Bond runs deep for 1986 Mets, 40 years after World Series title
· Yahoo Sports
NEW YORK — It might be 40 years since the 1986 Mets team won the World Series crown, but Sid Fernandez said he still sees many of the members of that magical team every one or two years.
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So while it was a reunion for certain members of the team, the bond continues to run deep for a team that would not be denied in their shot at a championship.
"We all wanted to win and we depended on each other, and it showed on and off the ball field," Mookie Wilson said. "I think that’s what made this team so special. We were more than just a team. We were literally family. I know that’s an old cliché but that team it’s so true and it’s so evident even to this very day."
That's the type of connection that grows after 108 wins, surging past the Astros in back-to-back extra inning wins in the NLCS and working through a 2-0 series deficit against the Red Sox. It was overcoming doubt and coming back from two runs down in the 10th inning of a must-win Game 6 and notching another comeback win in Game 7 of the World Series.
It was on full display as the team celebrated the 40th anniversary of that memorable season on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field.
Darryl Strawberry slung his arms around the shoulder of Lenny Dykstra as they ventured out onto the field, a reminder of the hand that the eight-time All-Star has extended to his former teammate to try and help him on his sobriety journey.
Howard Johnson helped push Ray Knight, who has dealt with health issues in recent seasons, in a wheelchair and grasped his hand as they chanted "Play Ball!" along with Bobby Ojeda, Darryl Strawberry, Kevin Mitchell and Jesse Orosco.
A chance to reminisce about the glory days was a deal well spent for the former members of the Mets four decades later.
Reminiscing about key moments of the World Series
Roger McDowell sat in equipment manager Charlie Samuels' office at Shea Stadium after his five outs of work in Game 6 of the World Series. With the Mets down to one out and down tw, the right-hander thought the series was done.
Wilson was not happy with the circumstances either. Manager Davey Johnson and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre wore the same looks of woe. But the momentum started to build with back-to-back singles by Knight and Mitchell.
After Knight got the Mets within one run, Wilson stepped to the plate. He dove out of the way of a wild pitch as the tying run scored. The mountain of pressure was alleviated. He rolled over a ball to first base which skipped between Bill Buckner's legs to plate the winning run.
It was a release felt across New York City.
"I don't think any of us could ever predict or imagine that one instance in time in baseball history will bring that much joy to people and just create a lasting memory that they just tell their kids and grandkids about," Wilson said. "I know I do. I talk about it all the time because my kids, my grandkids, they watch videos and they want to know about it."
McDowell earned the series-clinching win two nights later as the Mets overcame a 3-0 deficit. Fernandez tossed 2⅓ scoreless innings of relief and Knight put the Mets ahead in the seventh inning on a solo home run and Rafael Santana and Keith Hernandez added on.
"I was very nevervous because I didn't come out of the bullpen at all during the year, and I just told myself to lift your spikes up and don't fall flat on your face before (the outing)," Fernandez said of trotting out from the bullpen.
Jesse Orosco sealed the win with a save and an iconic glove flip into the air, later giving the glove to a New York City police officer who had been shot.
"It all comes to the heart and that's the way we are," Orosco said.
Remembering Davey Johnson's influence
Before the season, Johnson delivered the message to his team: "We are going to dominate."
The message of the late manager proved prophetic as the Mets went on to win the National League East by an astounding 21.5 games over the Phillies.
"I don't think any other manager could have handled this club," Wilson said. "Davey was one of us. Davey was an extension of what this club was because he was willing to go on a limb. ... We were not afraid to let people know who we were including when we got on the field. We weren't afraid to let people know what we were willing to do to win. Davey was no different."
While Johnson died after a long illness in September 2025, his presence loomed large over the message from the members of the team.
The Mets continue to wear a patch for Johnson, the winningest manager in Mets history. And the club's former players made sure to give him his well-earned praise during the celebration.
"I don’t think anybody knew the players like Davey did," McDowell said. "We had four platoons: second base, third base, center field and in the bullpen. On top of those four platoons, we had Kevin Mitchell who was your fifth infielder and fourth outfielder that goes on to win an MVP in San Francisco. He knew his players."
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bond runs deep for 1986 Mets, 40 years after World Series title