Mets Baseball Legend Dies of Brain Tumor

Gary Carter succumbs to glioblastoma multiforme

(RxWiki News) Baseball Hall of Famer, Gary Carter - the "Kid" - has lost his battle with brain cancer. As a New York Mets catcher, he may be best remembered for the team's 1986 World Series victory over the Boston Red Sox.

The 11-time All-Star played a total of 18 seasons with the Montreal Expos, Mets, San Franciso Giants and Dodgers. He hit .262 with 324 home runs and 1,225 runs.

Carter's mother, Inge had leukemia and died at the age of 37. Carter lived 20 years longer than she did. He was 57.

Diagnosed with a Grade IV glioblastoma less than a year ago, Carter's condition worsened on January 19th when it was reported that an MRI found additional lesions on his brain.

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and also the most fatal form of brain cancer. It starts in the glial cells which make up better than half of the tissue in the brain.

It's a fast moving cancer and the outlook for patients is not good, from the very start.

The latest statistics show that after diagnosis with a primary brain tumor, only 34 percent of patients are alive five years later.

Baseball Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson announced Carter's death.

On the family website, his daughter, Kimmy Bloemers, wrote: "I am deeply saddened to tell you all that my precious dad went to be with Jesus today at 4:10 p.m. This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to write in my entire life but I wanted you all to know."

Carter was loved and will be remembered not only for his perfectionism as a sportsman, but his boyish charm and enthusiasm that endeared the "Kid" to fans wherever he played.