Dwight Gooden got a happy surprise Sunday, when Darryl Strawberry attended his number’s retirement ceremony at Citi Field after suffering a heart attack in March.
“I didn’t know until I saw him today,” Gooden said of the moment he found out his former teammate would be in attendance.
It was obviously fitting that the two former Mets stars were both in Queens for the retirement of Gooden’s No. 16, since Strawberry will receive the same honor on June 1 with his No. 18.
No duo is more associated with the Mets’ last World Series title in 1986 than the pair of local players who exploded onto the scene four decades ago.
Gooden said they stay in touch and are aware of their connection to each other among the fan base.
“It’s good to see Darryl,” Gooden said. “It will always be Darryl and Doc, Doc and Darryl. We will always be connected.
Strawberry, who is still recovering from his heart attack, did not speak to reporters ahead of Sunday’s ceremony, but SNY captured the two kissing earlier in the day.
These were reunions that weren’t always guaranteed, even before Strawberry’s recent health scare.
Both struggled with substance abuse issues and were at odds at different times.
“I’m just as happy for him and the things he’s accomplished,” Gooden said of Strawberry’s success. “I like Darryl as a person. Obviously, we had our ups and downs. Things happen. When you get close, you’ll have these things, but we managed to make it happen.
These days, Gooden, 59, and Strawberry, 62, are back on good terms.
“I think we’re closer now,” Gooden said. “I am very happy to see him. It brought me joy that he had the opportunity to be here today. When he has his day on June 1st, I will be just as happy for him as I am for myself today.
They have been linked since Gooden joined Strawberry in the majors to start the 1984 season, a year after Strawberry made his MLB debut.
Gooden noted Sunday that they were neighbors in Port Washington early in their careers and often traveled to Shea Stadium together from Long Island.
“He helped me a lot, telling me things, because of what he went through,” Gooden said.
The two will be linked again when Strawberry is honored in June.
“I’m so happy to see Darryl here and that he can travel,” said Mookie Wilson, among the former teammates in attendance Sunday. “We knew Darryl and Doc’s relationship wasn’t good for a while. But it’s been resolved and the fact that (Strawberry) is making the effort to be here today shows you what you need to know.
New York Post
