NEW YORK − Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden are legendary figures in New York’s baseball history.

They celebrated a World Series victory together in 1986, set several records, had their jerseys retired, and were inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame.

However, when the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the New York Mets on Wednesday for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field, the painful memories of 36 years in the past rushed back.

This marks the first encounter between these two teams in the NLCS since 1988, reviving feelings they have tried to keep buried deep inside.

“I was having a wonderful day until you mentioned that,’’ Gooden chuckled.

Strawberry commented, “The ’88 series against the Dodgers still hurts. I’ve never truly gotten past losing that ’88 series.’

He wasn’t joking.

The Mets, who secured the World Series title in 1986, were the most skilled and star-laden squad in the National League during 1988. They earned a record of 100-60, winning the NL East Division by a 15-game margin. During the regular season, they dominated the Dodgers, achieving 10 wins out of 11 games and outscoring them 49-10. Baseball fans were eagerly anticipating a dream matchup in the World Series between the Mets and the Oakland A’s.

However, the Dodgers had other plans and shocked the baseball world by defeating the Mets in seven games in the NLCS, paving the way for Kirk Gibson’s legendary walk-off homer in Game 1 of the World Series, where the Dodgers triumphed over the A’s in five games.

That victory marked the last time the Dodgers claimed a World Series title in a complete season.

Meanwhile, the Mets have not tasted victory since ’86.

As the Dodgers took down the San Diego Padres in the NLDS to challenge the Mets, it was natural for these old memories of ’88 to resurface.

“How could I not think of ’88,’’’ Strawberry remarked, “’88 was tough for me. I still haven’t gotten over losing that series. But keep in mind, the Dodgers were on fire at the end of the season, and they made a lot of big plays, like (Mike) Scioscia’s home run and Gibson’s epic hit.”

The loss was so upsetting that Strawberry couldn’t resist teasing Gooden about his performance in Game 4. The Mets, leading the series 2-1, were close to clinching a spot in the World Series when they held a 4-2 lead in the ninth inning with Gooden on the mound. Despite giving up just one hit and four baserunners in the first eight innings, he walked John Shelby to start the ninth.

“I don’t understand how Doc walked T-Bone Shelby,’’ Strawberry said, looking at Gooden. “He just needed to throw one over the plate.’’

The next batter, Dodgers catcher Mike Scioscia, connected for a two-run homer, leveling the game at 4-4. Three innings later, Kirk Gibson—who was struggling with a 1-for-16 batting performance—hit a two-out homer in the 12^th inning, leading the Dodgers to a 5-4 win.

In an instant, the Dodgers regained their momentum, leading to their remarkable NLCS upset.

“One moment that stands out from ’88 for me is the Mike Scioscia home run in Game 5,’’ Gooden recalled. “If we had won that game, we could have gone up 3-1. I made a mistake pitch to Scioscia, and he took advantage.”

Consequently, the Dodgers steamrolled past the heavily favored Oakland A’s, clinching the World Series in five games.

“It eased my pain a bit when they defeated that Oakland team,’’ Strawberry stated, “which was hailed as the team of the century that year and regarded as superior to everyone else. It helped me to find some closure after witnessing that. I eventually learned to let it go.”

“Turning that ’88 series over was challenging, but it was necessary for me to move forward.”

Yet, even after all these years, the disappointment remains, say Gooden and Strawberry. They still believe that their 1988 squad was superior to the championship team that came back to defeat the Boston Red Sox in 1986.

“The 1988 team had more talent on paper compared to the 1986 team,” Gooden asserted. “However, the ’86 team had a stronger chemistry and heart. We were closer than just teammates; we practically lived together, especially on the road. That bond contributed significantly to our success. I would argue that while the ’88 team talently was superior, I would match the ’86 team against anyone.’

Strawberry added, “The ’88 team was undoubtedly more skilled. Yet the ’86 team showed more bravery when facing challenges. They were a different kind of players—like Ray Knight and Kevin Mitchell—who embraced big moments and opportunities.”

There were members of our team who spent time on the bench. But if we were trailing in a game, we had no doubt we would make a comeback and win.

“That was the key difference. Our vibe was not the same in ’88. The chemistry was off. We were wild and unique, with a personality all our own. We carried ourselves with a lot of confidence. We simply didn’t care what others thought of us. If you didn’t like us, that was fine.

“We had a blast being ourselves back then.”

Now, 36 years later, this iconic duo hopes that the current Mets team—which is seen as a major underdog against the Dodgers—can achieve what they couldn’t during their own time.

This season, the Mets weren’t the most skilled team in their division, let alone in the entire National League. They clinched a postseason spot on the final day of the season. They were on the brink of elimination during the NL Wild Card series against Milwaukee until Pete Alonso hit a game-winning three-run homer. Now, they find themselves up against the wealthier, stronger, and more talented Dodgers.

“I really believe these players have confidence in themselves, which is a good sign,” Strawberry commented. “They had an impressive finish to the season that brought them to this point. Francisco Lindor has delivered some critical hits when it mattered most. That’s essential for progressing to the National League Championship and aiming for the Series.”

“I hope the Mets get their payback by defeating the Dodgers for our loss in ’88.”

Should they succeed and win the championship, Strawberry believes they will earn a lasting place in the hearts of the city, just like the legendary members of the ’86 team are still honored.

“Winning here means you’d likely get plenty of free food and clothes,” Strawberry said. “When you triumph in this city, the people take care of you. I remember that after our 1986 victory, we didn’t have to pay for anything.”

“Winning in New York City is special. You’re larger than life because it’s a tough place to play, and the expectations are high. Once you embrace that and become the city’s champions, the city will welcome you with open arms.”

The Mets, especially Gooden and Strawberry—who plans to throw the ceremonial first pitch to Gooden—are eager to relive that glory once more.