Gary Carter: Hall of Fame Catcher Passes Away at 57

Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter passed away on Thursday, succumbing to an ongoing battle with brain cancer. He was 57.

Major League Baseball confirmed Carter's passing via Twitter:

Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig released a statement on Carter's passing, via ESPN.com:

"

"Driven by a remarkable enthusiasm for the game, Gary Carter became one of the elite catchers of all-time. 'The Kid' was an 11-time All-Star and a durable, consistent slugger for the Montreal Expos and the New York Mets, and he ranks among the most beloved players in the history of both of those franchises. Like all baseball fans, I will always remember his leadership for the '86 Mets and his pivotal role in one of the greatest World Series ever played."

"

Carter was first diagnosed with four small brain tumors in May of 2011. His condition was treated with chemotherapy and radiation, but it was revealed in January that his condition had worsened.

Kimmy Bloemers, Carter's daughter, wrote about her father's passing on the family's blog.

"This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to write in my entire life but I wanted you all to know," she wrote, via ESPN.com. "He is in heaven and has reunited with his mom and dad. I believe with all my heart that dad had a STANDING OVATION as he walked through the gates of heaven to be with Jesus."

Carter hit .262 in 19 major league seasons with the Montreal Expos, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers.

He was part of the Mets team that won the World Series against the Boston Red Sox in 1986. Carter hit .276 with two home runs and nine RBI in the series, with both of his home runs coming in Game 4 at Fenway Park. It was his hit in the bottom of the 10th inning in Game 6 that started the Mets' famous rally.

All told, Carter hit 324 home runs and drove in 1,225 runs in his career. He finished in the Top 10 in the MVP voting four times and was named an All-Star 11 times.

Carter was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. He was the first player to go in wearing an Expos cap.