1986 – Len Dykstra homers off Dave Smith in the bottom of the ninth to give the Mets a 6-5 decision over the Astros in New York. The Mets lead the best-of-seven N.L.C.S., 2-1. Houston had an early 4-0 advantage, keyed by a Bill Doran homer , but New York ties it with a three-run blast from Darryl Strawberry.
On July 22, 1986 – The Mets win a crazy five-hour marathon with the Reds in 14 innings, 6 – 3. Setting the tone, Darryl Strawberry is ejected after arguing a called third strike in the 5th. In the 9th, Howard Johnson inadvertently kicks the ball after Reds C Bo Diaz drops a third strike. Johnson runs out of…
1986 – Rick Aguilera, Ron Darling, Bob Ojeda and Tim Teufel are arrested in Houston after an early-morning fight with off-duty police officers. All are released in time for their scheduled game that evening. Mike Scott takes a two-hitter into the ninth but New York rallies to tie behind homers from Len Dykstra and Darryl Strawberry. With two out in the ninth, Craig Reynolds drills a Roger McDowell fastball into the right field seats to send the crowd home happy.
In a matchup of aces that lives up its advanced billing, Dwight Gooden and Fernando Valenzuela hook up in one of the best pitchers’ duel in recent memory. New York beats Los Angeles at Chavez Ravine, 2-0, thanks to Darryl Strawberry’s two-run double on a day that the 20 year-old Mets right-hander strikes out 10 batters, throwing nine shutout innings, while the Dodgers southpaw pitches 11 innings without allowing a run.
In the Mets’ 7-2 victory over the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Darryl Strawberry belts three home runs, propelling the team into first place with a half-game lead over the Cardinals in the National League East. Eleven years and one day later, the ‘Straw’ will enjoy his second three-homer game, going deep for the Yankees three times against the White Sox in a 9-2 win in the Bronx.
Driving in seven runs on two homers, Darryl Strawberry leads the Mets to a 16 – 4 drubbing of the visiting Braves. Straw’s first home run is a grand slam in the 1st inning and his next is a three-run home run in the 4th. The Mets also get homers from Howard Johnson, Danny Heep and Clint Hurdle.
Dwight Gooden becomes the second consecutive Met player to be named the National League’s Rookie of Year. The 19 year-old right-hander, who compiled a 17-9 record along with a 1.53 ERA and a league-leading 268 strikeouts, joins his teammate and close friend Darryl Strawberry to be honored the coveted freshman award.
On Strawberry Sunday, former World Series hero Jerry Koosman is greeted warmly by the Mets’ faithful in his first start at Shea Stadium since 1978 when he faces his old team for the first time. Prior to the 6-2 victory over Philadelphia, fans are treated to strawberry sundaes provided by Carvel in honor of Darryl Strawberry, last season’s National League Rookie of the Year.
Major League Season Recap 1983 World Series – Baltimore Orioles AL over Philadelphia Phillies NL 4 games to 1 World Series MVP – Rick Dempsey Babe Ruth Award – Rick Dempsey ALCS Baltimore Orioles over Chicago White Sox 3 games to 1 ALCS MVP – Mike Boddicker NLCS Philadelphia Phillies over Los Angeles Dodgers 3 games to 1 NLCS MVP…
New York Mets outfielder Darryl Strawberry breaks the Los Angeles Dodgers’ four-year stronghold on the National League Rookie of the Year Award when he becomes the first non-Dodger to win the honor since Bob Horner in 1978. Rick Sutcliffe, Steve Howe, Fernando Valenzuela and Steve Sax had been the previous winners.
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