New York Mets to Retire 2 Legends Jersey Numbers Next Season

The New York Mets are retiring the numbers of two franchise greats next season.

Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK

It's finally happening.

The New York Mets will retire both Dwight "Doc" Gooden's No. 16 and Darryl Strawberry's No. 18 in 2024.

“I’m thrilled that two iconic members of the 1986 championship club will have their numbers retired in 2024,” Mets Owner, Chairman and CEO Steve Cohen said in a team press release. “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.”

Gooden and Strawberry will become the sixth and seventh players in Mets history to have their numbers retired, joining Tom Seaver (41), Mike Piazza (31), Keith Hernandez (17), Jerry Koosman (36) and Willie Mays (24). The Mets have also retired manager Gil Hodges' No. 14, Casey Stengel's No. 37 and Jackie Robinson's No. 42.

The Mets selected Strawberry for first overall in the 1980 MLB Draft. He proceeded to win National League Rookie of the Year in 1983, and went on to make the All-Star team seven times with the Mets. Strawberry is the Mets' all-time home run leader with 252.

“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. 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.”

As for Gooden, he burst onto the scene by winning the 1984 NL Rookie of the Year Award. During his first season as a big-leaguer, he became the youngest player ever to be named an All-Star at 19-years-old and set a rookie record with 276 strikeouts. The next season Gooden became the youngest player ever to win the Cy Young Award and he also won the Triple Crown for a pitcher by leading the league in wins (24), strikeouts (268) and ERA (1.53).

In Mets history, Gooden ranks second in wins (157) and strikeouts (1,875) and third in innings (2,169.2), complete games (67), starts (303) and quality starts (209).

“There was no more electric place to be than at Shea Stadium on a Friday night in the 80’s when Dwight Gooden was on the mound,” Cohen said. “Doc continues the pitching-rich lineage of retired numbers joining Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman. It’s fitting that his No. 16 will forever hang in left field where his legendary K-Korner was located.”

Both Gooden and Strawberry were inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2010.

The Mets will announce the dates for each separate ceremony at a later date.