The New York Mets have decided to honor two of their most iconic former players off the field by retiring the #16 and #18 numbers next season in honor of Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry, respectively.
Although they have been the subject of many conversations during and after their careers due to their struggles, particularly their drug addictions, this time the two men will be front and center in the news, and for good reason. You are among the former Mets players to be rewarded in this way, along with Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, Willie Mays, Keith Hernandez and Jerry Koosman.
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“I’m delighted to see the jerseys of these two legendary members of the 1986 championship squad being retired,” franchise owner Steve Cohen said in a statement on Thursday. They have all had a huge impact on our club and I am honored to continue our commitment to celebrating our wonderful history.”
Emotionally
Despite having a contentious relationship in recent years, Strawberry and Gooden have teamed up to wreak havoc on the pitch. The former worked in the formation from 1983 to 1990 and delivered three campaigns with at least 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. The second played 16 years in the major leagues, 11 of them with the Mets. He had a 24-4 record with a 1.53 ERA in 1985 and had 268 strikeouts en route to the Cy-Young Trophy in the National League.
“I had tears of joy when I got the call from Steve,” Strawberry admitted. I started thinking about my path within the organization. I’ve been through ups and downs, but overall I’m proud of my time in New York. I owe a lot to the fans, they are simply the best.
“I was blown away when I took the call,” Gooden added in a letter, a copy of which was obtained by the New York Post. I want to thank the fans who have supported me in good times and bad. I couldn’t have done it without her encouragement.