Dwight Gooden's No. 16 retired before Mets take on Royals - ESPN

NEW YORK — Dwight Gooden still knows how to work a crowd.

Honored by the New York Mets with the retirement of his No. 16 on Sunday, the four-time All-Star recounted how his career in Queens was cut short by drugs and alcohol, forcing him to sign across town ahead of the 1996 season.

«I wanted to stay to make things right with you guys. I didn't want to leave on the note that I did,» Gooden told the fans, «Unfortunately, they thought it was best that we go separate ways. I was lucky enough to stay in New York, play with the New York Yankees for two years, '96 and '97.»

The Citi Field crowd booed the mention of the Mets' crosstown rival, and Gooden shook his head while putting his left hand over his heart.

«I'm always a Met. I'm not saying nothing. I'm always a Met. I'm always a Met,» he said, prompting cheers.

His number was unveiled high above the left-field side, joining 14 (Gil Hodges, 1973), 17 (Keith Hernandez, 2022), 24 (Willie Mays, 2022), 31 (Mike Piazza, 2016), 36 (Jerry Koosman, 2021), 37 (Casey Stengel, 1965) and 41 (Tom Seaver, 1988).

Darryl Strawberry's No. 18 is set to be retired June 1. Gooden was moved by the presence of the 62-year-old Strawberry, who had a heart attack March 11.

«It'll always be Darryl and Doc or Doc and Darryl,» Gooden said. «I was very happy to see him. It just brought joy to me that he took the opportunity to make it here today and enjoy this day with me.»

The ceremony began with rapper Chuck D, whose actual name is Carlton Douglas Ridenhour, narrating a montage that ended with Gooden watching and nodding in an empty Citi Field. Gooden entered through a «K Korner» outside the home dugout, a nod to how fans at Shea Stadium hung K's for each strikeout.

Gooden was presented with a framed