The story of the 1986 New York Mets isn’t just a sports tale—it’s a human story. It’s about raw talent polished by adversity, about unlikely heroes stepping up in clutch moments, and about a band of brothers who believed in each other when no one else did
Darryl Strawberry’s reflections take us back to a time when the Mets ruled New York and baseball was electrified by swagger and heart.
And in the shadows of the Spring Training fields, a young Mike Tyson—on the verge of his own historic rise—saw something few others did.
As Pete Alonso inches closer to Darryl Strawberry’s home run record, the moment feels bigger than just a number.
It’s a celebration of franchise history, of the bond between past and present, and of the shared journey of two Mets legends. Strawberry’s comments don’t just express support—they define the essence of sportsmanship and fraternity in baseball.
Regardless of whether Alonso breaks the record this season or not, the mutual respect between these two sluggers ensures that the moment will be one of admiration, not rivalry. And for Mets fans, that’s a home run in itself.
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Table of Contents
Darryl Strawberry Recalls a Championship Season
When fans reminisce about the golden years of the New York Mets, one season rises above the rest—1986.1
It wasn’t just about winning; it was about the energy, the unity, and the unforgettable characters who made it all happen.
One of the brightest stars from that unforgettable team, Darryl Strawberry, recently opened up about a unique visitor during that season’s Spring Training: a young Mike Tyson.
The boxing phenom recognized what the world would soon learn—this team was destined for greatness.
108 Wins: A Season of Dominance
The 1986 regular season was one for the ages. The Mets finished with a franchise-best 108 wins, steamrolling much of the National League. They were aggressive, flashy, and unapologetically bold. Opponents respected their talent but feared their intensity.
Strawberry was instrumental, batting .259 with 27 home runs and 93 RBIs. His power and confidence at the plate set the tone, while the rest of the lineup—bolstered by strong pitching and airtight defense—followed suit.
The World Series: The Comeback That Defined a Generation
It’s impossible to talk about the 1986 Mets without revisiting the unforgettable World Series against the Boston Red Sox.
Down to their final out in Game 6, with defeat imminent, the Mets rallied in a series of unbelievable moments, capped by Mookie Wilson’s ground ball that slipped through Bill Buckner’s legs.
The Mets would go on to win Game 7, completing one of the most dramatic turnarounds in baseball history. For Strawberry, it was the ultimate reward for years of hard work and team unity.
Darryl Strawberry’s Meteoric Rise
Darryl Strawberry joined the New York Mets in 1983 as a highly touted prospect, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact.2
With his towering frame, sweet left-handed swing, and natural charisma, he quickly became a fan favorite in Queens.
By 1985, he had already established himself as a leader on the team, helping to galvanize a group of supremely talented players.
Though the Mets came up short in the 1985 season, particularly with a crushing loss in the NLDS, it was a valuable lesson.
Strawberry’s late-season heroics helped rally a team that was on the verge of something special. The disappointment only fueled their hunger. The flame was lit, and in 1986, it erupted into something historic.
Mike Tyson’s Spring Training Visit: A Sign of Things to Come
Among the more intriguing memories Strawberry shared was Mike Tyson’s visit to the team during Spring Training in 1986. At the time, Tyson was not yet a world champion, but already a formidable presence in the boxing world.
According to Strawberry, Tyson’s presence wasn’t merely a celebrity appearance—it was almost prophetic.
“He came and saw us here, remember… before he was the heavyweight champion,” Strawberry recalled. “That was his year coming to see us and realizing that this team was very special.”
It was more than just a visit. Tyson saw something in the Mets that few outside their clubhouse truly understood at the time.
There was a fire in them, a resilience, and a loyalty that would carry them through the highs and lows of a grueling season.
A Brotherhood Forged in Competition
While talent was abundant on the 1986 Mets roster—players like Dwight Gooden, Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, and Mookie Wilson—Strawberry insists that it was the bond between teammates that set them apart.
“It was a group of guys that cared about each other,” he said. “Not saying that we were all honeydew all the time—we wasn’t. But when you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us.”
This camaraderie wasn’t just lip service. The Mets were known for their fierce team spirit, brawls, bench-clearing altercations, and never-say-die attitude. That edge gave them the grit to pull off one of the most iconic comebacks in World Series history.
Darryl Strawberry’s Life After Baseball
Though his on-field accomplishments were monumental, Strawberry’s post-baseball journey has been equally significant—though far more complex.3
He battled numerous personal demons, including drug addiction, legal troubles, and a harrowing diagnosis of colon cancer.
“I’ve been to the pit of life,” Strawberry has often said in interviews, reflecting on his battles. “But God rescued me, and I now live for a greater purpose.”
Through it all, Strawberry found redemption in faith. He is now a minister and motivational speaker, using his experiences to guide others.
He leads the Darryl Strawberry Recovery Center and ministers through Strawberry Ministries, working with children, ex-convicts, and addicts to offer hope and healing.
The Power of Purpose: Helping Others Overcome
Strawberry’s life today is centered around service. He speaks at churches, prisons, and recovery centers, encouraging others to learn from his mistakes and embrace a path of redemption.
His testimony is raw and honest—no sugar-coating, just real life.
“I lived in darkness for many years. Now, I live to bring others into the light,” he once told a crowd at a recovery event.
He has authored several books, including “Straw: Finding My Way” and “Don’t Give Up on Me”, chronicling his journey from baseball glory to spiritual rebirth.
A Legacy That Extends Beyond Baseball
Darryl Strawberry’s name will always be tied to that magical 1986 season. He was an integral part of a team that captured New York’s heart and gave Mets fans memories that still resonate nearly four decades later.
But beyond the home runs, World Series rings, and highlight reels, his greatest legacy may well be the lives he’s touched through his ministry.
Strawberry remains a living example that greatness isn’t defined solely by stats or trophies—it’s found in resilience, redemption, and the courage to rise after falling.
It’s fascinating that Mike Tyson, himself a complex and often misunderstood champion, recognized the greatness of that Mets team before the world did.
Tyson’s own journey—marked by triumph, turmoil, and transformation—echoes that of Strawberry. Perhaps that’s why he could see the fire in their eyes.
Greatness recognizes greatness, even before it fully blooms.
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Darryl Strawberry’s Classy Endorsement of Pete Alonso
In Major League Baseball, records are milestones that bridge the past and present. For the New York Mets, one of the most prestigious of these is the franchise’s all-time home run record—held for decades by Darryl Strawberry.
Now, another slugger is on the verge of surpassing that milestone: Pete Alonso. Currently third on the Mets’ all-time home run leaderboard, Alonso is closing in fast, with only 20 homers separating him from Strawberry’s long-standing mark of 252.
Rather than clinging to his legacy, Strawberry is embracing the moment with grace and enthusiasm.
A Mets Icon
Darryl Strawberry’s name is synonymous with Mets greatness. As the centerpiece of the team’s powerful lineup in the 1980s, he helped lead New York to a World Series title in 1986.
Over eight seasons with the Mets, he belted 252 home runs, earning seven consecutive All-Star selections from 1984 to 1990.
Known for his towering blasts and smooth left-handed swing, Strawberry was the most feared power hitter in the franchise’s history—until now.
Pete Alonso stormed into the MLB spotlight in 2019 with one of the most memorable rookie campaigns in baseball history.
With 53 home runs, he not only set the Mets’ single-season home run record but also broke Aaron Judge’s rookie record for most long balls in a season.
Nicknamed “The Polar Bear,” Alonso quickly became the heart and soul of the Mets’ lineup with his mix of power, passion, and leadership.
Now in his seventh season, Alonso has tallied 233 career home runs. With a full healthy season, surpassing Strawberry’s 252 mark is within reach—though uncertainty looms about whether this will be his final campaign in Flushing.
Darryl Strawberry’s Humble Words of Support
In an era when many athletes fiercely protect their records, Strawberry’s reaction to Alonso’s pursuit is refreshingly humble.
When asked about the potential of Alonso overtaking his record, he responded:
“It doesn’t belong to me. I mean, it’s just a record. Pete is a homegrown player, he’s one of us… All of us that have come through this organization and have raised it to the top. He has done that just like the rest of us and he deserves that credit.”
These words encapsulate the spirit of mentorship and brotherhood that often exists among players who wear the same uniform. Rather than viewing the situation competitively, Strawberry recognizes the importance of Alonso’s impact and the continuity of excellence across generations.
A Shared Identity as Homegrown Stars
One of the reasons Strawberry is so supportive of Alonso’s quest is the shared identity they hold as homegrown Mets. Strawberry was selected first overall in the 1980 MLB Draft and developed in the Mets’ farm system before making his MLB debut in 1983.
Similarly, Alonso was a second-round pick in 2016 and climbed through the minors as a promising slugger.
Both players carried the weight of expectations and delivered in resounding fashion. They didn’t just become stars—they became symbols of hope for their respective eras.
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Mets Fans Caught Between Nostalgia and Hope
The potential breaking of Strawberry’s record has stirred complex emotions in the Mets fanbase. On one hand, there’s a deep reverence for Strawberry’s place in team history; on the other, Alonso’s pursuit brings excitement for the present and future.
For many long-time Mets supporters, the memory of Strawberry launching moonshots at Shea Stadium is etched in their hearts.
But there’s also a deep appreciation for what Alonso has meant to the team—especially during turbulent seasons where his consistency at the plate has been a bright spot.
Uncertainty Surrounding Alonso’s Future
One looming question over Alonso’s record pursuit is whether he will finish it in a Mets uniform. Entering what could be the final year of his contract, Alonso’s future with the team remains uncertain.
Speculation about trade possibilities or free agency decisions has cast a shadow over what should be a celebratory achievement.
If Alonso were to leave the Mets before surpassing the 252 mark, the symbolic passing of the torch might remain incomplete. It’s a scenario neither fans nor Strawberry himself would likely prefer.
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