Gary Carter

American Hall of Fame catcher nicknamed 'The Kid', an 11-time All-Star whose clutch 10th-inning single sparked the New York Mets' comeback in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series.

Born in Culver City, California, on 8 April 1954, Gary Edmund Carter was drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1972 and debuted in the majors in 1974. He earned the nickname 'The Kid' during his first spring training for his relentless hustle, and it stuck with him for the rest of his career. Carter emerged as one of the National League's premier catchers by the late 1970s, winning three consecutive Gold Gloves from 1980 to 1982 and being named an All-Star 11 times, including winning the All-Star Game MVP award twice, in 1981 and 1984. He was traded to the New York Mets after the 1984 season, and immediately became a leader on a young, ascending team. Carter's defining moment came in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series against the Boston Red Sox. With the Mets down to their last out and trailing in the series, his two-out single in the 10th inning sparked a rally that culminated in Mookie Wilson's famous ground ball through Bill Buckner's legs, forcing a Game 7 that the Mets went on to win. Carter hit two home runs and drove in nine runs across the series. Carter finished his 19-year career with a .262 average, 324 home runs and 1,225 RBI, ranking sixth all-time in home runs by a catcher. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. Carter died of brain cancer on 16 February 2012, at age 57, remembered across the sport for his enthusiasm, leadership behind the plate, and his central role in one of the most celebrated World Series comebacks in history.

Durable, defensively excellent catcher with power at the plate and strong pitcher-handling skills

One of the great all-around catchers, remembered for his leadership and infectious enthusiasm