According to an MLB.com report, Gary Carter’s three children accepted the “You Gotta Have Heart” award on their father’s behalf at the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s (BBWAA) New York chapter’s dinner on Jan. 21.
Carter, the former New York Mets’ standout catcher, received grave news earlier this week regarding his battle with brain cancer. His condition took a turn for the worse late last week, after doctors announced that an MRI had revealed new tumors on his brain.
“I can’t think of a better time or a better award for Gary to win, because he has a giant heart,” said Carter’s former Mets teammate Bobby Ojeda, who presented the award to Carter’s children. “And that heart is fighting right now. He is fighting for his life. That same spirit, I think, is why Gary is hanging tough through all of this.”
Here’s what some current and former MLB stars had to say on Twitter of Carter’s condition:
Dwight Gooden
Gooden and Carter were battery mates during the Mets’ historic 1986 World Series run, so it’s not surprising that the former star pitcher feels a strong connection to his longtime catcher. On Jan. 19, he tweeted “Everyone please keep my teammate Gary Carter in your prayers… Amazin things can happen when we all believe!!” Follow Gooden on Twitter @docgooden16.
Justin Verlander
Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander played in a different era than Carter, but he was still touched by the support given to Carter at the BBWAA dinner. On Jan. 22, he tweeted “Highlight of night had to of been standing ovation for Gary Carter – amazing how baseball community supports one another.” Follow Verlander on Twitter @justinverlander.
New York Mets
The official Twitter handle of the New York Mets posted the photo of Carter’s kids accepting the “You Gotta Have Heart Award” on Saturday night. They tweeted “Gary Carter’s kids accept the “Ya Gotta Have Heart” award at the annual BBWAA Dinner. pic.twitter.com/72hYVBfb.” Follow the Mets on Twitter @mets.
Tommy Lasorda
Gary Carter played just 101 games in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform in 1991, but his veteran presence struck a chord with legendary manager Tommy Lasorda. On Jan. 21, Lasorda tweeted “I’m saying a prayer for The Kid, Gary Carter. Once a Dodger, always a Dodger.” Follow Lasorda on Twitter @tommylasorda.
Adam Rubin
ESPNNewYork.com writer Adam Rubin posted an important link to his Twitter page on Jan. 20 for fans to show their support to the Carter family. He tweeted “To send get-well wishes to Gary Carter, mail here: The Gary Carter Foundation, 580 Village Blvd., Suite 315, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 #mets.” Follow Rubin on Twitter @adamrubinESPN.
Eric Holden is a lifelong New York resident and New York Mets fan. He often traveled to Flushing, New York, as a child just to watch Gary Carter play at Shea Stadium. Follow him on Twitter @ericholden.
Sources
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cartega01.shtml, Baseball Reference, Gary Carter stats