In a touching tribute to two of their most iconic players, the New York Mets have announced that they will retire the jersey numbers of Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden—No. 18 and No. 16, respectively. This heartfelt decision was shared during a special virtual press conference, where the former Mets stars reflected on their remarkable careers and the challenges they faced.
Both Strawberry and Gooden candidly discussed their personal struggles with addiction and how it impacted their careers. Despite these obstacles, they remain beloved figures in the hearts of Mets fans, who have continued to support them through thick and thin.
Darryl Strawberry, now 61, is an eight-time All-Star, with seven of those appearances representing his time with the Mets from 1983 to 1990. Over his 17-season career, Strawberry amassed impressive statistics, including a .259 batting average, 335 home runs, 1,000 RBIs, and 221 stolen bases. Strawberry’s love for the Mets was evident when he declared, “My heart and soul bleed blue and orange. Always have. Always will.”
Strawberry also offered some heartfelt advice to current Mets star Pete Alonso, emphasizing the unique experience of playing in New York and urging Alonso to stay with the team. He highlighted the unparalleled atmosphere and passionate fan base that make New York a special place for baseball.
Dwight Gooden, aged 59, was a four-time All-Star during his time with the Mets from 1984 to 1994. He achieved significant milestones, including winning the 1984 NL Rookie of the Year and the 1985 NL Cy Young Award. Gooden’s impressive career stats include 194 wins, a 3.51 ERA, and 2,293 strikeouts over 16 seasons.
Both players openly shared their battles with addiction, revealing the dark moments they experienced. Gooden even recounted his decision to seek help in a mental hospital during his most recent struggle with addiction in 2019, shedding light on the mental health challenges they faced.
Despite their personal hardships, both Strawberry and Gooden expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support and love they received from Mets fans throughout their careers. They acknowledged the profound impact of the fans’ belief in them, even during their darkest hours.
In hindsight, Strawberry compared his upbringing with that of Yankees legend Derek Jeter, who had a strong family support system. Strawberry admired Jeter for handling the pressures of playing in New York more effectively, thanks to his stable background.
The press conference provided insight into the unique challenges faced by young athletes in the New York spotlight during the 1980s. Strawberry admitted that the allure of the city’s nightlife had contributed to their struggles.
The retirement of Strawberry’s No. 18 and Gooden’s No. 16 adds their names to an illustrious list of Mets legends whose numbers have been retired. This esteemed group includes Gil Hodges (No. 14), Keith Hernandez (No. 17), Willie Mays (No. 24), Mike Piazza (No. 31), Jerry Koosman (No. 36), Casey Stengel (No. 37), Tom Seaver (No. 41), and the universally retired No. 42 worn by Jackie Robinson across Major League Baseball.
Despite past animosities and challenges, the enduring legacy of Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden will forever be celebrated by Mets fans. The jersey retirement ceremonies, scheduled for April 14 and June 1, respectively, will provide an opportunity for fans to honor these baseball legends and reflect on their remarkable careers.