(Long Island, N.Y.) Game Six of the 1986 World Series is considered one of the greatest postseason baseball games of all time. Some may even call the New York Mets’ comeback against the Boston Red Sox a miracle. So if the latter held true, then Gary Carter needs more divine intervention.
He was diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer back in May and will undergo his last radiation treatment this week. According to a post by his daughter on a private family website, his doctor told the Hall of Fame catcher that he “looked wonderful” and that he was “happy to see him doing so well.”
Jimmy Bloemers further commented on Carter being able to go for a two-mile walk last week and that it was his “longest walk since finding out about the cancer” and that it was the “best” Carter has felt in two months.
Small steps lead to big ones; just as Carter’s base hit in the 10th inning with no one on and two outs was the start of the winning rally that October evening at Shea Stadium 25 years ago. Known for his youthful exuberance, ‘The Kid’ was a huge fan favorite in the Big Apple from his time with the Mets and later on as manager of the Long Island Ducks in 2009.
Since then, Carter, 57, has been the head coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida. Looking ahead, he plans on returning to the school for a third campaign at the helm. It may prove to be therapeutic for him as he continues a year of chemotherapy treatments, as long as Carter is healthy enough to do so.
That wasn’t the case at the recent MLB All-Star Game, when Carter had to watch the seventh inning tribute to him from home on television. He also will not be able to attend the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies this weekend. But these are to be expected of someone beginning aggressive cancer treatment.
A 19-year career hit its pinnacle with Carter’s 2003 induction into Cooperstown, with him hitting .262, 324 home runs and driving in 1,225 runs. Although he played for four team’s total, Carter is known best for his years in New York and Montreal. He broke into the big leagues with the Expos in 1974 and returned north of the border in 1992 before hanging up the ‘tools of ignorance.’
On August 1, Carter will have an MRI exam that will hopefully show the remission of the disease. In addition to the radiation and chemotherapy, the 11-time All-Star has also been given Avastin to battle his cancer.
“We are rejoicing for good news and are praising the Lord for these good days,” added Bloemers, echoing the sentiments of baseball fans everywhere. “We know dad still has a battle and a road ahead of him to fight; however, we believe in miracles.”
Makes an unlikely comeback look minuscule in comparison.
