Fifteen years have passed since Gary Carter last played in the big leagues. He's 53. Too old to squat behind the plate. Too young to retire.

That's why Carter was in Lancaster Thursday.

The best catcher in the National League in the 80s, the Hall of Famer, is looking for work in the game he loves.

"My knees are shot. I've had 11 knee surgeries," Carter said. "I can't play any more, but I can certainly manage or coach. I can throw batting practice and run around with the guys."

Carter was the latest to interview for the Barnstormers' managerial opening. He joined a list of candidates that includes Tom Herr, former Red Sox skipper Butch Hobson and Wally Backman, Carter's old teammate with the Mets.

Those men have something in common beyond their big-league pedigrees. They can't get this game out of their blood.

Carter was removed from baseball for a while after his playing career ended in 1992. He spent seven years as a broadcaster and he played on a celebrity golf tour. Ultimately, the lure of the uniform brought him back.

The 11-time All-Star served as a roving instructor for the Mets before managing in rookie ball in 2005 and winning a championship in the Single-A Florida State League in 2006.

Carter quickly realized this was the path he wanted to take. He wanted to manage in the majors.

"My heart's desire is to be on the field," he said. "I love managing. I love everything about it."

Prior to the start of last season, Carter turned down a chance to manage the Double-A Binghamton Mets. He said he wasn't crazy about going to Binghamton and he didn't feel like he could advance through the Mets' ranks. Willie Randolph had just signed a three-year extension to run the big-league club and Ken Oberkfell was ahead of Carter in Triple-A.

Declining that offer was a mistake.

"That turned out to be my only chance," Carter said.

"It's the decision I made and I regret that I made it. I have no ill feelings toward the Mets. I'm obviously disappointed with the way things are. I know that the game is funny in that regard. It's not what you know. It's who you know."

Although it seems inconceivable that a player of Carter's stature could be completely locked out of the baseball circle, it appears that's the case.

Last year, Carter was interviewed for the Dodgers' Triple-A opening and big-league jobs as the Rockies' hitting coach and the Mets' first-base coach. He didn't land any of them.

Apparently, Carter's status as one of the game's greats hasn't boosted his marketability.

"It doesn't matter in this case," he said with a hint of incredulity in his voice. "It really doesn't."

Carter doesn't want to sit out another season and he's looking for a new way to ignite his managerial prospects. If it means riding buses in indy ball, a million miles from The Show, he's ready to take the trip.

What choice does he have?

"I feel like in my heart and my mind I need to exhaust all of my avenues," Carter said.

This is how Barnstormers president Jon Danos and head of baseball operations Keith Lupton found themselves sitting across the table from an applicant who appears too good to be true.

Carter impressed the front office with his personable nature and strong credentials. He'd bring instant recognition from fans who watched him beat up on the Phillies for so many years. He'd provide a giant dose of credibility to both the Barnstormers and the Atlantic League.

"Being in the Mets' system was a great experience for him," Danos said. "We think he is a very positive guy with a very outward personality. He makes for a compelling candidate."

Remarkably, Carter — however compelling — may not immediately jump to the top of the Barnstormers' list. Herr won a championship here. Hobson and Backman have more experience, particularly in independent ball.

But sitting across from Carter Thursday, you couldn't help but be impressed. He was wearing his Hall of Fame ring and he was talking about Lancaster like it was his future baseball home.

"I think this could be a very nice marriage," Carter said.

It could be.

It's up to the Barnstormers to make that proposal.

CONTACT US: jguarente@LNPnews.com or 291-8777