Mets to retire numbers of Darryl Strawberry, Doc Gooden

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Two integral members of the Mets’ last World Series-winning team will receive the ultimate recognition from the franchise next season.

The Mets announced Thursday that Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden will have their uniform numbers retired in separate ceremonies at Citi Field in 2024.

The number retirements will be the third and fourth during owner Steve Cohen’s tenure with the team. Strawberry’s No. 18 and Gooden’s No. 16 will be hung above the upper deck in left field.

Last season, the Mets retired Keith Hernandez’s No. 17 during a ceremony. In a surprise move, Willie Mays’ No. 24 was retired on Old Timers’ Day later in the year.

Strawberry holds the franchise record with 252 homers and Gooden won the National League Cy Young award in 1985 with what is generally regarded as the most electric season by a starting pitcher in Mets history.

Both star players helped the Mets win the World Series in 1986.

“I’m thrilled that two iconic members of the 1986 championship club will have their numbers retired in 2024,” Mets owner Steve Cohen said in a press release issued by the Mets. “Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden each had an enormous impact on our franchise and it’s my honor to continue our commitment to celebrating our wonderful history.”

Strawberry and Gooden were on Hall-of-Fame trajectories early in their respective careers, but drugs and alcohol derailed both of them.

Strawberry has since become a minister and travels the country speaking about the evils of addiction.

In April he was asked by The Post if young Darryl Strawberry would believe what the older version of himself has become.

“I would’ve laughed,” Strawberry said. “I think everybody was laughing [when he started his ministry], thinking what I used to be playing baseball and how talented I was and how angry I was. The womanizing, the drinking, the drugs, the trouble. … Sixteen years ago, being called to the ministry and be a minister of the gospel and traveling the country 260 days a year, preaching and bringing hope to people, I would’ve laughed and said, ‘No way.’

“I was called from where I was called from 16 years ago to start preaching the gospel. I’ve never looked back. I’ve been going forward ever since, and I’m going to stay in it for the rest of my life and help as many people as I can.”

Strawberry said in a statement Thursday that he got emotional upon receiving the phone call from Cohen about the number retirement.

“I started to reflect on my journey through the organization,” Strawberry said. “I had some ups and downs, but in the end I am proud of my time in New York.”

Gooden won the National League Rookie of the Year in 1984 — a year after Strawberry was named winner of the award — and spent 11 seasons pitching for the Mets.

“I want to say thank you to the fans who supported me in good times and bad times,” Gooden said. “I couldn’t have made it through without their encouragement. There is no greater honor a player can receive than having their number retired. … This would make my mother and my father proud and I know they are looking down from heaven smiling.”

“As we look ahead, the prospect of seeing my number displayed at the stadium next year fills me with profound emotion,” Gooden added in a statement on Twitter. Every time I gaze upon it, I will be reminded of and forever cherish my Mom and Dad. This remarkable honor is dedicated to their memory. With heartfelt love, thank you all.”

Tom Seaver (41), Mike Piazza (31) and Jerry Koosman (36) are the other Mets players with retired numbers, in addition to Hernandez and Mays.

The Mets also have retired numbers for managers Casey Stengel (37) and Gil Hodges (14). Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 is retired throughout the major leagues.

The Mets plan to announce the dates for the Strawberry and Gooden ceremonies in the coming months.

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