Just 30,000 fans showed up to honor the 1986 Mets at Citi Field on Saturday, a jarring reminder of the team's struggles this season.
The reunion of the Mets' championship team 40 years ago was a nostalgic trip back to a more innocent time in Flushing, but it also highlighted the disconnect between the team's legacy and its current state. Ron Darling, a key member of that team, noted that the ceremony felt like a necrology update, with several former players represented by family members or in wheelchairs.
The attendance figure of 30,000 is a stark contrast to the sell-out crowds that would have filled the old Shea Stadium for a similar event. The Mets are currently 47-65, and their season has been marked by struggles both on and off the field. The team's legacy, however, remains strong, and fans still cherish memories of the 1986 season.
That year's team was a roster full of charismatic characters who loved seeing their names in the papers. Lenny Dykstra was known as "Nails," Gary Carter was called "Kid," and Keith Hernandez was affectionately referred to as "Mex." The team's personality was a key factor in their success, and it's something that the current team lacks.
Davey Johnson, the team's manager during the 1986 season, was a key figure in shaping the team's culture. He gave the players complete freedom of speech, and they would often rip him in the papers. Johnson loved the tabloids because they irritated his boss, general manager Frank Cashen.
Strawberry, now a minister, was a volatile and unpredictable player back in the 1986 season. He was self-centered and had a short attention span, but he also had a good friend in Ron Darling. The two players were not as close as they were with other teammates, but they shared a strong bond.
The 1986 Mets were known for their close relationship with their fan base. The team was the glory boys back then, and fans loved seeing their names in the papers. The team produced a video called "Let's Go Mets Go" in 1986, which featured the team, local fans, and high-profile celebrity cameos.
The video was a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s, with its goofy, upbeat action and pre-cell phone, pre-internet era feel. The crowd at Citi Field loved the video, and it got the biggest cheer of the day.
As the 2026 season continues to struggle, the 1986 reunion serves as a reminder of the team's rich history and the high expectations that come with being a New York Mets player. The team will need to turn things around if they want to bring back the magic of the 1986 season.
Source: Yahoo Sports