Even after 43 years, Darryl Strawberry still refers to his 1981 season with the Class A Lynchburg Mets as “the suck season.”
It was a challenging time for Strawberry, as he faced failure on the baseball field for the first time and heard racist slurs from the stands. He considered quitting baseball altogether.
When his No. 18 jersey is retired on June 1 at Citi Field, two key figures from that difficult season will be among his honored guests: manager Gene Dusan and teammate Lloyd McClendon.
Reflecting on the tough times he endured, Strawberry acknowledged the impact these individuals had on him, helping him navigate through the challenges he faced as a young player.
Strawberry struggled in the first month of his first full pro season, feeling the pressure of being the No. 1 pick out of Crenshaw High School and playing in a southern city where he faced racial taunts from the crowds.
Feeling overwhelmed, Strawberry contemplated leaving the team, but the support of Dusan and McClendon brought him back. Their encouragement and guidance helped him push through the adversities he faced.
Lloyd McClendon, pictured in 2019 as a coach with the Tigers, was an important figure in Darryl Strawberry’s early pro years. (Rich von Biberstein / Icon Sportswire via Associated Press)
Despite the challenges, Strawberry persevered and went on to have a successful career, with Dusan and McClendon playing pivotal roles in his development as a player and as a person.
Reflecting on the difficult times he faced, Strawberry remains grateful for the support and guidance he received, which helped him overcome adversity and achieve success.
Rather than focusing on the hardships he endured, he sees those experiences as valuable lessons that shaped him into the player and person he became.
Looking back on his journey, Strawberry recognizes the impact of real people who guided him through tough times and taught him to overcome challenges, emphasizing the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
As his number is retired, Strawberry reflects on the role Dusan and McClendon played in his life, acknowledging the profound impact they had on his career and his journey to success.
(Photo of Darryl Strawberry batting for the