WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- After a nearly nine-month battle with brain cancer, Palm Beach Atlantic University baseball head coach Gary Carter passed away on Thursday, February 16th, 2012 at 4:10 pm.

Nicknamed "The Kid" for his infectious smile and enthusiasm, Carter spent the last two plus seasons coaching baseball for the NCAA Division II Sailfish following a Hall of Fame playing career in Major League Baseball. He was 57 years old.

Diagnosed with four small brain tumors in May of 2011, Carter had been receiving intense treatments of chemotherapy and other medical treatments as his type of cancer was deemed inoperable. Carter leaves behind an incredible legacy in many circles for his athletic abilities, charitable endeavors, and unyielding faith.

His most recent career path led him to join his daughter and son-in-law, Kimmy and Kyle Bloemers, at Palm Beach Atlantic University where Kimmy serves the University as its head softball coach and Kyle is an Assistant Athletic Director.

Inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 following a brilliant 19-year playing career, Carter is known as one of the greatest catchers to ever play. Spending a majority of his career playing for the Montreal Expos and New York Mets, Carter helped lead the Mets to their only World Series Championship in 1986 as he started a two-out rally in Game Six to help propel the Mets to an improbable victory in seven games.

Following his playing career Carter went into coaching and managing within the minor league ranks and independent baseball before settling in as the Sailfish head coach in October of 2009. Carter's impact on Palm Beach County will forever be remembered as he has made it his permanent home since 1982.

The founder of the Gary Carter Foundation, Carter was instrumental in raising funds and awareness for such causes as juvenile diabetes, children with Autism, and in providing education resources to local schools.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sandy with whom he was married to for 35 years. The couple has three children in Christy Kearce, Kimmy Bloemers, and D.J Carter. They also have three grandchildren in C.J. Kearce, Brady Kearce, and Alyse Bloemers.

Editor's Note - I exchanged a few brief text messages with Sawyer Smith this evening.  Smith worked closely with 'Skip' during his freshman season, while he was furthering his abilities as a catcher.