From Cooperstown to Montreal

Gary Carter during his time with the New York Mets from 1985-89

Despite his desires to be recognized as a New York Met, the Hall of Fame 22 years ago today tells longtime catcher Gary Carter that he will be depicted wearing a Montreal Expos cap on his plaque in Cooperstown.

Carter instead wants his plaque to represent his five seasons in New York, where in 1986 he wins a World Series title with the Mets.

The powers that be at the Hall of Fame say otherwise, though, and inform Carter of their decision only nine days after his election in 2003.

The Hall’s most compelling reason is that Carter spends the first 11 seasons of his 19-year career in Montreal, where he is the face of a once-remarkable franchise.

Alas for the Expos, at this time in 2003 they only have two summers left in Canada before Major League Baseball unceremoniously uproots the team and moves it to Washington after the 2004 season.