The Mets are adding two very notable names to their list of retired numbers next season.
The team will retire both Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden’s numbers during separate pregame ceremonies during the 2024 season, the Mets announced Thursday.
There are five other players whose numbers the Mets have retired: Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, Jerry Koosman, Keith Hernandez and Willie Mays.
“I’m thrilled that two iconic members of the 1986 championship club will have their numbers retired in 2024,” Mets owner Steve Cohen said in a statement.
“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 debuted in 1983 and took home NL Rookie of the Year honors.
He spent eight seasons with the team, earning seven All-Star selections and breaking the team record for all-time home runs with 252.
“When I got the call from Steve, I welled up with tears of joy,” Strawberry said, via the Mets.
“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.”
Gooden debuted in 1984 and dazzled over 11 years in Queens, with the highlight coming in 1985 when he won the NL Cy Young Award after winning the pitching triple crown, leading the league in wins (24), ERA (1.53) and strikeouts (268).
Gooden won 157 games in a Mets uniform and posted a 3.10 ERA.
“I was completely overwhelmed when I got the call,” Gooden said in a Mets statement.
“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 and Strawberry will be the ninth and tenth numbers retired in Mets history.
In addition to the previously named five players, the club honored No. 14 for manager Gil Hodges, No. 37 for manager Casey Stengel and No. 42 for Jackie Robinson.