Based on Billy Joel’s “The Ballad of Billy the Kid”

From a town known as Culver City, California
Rode a shortstop with a cannon for an arm
Drafted in Seventy Two
The Expos knew a thing or two
Made him a catcher down on the farm

Well, he started with a call up against New York
He bat four oh seven in September, he did
His desire to win each sprint
In spring training gave a hint
Of how he earned the nickname of Gary the “Kid”

Earned the first of three straight Gold Gloves
Came in second for MVP
And soon he put other backstops to shame
And he earned an All Start start
Ane he played the game with heart
By now every baseball fan knew his name

Well, he was traded from Montreal to the team from Flushing
When the Expos decided to rebuild after eighty four
And it served the legend well
For the Mets fans, they love to tell
‘Bout when Gary the “Kid” started his tour

Well one cold day a rally started by Gary
And the Mets came back and won the game they did
New York was world champs in eighty six
And the Red Sox took their licks
And learned the legend of Gary the “Kid”

Well, he always had a smile
Yes, he really loved to play
But after ninety two he retired from the game
He always had a big heart
And he finally found a home
Wearing an Expos cap in the Baseball Hall of Fame

From a town known as West Palm Beach, Florida
Came the passing of the man behind home plate
The cancer took his life
Too soon from his kids and wife
We will miss you Gary, the Kid, number eight.

By Mike Schnitzer – @metstwerp