Gary Carter, Hall of Fame Catcher for the New York Mets, Dies at 57

Gary Carter, the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame catcher, died Thursday after suffering from brain cancer, ESPN reports. He was 57.

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

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Carter was diagnosed with four brain tumors last May. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments, the family revealed that doctors found new tumors on Carter's brain last month.

Carter, nicknamed "Kid," played for the New York Mets for five years and helped lead the team to a World Series Championship in 1986 over the Boston Red Sox. He also played for the Montreal Expos, San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers before retiring in 1992 after 19 years in the majors.

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An 11-time All Star, Carter was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 with a career average of .262, 324 total home runs and 1,225 total RBIs. He was also a three-time Gold Glove Award winner and a two-time MLB All-Star Game MVP.

"When you think of the great baseball field generals, you think Gary Carter," Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson said in a statement obtained by the site. "He ran the game from behind the plate with strong leadership and passion. The Kid's contribution to our national pastime is big, but his heart was even bigger. We'll always remember his caring way, ever-present smile and strong devotion to family, community and the Baseball Hall of Fame."

Carter is survived by his wife, Sandy, their three children: Christy, Kimmy and D.J., and three grandchildren.