Let’s rewind to the electric atmosphere of Shea Stadium in the mid-1980s, where the New York Mets captivated fans with their swagger, stacked talent, and sky-high potential. At the core of this powerhouse team were two phenomenal young stars—pitcher Dwight “Doc” Gooden and slugger Darryl Strawberry. Both looked destined for Hall of Fame greatness. But as the Mets rose to glory, a darker undercurrent was forming—one that still haunts their former manager.
Recently, Davey Johnson, the Mets’ manager during that era, opened up about a deep regret. In a raw and reflective moment, Johnson said his biggest mistake was not doing more to help Gooden and Strawberry avoid the pitfalls of substance abuse. “The sky was the limit for both of them,” he admitted. “If I had done better at my job, they’d both be in the Hall of Fame right now.”
Gooden, the teen phenom who took the league by storm in 1984, had one of the most dominant starts to a career in MLB history. As a 19-year-old, he won Rookie of the Year with 276 strikeouts. In 1985, he posted a 24-4 record with a 1.53 ERA, winning the Cy Young Award. But soon after, substance issues began to derail his trajectory. By 1986, he was struggling off the field and even missed the Mets’ World Series parade. A failed drug test in 1987 led to a stint in rehab and time away from the team. Although he later threw a no-hitter with the Yankees, repeated suspensions and setbacks left his career far short of its early promise.
Strawberry, another meteoric talent, had similar struggles. The former No. 1 pick quickly became a fan favorite, known for his explosive bat and surprising speed. He made the 30-30 club in 1987 and led the National League in home runs in 1988. But his time in New York was marred by off-field issues, including drinking, fights, and disciplinary actions. Post-Mets, his career was plagued by injuries, suspensions, and even a battle with colon cancer. Despite hitting 335 career home runs, his legacy never matched the expectations.
When Hall of Fame voting came around, neither Gooden nor Strawberry came close to being enshrined. Gooden received just 3.3% of the vote in 2006—below the threshold to stay on the ballot—while Strawberry received 1.2% a year earlier.
Though Johnson went on to have a celebrated managerial career, including 1,372 wins and a World Series title in 1986, his comments reflect a lingering “what if?” about the Mets’ brightest stars. It’s a reminder that even championship seasons can come with lasting regrets—and that behind the stats and trophies are people, stories, and missed chances for something even greater.
The story of the ‘80s Mets remains one of glory, pain, and what could’ve been.