Cancer Strikes Former Major League Star Gary Carter

Following the recent death of Harmon Killebrew and keeping up with the declining health of sports broadcaster Nick Charles has caused some real emotional reflection on my part. I have had the honor to meet and interview both of these gentleman many times and the recent news has certainly made me sad.Now, I’m concerned for the well-being of former Major League catcher Gary Carter, who last week announced an MRI showed four small tumors on his brain. He was recently at Duke Medical Center undergoing additional tests and preliminary findings indicated that at least one of the tumors appears to be malignant.The doctors told Carter and his family they were “99-percent sure” he has a Grade 4 glioblastoma and that it is likely inoperable.One of Carter’s daughters, Kimmy Bloemers, posted on the family web site news of her father’s condition:The cancer “is like a snake of tumors that are connected across the back of the brain. The biggest tumor is on the left side of the brain,” she wrote. The medical team will be “attacking [the disease] and doing all we can to shrink these tumors. He explained that we are not fighting to prolong Dad’s life, instead, we are fighting to cure him completely.”You see, I was a huge Gary Carter fan when I was a kid. I was a big Montreal Expos fan even before I had the opportunity to work for the team for 11 years, and before I ever met Carter, I would send him a birthday card every year. Then I got to work for the Expos in their minor league system and had the chance to meet and speak with Carter many times over those 11 years and beyond.When I first met him, I mentioned the birthday cards and he said, “Oh, that’s you?” This I suppose endeared me to him and we’ve spoken several times since.Carter played 18 seasons in the majors, beginning his career with Montreal and playing there for 11 years, before moving on to the New York Mets (5), San Francisco Giants (1), L.A. Dodgers (1) and finishing up with Montreal for one more season in 1992.He was an 11-time All-Star and won three gold gloves during his career.Carter recently completed his second season as head baseball coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University.Carter was a power-hitting catcher who could throw out even the best base stealers. However, he was much underrated and overlooked during his years in Montreal; something that bothered him long into his retirement. He shot to stardom while leading the Mets to the World Series title in 1986, but although he continued to play until he was 38, the wear and tear of catching caught up with him.Carter wasn’t as productive offensively in his final seasons, and he spent fewer games behind the plate and more playing first base.During his playing days, Carter was given the nickname “The Kid” because of his exuberance and love of the game. He always seemed to have an upbeat, positive attitude and every time I saw him he was greeting people with a smile.Now the 57-year old Hall of Famer faces a tough battle and needs our prayers.FIT-FEST COMINGThe Rotary Club of Southeast Tulsa will hold FitFest 2011 on the OU-Schusterman campus, Sat., June 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The goal is to promote and encourage fitness and physical activity to area youth in a fun, free festival atmosphere.“With our schools reducing or eliminating time for Physical Education, we believe it is imperative to provide opportunities for families to enjoy physical activities and adopt healthy lifestyles,” said Steve Curley, who originated the FitFest idea during his term as president of the Southeast Tulsa Rotary Club.A centerpiece of the event will be the President’s Challenge Physical Fitness Test for 6-12 year olds. A specially minted FitFest Medal will be awarded to all who participate.Drawings will be held for bicycles and helmets provided by the Bikes for Tykes organization. Youth who complete the fitness testing and Mr. Body Fat’s fun zone will be eligible for the drawings.Other fun activities include inflatable jumpers, appearances by Mr. Body Fat, an obstacle course, yoga for kids, break dancing, and more.Adults can attend several informative presentations in the Learning Center on topics such as: concussions in sports, balance and fall prevention, and basics of exercise and health. The Oklahoma Blood Institute will conduct a blood drive in the Learning Center, as well.[Jeff Brucculeri is the coauthor of “Powerful People Are Inspired by Powerful Athletes,” available at tunedintosuccess.com. Contact; .]