On June 1, 2024, the New York Mets retired Darryl Strawberry's No. 18, placing the franchise's all-time home run leader alongside the most exclusive company in club history. The number was cut into the center-field grass, the home run apple was dressed up as a giant strawberry, and 'Strawberry Fields Forever' rang out over the Citi Field speakers.
In an emotional 16-minute speech before a crowd of more than 30,000, Strawberry brought the ballpark to its feet. 'I never played baseball in front of fans greater than you guys,' he told them, and the ovation that followed was the loudest of the afternoon.
The honor recognized a Mets career unlike any other: 1983 National League Rookie of the Year, seven All-Star selections in a Mets uniform, the 1986 World Series championship, and 252 home runs in orange and blue - still the most in franchise history.
Strawberry, who months earlier had recovered from a serious health scare, called the day a gift and made a point of sharing it - thanking teammates, family, his wife Tracy, and the fans who never stopped chanting his name.
Nearly four decades after his debut, DAR-RYL echoed through a New York ballpark one more time.