Carter started his Montreal Expos career as an outfielder, even though he was groomed as a catcher. Through Little League and prep ball, Carter had had no experience as a receiver. His catching conversion was hastened in the minors by manager Karl Kuehl, who fined Carter a quarter for each dropped ball at a time when Carter estimated he muffed 10 to 15 balls per game.

Following the 1981 season, Carter landed a seven-year contract extension that paid nearly $2 million per year. Over his career, Carter proved he was one of the National League's finest defenders. Three straight Gold Gloves and eleven all-star team berths accented his accomplishments. Eight years in a row, Carter was the starting NL catcher in the All-Star game.

After stints with the Mets, Astros, and Dodgers, Carter returned to the Expos to conclude his career in 1992. He kept catching, but resorted to a modified squat -- right knee down, left leg extended-- to partially salve his aching knees.

For twelve years running, Carter caught 100 or more games yearly. He retired with 2,056 games caught, a career mark exceeded only by Carlton Fisk and Bob Boone. Carter is the all-time NL leader in games caught besting Al Lopez's NL mark of 1,861 games. Other senior circuit milestones collared by Carter include career putouts (11,759) and chances accepted (12,942). Overshadowed by the mitt wizardry of Bench and Boone, Carter was still a five-time NL leader in assists. For six years in a row, he was tops in the league in games caught and putouts.