The New York Mets honored their all-time home run leader, Darryl Strawberry, by retiring his No. 18 jersey during a heartfelt ceremony at Citi Field. Strawberry, who is 62 and recently survived a heart attack, was present at the celebration, expressing deep gratitude for his time with the Mets and remorse for his departure to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1990. The eight-time All-Star and key player in the Mets’ 1986 World Series championship team reflected on his struggles with addiction and his fractured relationship with the team’s front office, which led to his regrettable exit. The Mets paid tribute to Strawberry’s legacy with a creative twist, modifying their ‘Home Run Apple’ to resemble a strawberry. Fans at Citi Field saluted Strawberry, who hit 252 home runs and batted.263 during his eight seasons with the team. Despite the celebratory mood, the Mets were unable to secure a win, falling to the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-5.
Key points
- Darryl Strawberry’s No. 18 jersey was retired by the New York Mets in a ceremony at Citi Field.
- Strawberry, the Mets’ all-time home run leader, expressed regret over leaving the Mets and thanked fans for their support.
- The Mets lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-5, overshadowing the celebration of Strawberry’s career.
