Thirty-four years after jilting the New York Mets, Darryl Strawberry returned to Citi Field with a heartfelt apology and a message of gratitude, as his iconic No. 18 was retired in an emotional ceremony.
On the hallowed grounds of Citi Field, Darryl Strawberry stood before the unwavering support of New York Mets fans, his voice trembling with a mix of remorse and gratitude. Thirty-four years after his departure left a bitter taste in their mouths, Strawberry returned to apologize and express his profound regret.
"I mean this from the bottom of my heart, I'm so sorry for ever leaving you guys," Strawberry uttered, his words slow and heavy with emotion. "I'm truly, deeply sorry that I ever left you guys. I never played baseball in front of fans greater than you guys."
The crowd of 30,600 erupted in a thunderous ovation, recognizing the authenticity of Strawberry's apology. It was the emotional peak of his 16-minute speech that preceded Saturday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Strawberry's No. 18, etched into the center field grass, became a symbol of redemption. The home run apple transformed into a succulent strawberry, while the public address system played the Beatles' iconic "Strawberry Fields Forever." Former teammates and family members adorned folding chairs on the infield, bearing witness to this pivotal moment.
Strawberry's journey to this day was not without its challenges. Just months earlier, he had suffered a heart attack, casting doubt on whether he would be able to attend the ceremony. However, thanks to the unwavering support of his wife, Tracy, who recognized the severity of his condition and rushed him to the hospital, Strawberry pulled through.
"When I came out of the surgery, my heart was at 32%," he revealed.
Despite his health scare, Strawberry remained determined to make amends. He credited his wife with saving his life and expressed his profound gratitude.
Strawberry's legacy with the Mets is undeniable. As an eight-time All-Star, he was a cornerstone of the team's 1986 World Series victory. His .259 batting average, 335 home runs, and 1,000 RBIs cemented his status as a Mets legend.
However, Strawberry's decision to leave New York in 1990 for a lucrative contract with his hometown Dodgers cast a shadow over his otherwise illustrious career. He attributed the move to a strained relationship with the Met's front office, who questioned his commitment.
"You can’t tell that to a kid from the ghetto because that means nothing to us," he said, explaining his reaction to the front office's demands.
Reflecting on his past, Strawberry acknowledged the temptations that lured him into a world of alcohol and drugs. He expressed regret for not following the example set by teammates like Mookie Wilson and the late Gary Carter.
"I wanted to be what they were, not just a guy playing baseball, putting on the uniform," Strawberry said. "I wanted to be that kind of man. I just didn’t have the guts to do what they were doing at the time that they were doing it, and it means a lot to me because they were drinking milk, and I was drinking alcohol."
Strawberry's apology extended beyond his departure from the Mets. He spoke candidly about the dysfunctional home he grew up in, where his father's alcoholism shattered his childhood.
"Coming from a broken situation kept me broken inside as a person, and I could never fulfill the happiness of what I was doing for myself when I was being successful," he confided.
Despite the challenges he faced, Strawberry expressed gratitude for the adversity he overcame. He believes these experiences shaped him into the man he is today and allowed him to conquer the demons of his past.
"I don’t regret what happened to me because it made me the man that I am today, and I’m thankful for every challenge that I had to face and every circumstance I had to go through," he added. "Because it just just kept me moving forward to try to be a better man than what my father was, and I think I made it. I think I conquered that."
The retirement of Strawberry's No. 18 marks a significant chapter in the history of the New York Mets. It is a testament to his contributions on the field and his resilience in overcoming personal adversity. It is a reminder that even the most beloved icons can make mistakes, and that redemption is always possible.
