The New York Mets announced that they will be retiring the jersey numbers of 1986 World Series Champions Darryl Strawberry (18) and Dwight Gooden (16).
Darryl and “Doc” both had meteoric rises through the Mets system, winning Rookie of the Year in 1983 and 1984, respectively. Together, they immediately turned the Mets into perennial contenders throughout the 1980’s. The two had decorated careers with the Amazin’s as they combined for 11 all-star appearances during their time in Queens while also bringing the Mets their second-ever World Series Championship. Despite some off-the-field issues, the two young stars brought life to a dormant Mets franchise, and historic years like Doc’s 1985 season and Darryl’s 1988 season transformed the Mets franchise.
Mets owner Steve Cohen, who has made it an initiative of his to honor Mets history, commented on Doc and Darryl’s numbers going into the rafters, “I’m thrilled that two iconic members of the 1986 championship club will have their numbers retired in 2024…Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden each had an enormous impact on our franchise and it’s my honor to continue our commitment to celebrating our wonderful history. “
“When getting the call that their numbers would be hanging in the rafters, the two Mets legends were both overcome with waves of emotion. Strawberry said, “When I got the call from Steve, I welled up with tears of joy… I had some ups and downs, but in the end, I am proud of my time in New York. I owe so much to Mets fans – they are simply the best. It’s really amazing to me that No 18 will be forever remembered.”
While overwhelmed with the emotion of it all, Darryl also took the time to thank the new owners, “I would like to thank the Hall of Fame committee and especially Steve and Alex Cohen.”
His counterpart, DocGooden, was also very emotional when he received the call, ” I was completely overwhelmed when I got the call. I want to say ‘thank you’ to the fans who supported me through the good times and bad times. I couldn’t have made it through without their encouragement.”
The former Cy Young award winner made it known how much this honor means to him, “There is no greater honor a player can receive than having his number retired. It’s hard for me to express how honored and thankful I am to Steve and Alex. This would make my mother and father extremely proud, and I know they are looking down from heaven smiling.”
While the two are synonymous with each other, even up until the announcement of their jersey retirements, Howie Rose noted on Twitter that “Doc” and Darryl will each get their separate ceremonies.
The two Mets legends will become the sixth and seventh players to have their number retired in club history, which has taken a steep increase since Steve Cohen took over ownership of the team in 2020. Since being in power, Cohen has retired the jersey numbers of Keith Hernandez (17) and Willie Mays (24). Jerry Koosman‘s No. 36 was retired during the Cohen era, but was announced when the Wilpons still owned the team. Previously, Tom Seaver‘s No. 41 and Mike Piazza‘s No. 31 were retired. Managers Casey Stengel (37) and Gil Hodges (14) had their numbers retired by the Mets as well.
