Darryl Strawberry, a towering figure in New York Mets history, returned to Citi Field to witness the retiring of his No. 18 jersey, a moment of redemption and reconciliation with the fans he once left behind.

In a poignant address to the 30,600-strong crowd, Strawberry expressed heartfelt remorse for his departure 34 years ago, acknowledging the unparalleled support of Mets fans throughout his career, Fox Sports reports.

As Strawberry stood on the hallowed turf of Citi Field, surrounded by former teammates and loved ones, he bared his soul to the fans who had remained loyal despite his absence.

The stadium reverberated with applause, a testament to the enduring connection between Strawberry and the Mets faithful, who had eagerly awaited this moment of closure.

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A Tribute to a Mets Legend

The ceremonial retirement of Darryl Strawberry's No. 18 was a visual spectacle, with his iconic number etched into the center field grass and the stadium's signature home run apple transformed into a symbolic tribute to the baseball legend.

The poignant strains of the Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever" echoed through the stadium, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

Strawberry's road to this moment was fraught with adversity, including a recent brush with mortality following a heart attack in March.

Reflecting on his near-death experience, Strawberry expressed gratitude for his wife Tracy's swift action in getting him medical attention, acknowledging her pivotal role in saving his life, according to SNY.

During his illustrious career with the Mets from 1983 to 1990, Strawberry left an indelible mark on the franchise, earning eight All-Star selections and cementing his status as one of baseball's premier sluggers.

His contributions to the team's success, including a memorable World Series victory in 1986, endeared him to generations of Mets fans.

Despite his on-field heroics, Strawberry's tenure with the Mets was marred by personal struggles, including battles with addiction and tumultuous relationships with team management.

In hindsight, he acknowledged the mistakes of his youth, expressing regret for his departure from the Mets and the missed opportunities that followed.

Honoring a Mets Icon

The decision to retire Darryl Strawberry's No.18 is part of Mets owner Steve Cohen's efforts to celebrate the team's rich history and recognize the contributions of its legendary players.

Strawberry joins a prestigious list of Mets icons, including Dwight Gooden, Keith Hernandez, and Willie Mays, whose numbers have been immortalized in the annals of franchise history.

As the Mets honor their past, they also look toward a brighter future under Cohen's stewardship, with the promise of continued success and prosperity on the horizon, CBS Sports noted.

For Darryl Strawberry, the ceremony serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between player and fan, a testament to the enduring legacy of a baseball icon.

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Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Darryl Strawberry has his number retired by the Mets! (Full ceremony!) - From MLB