Mets to retire jerseys of Gooden, Strawberry
The New York Mets will retire Nos. 16 and 18 next season in honor of Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry, respectively.
No. 16 and No. 18: Forever enshrined in Mets history.
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 24, 2023
Next season, we will retire Doc Gooden and Darryl Strawberry’s numbers. pic.twitter.com/WvgZ0SuxvA
Gooden and Strawberry both played integral parts in the 1986 World Series, the most recent championship in the franchise's history.
Gooden, nicknamed "Doc" and "Doctor K," played 16 seasons in the majors, beginning with an 11-year stint with the Mets that he kicked off by winning NL Rookie of the Year in 1984. In his sophomore season, he claimed the NL Cy Young Award and the Triple Crown with an MLB-leading 24 wins, 1.53 ERA, and 268 strikeouts.
Doctor K dominated the ‘80s.
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 24, 2023
Next year, his number 1️⃣6️⃣ will forever be immortalized in our history. pic.twitter.com/fteq7ohrgI
"I was completely overwhelmed when I got the call," Gooden said in a statement. "I want to say thank you to the fans who supported me through the good times and bad times."
Strawberry is an eight-time All-Star who also broke into the big leagues by winning Rookie of the Year with the Mets in 1983. He went on to play seven additional seasons in Queens over a 17-year career, hitting a franchise-best 252 homers.
No one had a sweeter swing than Straw.
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 24, 2023
Next season, his number 1️⃣8️⃣ comes home for good. pic.twitter.com/KPx8ReruE4
"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."
The team didn't announce a date for the ceremony. Both players had already been inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame, but neither are in Cooperstown.
The Mets have seven unique numbers retired aside from Jackie Robinson's No. 42: Willie Mays' No. 24, Keith Hernandez's No. 17, Jerry Koosman's No. 36, Mike Piazza's No. 31, Tom Seaver's No. 41, Gil Hodges' No. 14, and Casey Stengel's No. 37.