A sea of blue and orange flooded Citi Field this Saturday afternoon as fans gathered to honor one of their own. Darryl Strawberry, the charismatic slugger who electrified New York in the 80s, stood at center stage, his retired No. 18 jersey a testament to his indelible mark on the New York Mets franchise. But this wasn’t just a celebration of past glories; it was a testament to Strawberry’s resilience in the face of adversity, a story of redemption that resonated far beyond the baseball diamond.

As cheers of “Daaaaaaryl!! Daaaaaaaaryl!!” echoed through the stadium, a hush fell over the crowd as Strawberry began his speech. The air crackled with anticipation, and what followed was an emotional outpouring of gratitude, regret, and unwavering faith. Could this be a turning point for both the legendary player and the struggling Mets?

Darryl Strawberry’s second chance at life is a testament to resilience and unwavering faith

“I’m so sorry for ever leaving you guys,” Strawberry confessed, his voice thick with emotion. From Rookie of the Year to World Series champion, Strawberry’s career has been punctuated by both triumphs and tribulations. Yet, here he stood, a survivor, a testament to the power of faith and the unwavering support of loved ones.

In March, Strawberry faced his biggest challenge yet: a massive heart attack that nearly claimed his life. “Had it not been for my wife,” he said fondly of Tracy Boulware, “I might not be here today.” The experience left him with a renewed appreciation for life and a determination to cherish every moment. With a grateful and rejuvenated heart, he now acknowledges his second chance at life as “a gift from the Lord.”

But Darryl Strawberry’s story wasn’t just about overcoming personal struggles; it was also about embracing his roots. The Queens’ legend reminisced about his tough upbringing, crediting his “little bit of craziness” for fueling his on-field dominance. Speaking of the pressure he invited, he recalled the challenges he had to overcome and the lessons he learned along the way. He was even challenged by the Mets’ front office—revealing their 1990 ultimatum to perform in his platform season—a challenge that he’d readily accept, hitting 37 home runs and posting a .879 OPS that very season.

Yet the relationship with the front office soured, leading to his departure in 1991—a decision he deeply regrets now. “I wish I never left,” he was seen lamenting. “That’s my biggest regret.” But on this day, surrounded by adoring fans and former teammates, Strawberry’s number pridefully hung high above Citi Field as a symbol of forgiveness, reconciliation, and a legacy that transcended the game itself.

Another Strawberry Sour: Mets fall short on memorable day

The festive atmosphere surrounding Strawberry’s jersey retirement day, however, was ultimately dampened by a disappointing performance from the team, which fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-5. Starter Sean Manaea might have brilliantly showcased his potential with a season-high 10 strikeouts but faltered in a crucial third-inning jam, surrendering a grand slam to the DBacks’ Christian Walker.

Despite a glimmer of hope in the fifth inning, when Mark Vientos launched a 440-foot home run reminiscent of Darryl Strawberry’s own power, the Queens’ offense couldn’t keep pace with the Snakes’ relentless attack. Josh Walker’s wild pitch and a throwing error by Tomás Nido further compounded the Metsies’ woes, finally extending Arizona’s lead to 6-1.

The team’s late rally in the ninth inning, highlighted by Pete Alonso’s two-run homer, proved too little, too late. The Diamondbacks’ victory was a stark reminder of the Mets’ struggles this season, leaving fans yearning for the glory days of Strawberry and the 1986 World Series champions—many of whom were present to bid their teammate’s legacy a final adieu that day.

This loss was particularly disheartening given the significance of the day. With Darryl Strawberry’s No. 18 joining the ranks of Mets legends like Gil Hodges, Tom Seaver, and Keith Hernandez, the team had a golden opportunity to honor his legacy with a win. Instead, they added another chapter to their disappointing season, leaving fans wondering when exactly the tide would turn for good.