In a celebratory revelation, the New York Mets declared that the 2024 season will witness the retirement of the jerseys of two of its most iconic players: Darryl Strawberry’s No. 18 and Dwight Gooden’s No. 16. Fans eagerly await the announcement of the specific dates for these memorable pre-game ceremonies.
Steve Cohen, Mets Owner, Chairman, and CEO, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m thrilled that two iconic members of the 1986 championship club will have their numbers retired in 2024. Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden have left an indelible mark on our franchise. It's a privilege to celebrate such a rich history of our club.” This retirement will enshrine Strawberry and Gooden alongside Mets legends such as Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, Jerry Koosman, Keith Hernandez, and Willie Mays. The Mets have also honored Managerial greats Gil Hodges and Casey Stengel, as well as Jackie Robinson, whose No. 42 has been retired across baseball. Darryl Strawberry: A Met for the Ages After being the prized first pick in the 1980 June Draft, Strawberry's tenure with the Mets was nothing short of spectacular. With a record 26 homers in his rookie year alone, he has etched his name as the Mets all-time leader in home runs. His other notable achievements include ranking second in RBI and walks, third in extra-base hits and runs, and fourth in slugging. An emotional Strawberry remarked, “I had some ups and downs, but in the end, I am proud of my time in New York. The fans are simply the best. It’s really amazing to me that No. 18 will be forever remembered.” Cohen added a tribute, noting, “Strawberry’s sweet left-handed swing made him one of the most feared hitters in the National League. His arrival in 1983 re-energized the franchise.” Dwight Gooden: The Pitching Phenom For over a decade, Gooden, fondly known as 'Doc', mesmerized Shea crowds with his pitching prowess. At 19, he became the youngest player to be named to an All-Star team and soon after, the youngest pitcher to clinch the “Triple Crown” of pitching. Overwhelmed by the honor, Gooden expressed his gratitude, “I want to say ‘thank you’ to the fans who supported me. There is no greater honor a player can receive than having his number retired.” Reminiscing about Gooden’s legendary games, Cohen stated, “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.” Looking Ahead The anticipation is palpable as fans and the baseball community eagerly wait for the dates of these retirement ceremonies. Stay tuned for further announcements from the Mets in the coming months. As we gear up for these monumental events, it’s clear that the legacy of Strawberry and Gooden will forever be etched in the annals of baseball history.
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