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

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

Tonight was the much anticipated debut of the young gifted Mets outfielder; Darryl Strawberry. The former number one draft pick was ushering in a new era to Mets history while on the mound, "The Franchise" represented the Glory Days of Mets past.

Starting Lineups

Reds

1	Gary Redus	LF
2	Eddie Milner	CF
3	Cesar Cedeno	RF
4	Johnny Bench	3B
5	Dan Driessen	1B
6	Ron Oester	2B
7	Dave Concepcion	SS
8	Alex Trevino	C
9	Mario Soto	P

Mets

1	Mookie Wilson	CF
2	Tucker Ashford	3B
3	Darryl Strawberry	RF
4	Dave Kingman	1B
5	George Foster	LF
6	Ron Hodges	C
7	Brian Giles	2B
8	Jose Oquendo	SS
9	Tom Seaver	P

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, he struck out Mookie Wilson & Daryl Strawberry but Wally Backman got aboard on a pinch hit single.

With two outs slugger Dave Kingman stepped in & in dramatic fashion; Kong hit a long two run HR to tie the game 3-3.

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.