When Mets legends Darryl Strawberry and Keith Hernandez's tumultuous relationship almost culminated in a physical altercation
During Spring Training in 1989, former New York Mets teammates Darryl Strawberry and Keith Hernandez's tumultuous relationship almost culminated in a physical altercation.
Thirty-four years ago, the New York Mets were the NL East champions, and Darryl Strawberry was the NL's all-time leader in home runs. As he was in the final year of his contract with the Mets, Strawberry sought a large payoff and an extension through 1992. Apparently, it was a highly publicized negotiation.
Hernandez was not happy with how things were charting out and made a critical comment about Strawberry's contract:
"A deal is a deal. If Darryl wants an extension, he should keep it out of the press."
Interestingly, Mets' PR, Jay Horowitz, put Hernandez and Strawberry next to each other for a team photo. Strawberry, who was offended by Hernandez's harsh statements, refused to sit next to him, saying:
"I'd rather sit next to my friends."
To which Hernandez replied:
"Why don't you grow up, you big baby."
After a series of heated exchanges, Strawberry shouted at Hernandez, saying, "I've been tired of you for years," and attempted to land a punch on Keith. Both were held back by their teammates.
As per Strawberry, the brawl between him and Hernandez was a result of pent-up tension and not a one-off.
"What happened between me and Keith is something that's been going on for a long time," said the former right-fielder.
New York Mets
Jesse Orosco, Gary Carter, Darryl Strawberry, George Foster, Dwight Gooden, and Keith Hernandez https://t.co/v2yxehghBK
"Jesse Orosco, Gary Carter, Darryl Strawberry, George Foster, Dwight Gooden, and Keith Hernandez." - Old Time Hardball
Before wrapping up the day, Hernandez and Strawberry met in a private session facilitated by team psychiatrist Dr. Alan Lans and addressed their differences.
Darryl Strawberry signed as free agent with Los Angeles Dodgers in 1990
The New York Mets selected Strawberry first overall in the 1980 Major League Baseball Draft, and on May 6, 1983, he made his big league debut. Strawberry spent seven years with the Amazins before moving on to play three years for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1991.
After 1991, Strawberry's performance significantly declined, and during the next two years, he only played 75 games.
Darryl Strawberry says signing with the Dodgers was the "biggest mistake" of his career. readsn.com/2yoKclO https://t.co/qzFPcFm7ld
"Darryl Strawberry says signing with the Dodgers was the "biggest mistake" of his career." - The Sporting News
After failing to show up for a game in 1994, the Dodgers eventually terminated his contract in May.
He went on to play with the San Francisco Giants (1994) and the New York Yankees (1995–1999). Strawberry's MLB career ended on an unfortunate note when he was banned in February 2000 after testing positive for cocaine.