one last time as a ballplayer and begged him for an autographed ball. As 8 Expos rushed the field, he gladly ran over, signed a ball I tossed to him, allowed me a quick 20 second "thanking" of his career and his return to Montreal to give us a chance to love him and then took the field. It was an awesome gesture on his part, one I've never seen a player make to this day and suspect I never will. It was so rare a moment, I often wondered the next 2 or 3 years if he'd remembered it. Anyhow....I have many of the cards you need....but in storage back in Montreal some 3000 miles away. With a hopefully planned visit in the end of this year, I'd be glad to go thru them and see what you need. I have dozens of old ticket stubs, scorecards and programs too and I'll see what I can match on your list. Feel free to write back and tell me more about yourself and any game/Kid memories you have, I'd love to hear 'em.
Thanks again,
Pat
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Aug 2001
I can't believe how similar your experience is to that of my own. I too was a huge fan which was basically the result of being a catcher from little league
through college. My nickname was Gary, I knew everything about him, papers
written in junior high and high school were about him. It was always kind of
a joke and I had a lot of fun with it. My wife and I haven't had a kid yet
but we indeed have debated the name Carter. It would go along well with our
dog, whose name is Gary!
A good (or scary) story about my devotion was when I was in college and we
went to W. Palm Beach for our spring baseball trip. Myself and a couple other
guys went to Gary's house. I was so scared to go up to the door, but finally
after a little encouragement I went up and knocked, unfortunately no one was
home. We could see into the hallway off the main entrance and you could see a
picture of his mother (the same picture that is in his first book), I made
sure the other guys with me saw it so I could show them when we got back to
Iowa. It was very exciting. Ultimately we left and in the process I grabbed a
lava rock that lined his driveway. I still have that rock to this day.
Gary was a great hero for any kid because he appeared to play the game 110%
and played it for the love of the game and not the money. You don't see
players like that these days. And I have to agree it was a strange moment
when I started to notice that many players were younger than myself.
Great site.
Yours very truly,
NewhouseLaw@aol.com
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Aug 2001
Hi
I found your website when I was searching for Gary sites - loved him to death and looked up to him when I was a kid as well - as a girl in the 80's following baseball was exciting especially when I was following the championship Mets and Gary.
I was having my Bat mitzvah in 1986 and went to a game at Shea during a 2-week stint on the DL for Gary and had seats on field level. I had an invitation addressed to Gary Carter and had a photographer on the field give it to him. I saw him read it and he came over to me and apologized to me for not being able to come to my party because he was going to be in Japan on that day. He was so nice and so sincere- it just justified my admiration for him. He did send me autographed memorabilia and took pictures with me. I was in awe.
Wish I could be at Shea this Sunday (Aug 12 2001) to see him get inducted into the Mets Hall of fame but maybe I will be in Cooperstown when he finally gets inducted there!!
Caryn Siegel
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Aug 2001
Hello there!
I'm almost 30 and my story is similar to yours a bit. I was around 8 or 9 when I started playing baseball. My father and I use to go to the Olympic Stadium at least twice a week. I had chosen to be behind the plate, I wanted so much to be like him. That year, I wrote him a letter to invite him over for supper. My parents laughed but played the game along. To my great surprise, he wrote back. Of course, he couldn't come over but sent me a picture with a dedication. I was so excited. I carried this picture with me for such a long time.
I will always remember the winter morning when I opened the paper and was shocked with news that he had been sent to New York. I was crushed. Thought I'd never get to meet him. I followed him all the way to New York. Drove my parents crazy.
Around 14, still madly in love with the kid, I finally got the chance to meet him in person. He had written a book on the World Series, Dream Season, and he was signing autographs here in Montreal. That was the most amazing day of my life and still is today after 15 years.
The years that followed, I use to catch up with him at his hotel. He could easily spend half hour just signing stuff I had brought along or just talk with me. Being a teenager at the time, I guess he kind of became my confident and my biggest inspiration.
I have met him over 40 times and I have in my possession over a 100 autographs. He knows who I am and has never disappointed me. He is a great man.
3 years ago, I got married. My mother had tried to get in contact with him, wanting him to drop by during the reception. Unfortunately, he couldn’t make it but he gave them a picture with all his blessings (he always does that) for my future. I was so touched. I knew then, that he knew now I had found happiness.
I haven't been able to see him since. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. I joke around with my husband saying he comes second in my heart. He will always be dear to me.
Well, this is a bit of my story with the kid, the world's best catcher.
By the way, if you happen to know where I could write to him, please let me know. I have been searching everywhere for a fan club or an e-mail address.
Thank-you
Stéphanie Martel
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Sept 2001
Mike,
Gary Carter was my favorite baseball player when I was growing up as well. I was probably the only kid in West Virginia that wore an Expos ballcap around. I also wore #8 for years because of him. I think I first became a big fan of his after he appeared on the "Baseball Bunch" with Tommy Lasorda in the early 80's. I remember his great all-star game performances and followed his career with the Mets but after that I kind of quit paying attention. I still argue regularly with a good friend of mine that Carter was better than Bench but your comparison statistics have probably proven me wrong. Anyway, he was also a father of the year in addition to being a great ballplayer. Thanks for bringing back good memories and updating me on Carter's bid for the hall of fame. He does deserve to be there.
Fred Hill
Charleston, WV
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Jan 2002
I want to thank and commend you on a great site. I actually haven't thought of the name Gary Carter for dozen years or so, but its nice to reflect on the icons of my childhood. I became a Carter fan when he came to NY. I must have been around 6 or 7, playing pee-wee baseball outside of NY City. He instantly became my idol on the field. I was a catcher, and have the knees to prove it. I wore number 8, copied his batting and catching stance and colleted every card he was on. Looking back now, he was more of an influence than I ever knew at the time.
Although I never met him, but had something just as good. My father is a dead ringer for Gary Carter. In the late 80's kids and adults used to ask him for his autograph. He never tried to pass himself off as the Kid, but the temptation was there, I'm sure of it. I had a Daily News Poster of Carter in my room as a kid and my grandmother once asked me where I got a poster of my father in a baseball uniform. Made me laugh just a bit. Anyway, I'm glad to see I'm not the only 25-30-something fool in the world with a binder full of Gary Carter Cards and Memorabilia. I haven't touched any of for 12 years, but its safe and sound in a fireproof box, a short drive from Shea.
The ultimate collectors goal: A piece of equipment used by Carter... Glove, mask, shin guard... any ideas where to look?
B.A. Piccolo
Boston, MA
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Mike,
First let me start by saying.........THANK YOU!!! I thought I was the only one in the world that realized how special Gary Carter was/is. My name is Jason London and I have been a HUGE Gary Carter fan since he came to the Mets in 1985. I was young then, however, I caught and (like yourself) wore #8 in honor of Carter. I too have an elaborate Carter collection and am always looking for new Carter "stuff". I would appreciate any information you could give me to help locate any Carter memorabilia. If there is anything I could do to help you in your search, please do not hesitate to ask, I would love to help another Carter fan fill the collection.
I have a little story that I would like to share. I live in Buffalo, NY and on August 8, 2000 Gary Carter and the Nabisco All-Star Softball team came to town to play a charity game versus a local Wal-Mart store. The team was loaded with great players (Yogi Berra, Steve Garvey, John Kruk) but the only one I wanted to see was..........well you know. So the game goes on and Carter is all about hustle (diving head first into second) hitting the ball well and of course playing solid defense. He obviously was having a great time out there as well. After the game I went to where the players entered the stadium, and I saw a buddy of mine (a limo driver) and we started to talk and I asked him who he was driving and he said..........you guessed it.............Carter and Berra. So as security came by and was "shooing" people away from the limos, my buddy said, it is ok he (meaning me) is with me. Finally the doors open from the stadium and out walks Carter. I got so nervous, I couldn’t breath but I walked up to him and asked him if he could sign an autograph for me so he signed his book "The Gamer" and we got a picture. In the picture, if you look you can see the tears in my eyes. The guy is AWESOME!!
Jason London
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Jan 2002
Mike!
I've been a Gary Carter fan since 1977. I was wearing #8 with a minor league team, and I was the catcher. I immediately identified myself with the "Kid". I tried playing like him in every way, from standing like him at bat, to throwing out base stealers, to earning MVP's. Ok I was 9 in 1977, but I felt that if I try hard enough I could replace Gary Carter when he retired. Obviously that did not happen, but living in Montreal, "The Kid" was huge! I did get to meet Gary Carter 4 times, each time getting his autograph, even looking for his dog! Yes, my Dad and I were driving around a suburb of Montreal called Kirkland in 1977, when we noticed a LINCOLN CONTINENTAL with the license plate "KID 8". We wondered if it could be Gary Carter, so we drove up along the car, sure enough it was Gary Carter, who graciously pulled down his window, and signed his name for me, then asked us to be on the lookout for his dog. What a thrill it was to finally meet him! 6 months later we saw him again at a hockey game at the Montreal Forum, upon seeing us, he stopped, like he remembered us, my Dad asked him if he found his dog, and Gary Carter told my Dad that he remembered us pulling up to his car several months before! Was I ever impressed! Such a nice guy, a great human being, a terrific catcher, who never gets the rightful recognition. I also got my Picture with the Kid at a Golf tournament in 1982. These are memories that I will cherish always. To this day, at the age of 34, I still emulate the KID in pickup baseball games. There will never be another like THE KID-GARY CARTER.
Patrick Hughes
Montreal, Quebec.
CANADA.
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WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR STORY
PLEASE E-MAIL ME AND TELL ME YOUR MEMORIES OF GARY! | |
Jan 2002
Mike:
I graduated along with Gary Carter from Sunny Hills High School (Fullerton, California) in 1972 – and remember him very clearly as a high school student. Gary was a three-sport standout in high school. I always thought his best sport was football. He signed a letter of intent to play quarterback at UCLA, but ultimately signed with the Expos at age 18 for what was then a pretty respectable signing bonus of \$40,000. Gary was not a typical “jock” in high school. He was funny, outgoing and a friend to all – not just to those involved with sports. His lack of clique-ishness and his kind treatment of geeks and nerds as well as the “cool” students is something I always appreciated about him.
I have two favorite memories of Gary. One is of riding on the team bus to high school basketball games. Gary loved to sit in the back of the bus and play the hand speed/coordination game – where two people sit facing each other, one on offense and the other on defense, and take turns trying to avoid getting their hands smacked by the other person. Although he was a good sport about this, he was absolutely merciless – a fierce competitor even at this little behind-the-scenes game between teammates.
My fondest memory is of Gary’s first game as an Expo at Dodger Stadium – the first year he made it the majors. This was his first time playing in what was the closest thing to his hometown. A group of eight or ten of us who knew him from high school sat in the right field bleachers and screamed our lungs out every time he came to the plate or touched the ball. We recruited the people around us to cheer with us and ultimately yelled so loudly that Vin Scully commented that Gary must have brought a fan club with him. Anyway, Gary played solidly behind the plate that game, but sadly, he struck out four times. I didn’t attend the game the next day, but if I remember correctly, he hit two home runs.
Tom Cureton
Flagstaff, Arizona
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