Author: Shannon Shark @metspolice

We all knew this day was coming since the news first broke last May.  Yet no matter how inevitable it was, the sadness is still there.

I was lucky enough to meet The Kid on two different occasions,  both as it turns out in 2008.  The first time was at Barnes & Noble in midtown Manhattan.  Gary was signing copies of his book “Still A Kid At Heart.”  I picked up 3 – one for myself and one each for my brother and sister.  When I got to Gary he was so friendly – asked me why I was getting the three books, and then proceeded to personalize each one with a different message in each.  A small thing yes but it really added a personal touch.  Gary had no problem taking pictures either, and even waited and joked when my flash took a while to warm up:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Several weeks later the All-Star FanFest came to the Javits Center.  Gary was was one of the featured Hall Of Famers signing on the day I was attending.  Rather than have him sign a ball or bat, I wanted something special.  As I’ve posted before, I attended the 86 Tickertape Parade and took a number of pictures, the best one was of Gary smiling looking up at the crowds.  I printed out an 8×10 copy and took it with me.  When I got to Gary I showed him the picture and told him I had taken it.  I remember he looked at me and asked if I was 10 when I took it (I was 19 actually).  He got quite a kick from the picture and started showing it to a few people standing nearby.  He eventually signed it (and it was immediately authenticated).  Having him not only sign a picture I took, but actually enjoy looking at it – well you can imagine the thrill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have a few other pieces of Carter memorabilia, including the poster handed out at Gary Carter Day, when he was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame, but none hold a candle to these moments.  I’m glad I had them, and I’m glad I can share them.