The New York Mets have decided to honor two legendary figures by retiring their jersey numbers at Citi Field next season. The club revealed on Thursday that they will retire Dwight Gooden’s No. 16 and Darryl Strawberry’s No. 18. The exact details of the retirement ceremony are yet to be disclosed, but Saturday games have traditionally been a popular choice for such events.
Mets owner Steve Cohen expressed his enthusiasm in a statement: “Retiring the numbers of Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden in 2024 celebrates the tremendous impact both had on our 1986 championship team. It’s a privilege to recognize their significant contributions and ensure that future generations remember their legacy.”
With this announcement, the Mets’ roster of retired numbers will include:
14 – Gil Hodges 16 – Dwight Gooden 17 – Keith Hernandez 18 – Darryl Strawberry 24 – Willie Mays 31 – Mike Piazza 36 – Jerry Koosman 37 – Casey Stengel 41 – Tom Seaver 42 – Jackie Robinson (retired league-wide)
Dwight Gooden, affectionately known as “Doctor K” or simply “Doc”, made a remarkable debut in 1984, marking himself as one of baseball’s brightest talents. In 1985, he produced a remarkable season, with a record of 24-4, boasting a 1.53 ERA. His stellar performance played a key role in the Mets’ 1986 World Series triumph.
During his 11-season stint with the Mets, Gooden recorded 157 wins against 85 losses, with a commendable 3.10 ERA. Only Tom Seaver and David Wright rank above him in terms of career WAR for the Mets.
On the other hand, Darryl Strawberry was crowned Rookie of the Year in 1983 and narrowly missed out on MVP honors in 1988. He consistently delivered power-hitting performances during his tenure with the Mets, securing a spot in seven All-Star teams. His prowess was on full display in the 1986 World Series, where he played a pivotal role in the Mets’ victory.
In his eight seasons representing the Mets, Strawberry posted a batting average of .263 with 252 home runs and 733 RBI. He ranks sixth in the Mets’ all-time WAR standings, right after stalwarts like Seaver, Wright, Gooden, Jacob deGrom, and Jerry Koosman.