Remembering Mets History (1983) Mets Hit Three HRs To Walk Off & Come Back In Darryl Strawberrys MLB Debut

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Friday Night, May 6th, 1983: Shea Stadium filled just 15,916 seats, as two Mets stars from different generations careers crossed over.

Tonight, was the much-anticipated debut of the young, talented, Mets rookie outfielder, Darryl Strawberry.

Strawberry, the former number one draft pick was ushering in a new era in Mets history, while on the mound, "The Franchise" Tom Seaver represented the past, Glory Days of a Mets Championship.


Tom Seaver now in his second coming to the New York Mets, late in his career, got tonight's start for George Bamberger's fifth place Mets (7-15). 

Seaver went up against Mario Soto & his former Cincinnati Reds team (13-14) in third place under Russ Nixon.

Seaver pitched eight innings, allowing three runs on four hits, striking out seven. The game was scoreless when Gary Redus hit a solo HR in the 6th inning. The Reds scored two more runs in the 7th, as Seaver walked two & Alex Trevino & Mario Soto both had RBI base hits.

The Mets began their big HR comeback day in the 8th inning. Danny Heep pinch hit for Jose Oquendo & hit a solo HR putting the Mets on the board. 

In the 9th inning, Soto was going for the complete game win, as he struck out Mookie Wilson & Daryl Strawberry. Then Wally Backman got aboard on a pinch hit single.

With two outs, veteran slugger Dave Kingman stepped in & in dramatic fashion; "Kong" as he was known, hit a long two run HR to tie the game at 3-3, to get it to extra innings.

In the top of the 10th, Mets pitcher; Carlos Diaz had troubles, a Gary Redus triple followed by an Eddie Milner single put the Reds back on top 4-3. Tom Hume came on for the Reds trying to earn a save. But with two outs, Hubie Brooks delivered with another dramatic game tying HR.

 It was now 4-4, remaining that way until the bottom of the 13th inning. A young Jesse Orosco came on to pitch three scoreless innings & eventually earn the win.
Reds pitcher Bill Scherrer came in & quickly got two outs. But he then walked Darryl Strawberry
& the youngster stole second base, for his first career steal. 

Darryl was now in scoring position representing the winning run. Mike Jorgensen then drew a walk & George Foster came to bat.
Foster delivered, as the Mets had their third comeback HR of the day. Foster's three run walk off shot was the game winner 7-4 Mets.

Trivia: After a slow start, Strawberry went on to win the 1983 Rookie of the Year Award.

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