FLUSHING, N.Y., August 24, 2023 – The New York Mets today announced the team will retire Darryl Strawberry’s No. 18 and Dwight Gooden’s No. 16 in separate pre-game ceremonies in 2024. Dates will be announced in the future.
“I’m thrilled that two iconic members of the 1986 championship club will have their numbers retired in 2024,” Mets Owner, Chairman and CEO Steve Cohen said. “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.”
Strawberry and Gooden will become the sixth and seventh players to have their number retired by the Mets, joining Tom Seaver (#41), Mike Piazza (#31), Jerry Koosman (#36), Keith Hernandez (#17) and Willie Mays (#24). In addition, the Mets have retired #14 for Manager Gil Hodges, #37 for Manager Casey Stengel and #42 across baseball for Jackie Robinson.
Strawberry was a seven-time All-Star with the Mets after he was selected first overall in the 1980 June Draft. Strawberry earned National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1983 when he slugged a then-club rookie record 26 homers. Strawberry is the Mets all-time leader in home runs (252), ranks second in RBI (733) and walks (580), third in extra-base hits (469) and runs (662) and fourth in slugging (.520).
“When I got the call from Steve, I welled up with tears of joy,” Strawberry said. “I started to reflect on my journey through the organization. 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. I would like to thank the Hall of Fame committee and especially Steve and Alex Cohen.”
Strawberry was elected to the Mets Hall of Fame in 2010. The two-time Silver Slugger led the NL in home runs in 1988 with 39. Strawberry had many memorable postseason homers, including a solo shot in Game Seven of the 1986 World Series vs. Boston and a three-run blast that tied the game in the sixth inning in Game Three of the 1986 NLCS vs. Houston in a 6-5 win.
“Darryl Strawberry’s sweet left-handed swing made him one of the most feared hitters in the National League as his monster moon shots bounced off Shea’s scoreboard,” Cohen said. “Strawberry’s arrival to the Big Apple in 1983 re-energized the franchise and it’s very appropriate that the club’s all-time homer leader will have his No. 18 retired.”
Gooden electrified Shea crowds for 11 years. The right-hander won the 1984 NL Rookie of the Year Award while setting a major league rookie record with 276 strikeouts and was the youngest player ever named to an All-Star team at age 19. The following year, Doc became the youngest pitcher ever to win Cy Young honors when he captured the “Triple Crown” of pitching, leading the majors in wins (24), strikeouts (268) and ERA (1.53).
“I was completely overwhelmed when I got the call,” Gooden said. “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. 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 (Cohen). This would make my mother and father extremely proud and I know they are looking down from heaven smiling.”
Gooden was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2010. Gooden ranks second in franchise history in wins (157) and strikeouts (1,875) and third in innings (2,169.2), complete games (67), starts (303) and quality starts (209).
“There was no more electric place to be than at Shea Stadium on a Friday night in the 80’s when Dwight Gooden was on the mound,” Cohen said. “Doc continues the pitching-rich lineage of retired numbers joining Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman. It’s fitting that his No. 16 will forever hang in left field where his legendary K-Korner was located.”
The Mets will announce the dates for each ceremony in the coming months.
COURTESY METS MEDIA RELATIONS & MLBpressbox.com
