Forty years after their iconic World Series victory, members of the 1986 New York Mets are reflecting on the team's unique dynamic and championship run. Darryl Strawberry and Mookie Wilson, alongside longtime Mets media executive Jay Horwitz, offered their insights into the "Amazin's" ahead of the team's reunion on August 1 at Citi Field.
Manager Davey Johnson's initial message to the team in spring training was one of dominance. "He just basically said we're gonna win it all, we're gonna dominate," Strawberry recalled. Wilson admitted he initially thought Johnson was "crazy" but acknowledged the manager's ability to connect with the players. "I think Davey was one of us," Strawberry added.
The season was not without its dramatic moments. Wilson recounted a scary spring training incident where he suffered an eye injury during a rundown play, fearing for his sight. The team also made a statement early on with a four-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals, a team that had bested them the previous year.
The 1986 Mets were known for their aggressive style, which extended to on-field confrontations. Wilson described an incident where Ray Knight punched Eric Davis at third base, stating, "We were not going to stand for any disrespect or excessive play against us."
Clinching the NL East at Shea Stadium was a chaotic, joyous, and simultaneously frightening experience, with fans flooding the field. "It was a great experience to be able to feel that because I always wanted to be a part of that," Strawberry said.
The team's personality was also evident in their frequent curtain calls. While Wilson initially found them excessive, he noted they became part of the team's identity and helped them manage pressure. Johnson's approach, which allowed the players freedom, was crucial. "Davey never put restrictions on that ballclub. It allowed us to be who we were," Wilson said.
Strawberry's long home runs were legendary, with Wilson recalling one in Montreal that necessitated the stadium roof. Strawberry also described a slow home run trot in Game 7 of the World Series as a personal message to Johnson after being double-switched in Game 6.
Playing behind pitcher Doc Gooden was described as a "vacation" by Wilson, with Strawberry noting it was often "pretty boring" in the outfield due to Gooden's dominance. "You just realize that Doc was gonna be pitching, you weren't gonna have a lot of running to do," Strawberry said.
The National League Championship Series against the Houston Astros was a grueling, memorable battle. Strawberry recalled a key three-run home run in Game 3 off Bob Knepper. The Mets also faced Astros ace Mike Scott, whose ability to scuff the ball created significant mental challenges for the team.
Game 6 of the NLCS, a marathon 16-inning affair, was particularly taxing. Down 3-0 in the top of the ninth, the Mets battled back, a testament to their never-give-up attitude. "I remember our team that season we never gave up, no matter how many runs we were down," Strawberry stated. The game eventually ended with Jesse Orosco's strikeout, a moment Wilson called "the Game of the Century."
Upon reaching the World Series, the Mets were physically and emotionally drained, which Strawberry believed contributed to losing the first two games to the Boston Red Sox at home. However, they rallied, winning Game 3 in Boston. The atmosphere at Fenway Park was notoriously hostile, with players facing constant taunts.
Game 6 of the World Series saw the Mets on the brink of elimination, down to their last out. A wild pitch allowed the tying run to score, and a ground ball by Mookie Wilson that went through the legs of first baseman Bill Buckner led to the go-ahead run. "I was just in shock that he actually missed that," Wilson said.
A rain delay followed, which Wilson felt disrupted the Mets' momentum, while Strawberry believed it was an opportunity to reset. Despite falling behind 3-0 in Game 7, the Mets once again mounted a comeback, culminating in a go-ahead home run by Ray Knight.
The celebration that followed was immense, with the parade showcasing the city's embrace of the team. Strawberry described it as "special" and "unreal." The 1986 Mets' identity as the "bad boys" of baseball, a team with grit and a strong sense of unity, is what he believes sets them apart. "We were some bad boys, I can tell you that," Strawberry said.
Looking back, Wilson and Strawberry emphasized the team's chemistry and "twenty-five personalities, one goal." They maintain that the 1986 Mets rank among the greatest teams in baseball history, possessing a fight and focus unmatched by others.
Both former players also offered reflections on their current endeavors. Wilson is releasing a book titled "Faith," blending gospel and baseball, while Strawberry has been speaking to Death Row convicts as part of his outreach. Wilson also expressed pride in his family's catering business, Legacy Catering.
When asked about the Mets winning another championship, Strawberry noted the team is in transition and rebuilding, a process that takes time. Wilson echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of identity and team cohesion.