BBA Member Exclusive: Gary Carter's Last Interview

BBA Member, Bill Ivie of I-70 Baseball sent me an email today with a small piece of baseball history.  Ivie League Productions, in conjunction with Kiner's Korner and The Kult of Mets Personalities produced, what is thought to be, Carter's last known recorded interview on February 18, 2011.  Nik Kolidas, the producer of that show, recalls that it was hard to schedule him as he kept cancelling, stating that he "couldn't shake the flu" and was feeling ill.  Three months later, it was revealed that Carter had a brain tumor.

The podcast is Carter at his best.  He talks about his favorite memories as a big leaguer, highlighted by the 1986 World Series and why Gary thought that team was able to be successful.  Other notable moments he mentions- the thrill of getting his first Major League hit off of Jon Matlack in 1974, hitting his first major league home run off of Steve Carlton and catching all-time greats, Tom Seaver and Doc Gooden.  He also discusses the disappointment of falling short in 1988 (losing the Kirk Gibson and the Dodgers in the NLCS).

The interview provides a glimpse into Carter's career and his memories as a big league player.  It also stands as a living memory of why Carter is so endeared by the baseball world.  The entire interview lasts about forty minutes.  Carter is candid, up-beat and genuine with all of his answers for the entire interview.  He ends the interview by plugging the Gary Carter Foundation, which was set up to help underprivileged children.  Baseball is losing a wonderful ambassador, the world is losing a tremendous human being but Heaven is gaining one heck of a backstop.



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