Gary Carter’s family will be on hand when the Mets will honor the memory of their former catcher on Opening Day, Thursday, April 5 at Citi Field.
The pregame ceremony will take place prior to the season opener against the Atlanta Braves at 1:10 p.m.
Carter passed away Feb. 16 after a 10-month battle with brain cancer.
Gary’s wife, Sandy, son, D.J., and daughters, Kimmy and Christy, and their families will be on the field during a moment of silence for their father and for the ceremonial first pitch.
“We are thrilled that the Carters will be with us,” Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said. “On Opening Day, Mets fans will have the chance to pay their respects and remember all of his accomplishments.”
Carter was acquired by the Mets from the Montreal Expos for four players in December, 1984. He was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2001 and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.
“Our family is so honored to be part of the Mets’ Opening Day at Citi Field,” Sandy Carter said. “It will be an incredible experience for us to celebrate Gary’s legacy by having our family throw out the first pitch. The Mets and the fans of New York always had a special place in Gary’s heart and that admiration will live on in our hearts for years to come. Thanks to the Wilpon family and the entire Mets organization for making this possible.”
Mets players are wearing a patch on their right sleeve featuring a black home plate with “KID 8” in white lettering to honor Carter during the 2012 season.