Merriam-Webster credits the first recorded use of the term F-bomb to Gary Carter, a relentlessly wholesome, squeaky-clean baseball legend. This deep dive tracks the duality of the Hall of Fame catcher who brought almost childlike joy to the most physically punishing position in professional sports.

From Canada to New York, Carter's enthusiasm made him an icon, even as it created friction in his own clubhouse.

• Won a national punt, pass, and kick competition at age seven and was a high school quarterback with over 100 scholarship offers before signing with the Expos.
• Earned the nickname The Kid for his boundless energy, while some teammates dubbed him Camera Carter.
• Became the only player to hit multiple home runs in both an All-Star game and a World Series game, and delivered the pivotal two-out single in Game 6 of ...