"Gary Carter is too ill to travel, but the Hall of Famer received a standing ovation when his name was mentioned last night.

Carter, who is fighting an uphill battle against brain cancer, sent a message via his children at an awards dinner.

"I'll always have a special place in my heart for the city and people of New York," said Carter, in a message read by his son, D.J. "I'll never forget my first game in a Mets uniform on Opening Day in 1985 when I had the fortune of leading the team to victory with a walkoff home run.

"The fans were always supportive of me on the baseball field and continue to support me and my family since I was diagnosed with brain cancer in May.""