After Tom Glavine's masterful performance in Game One, Beltran's 430 ft. blast that lead the Mets to a 2-0 victory, Game Two would unfortunately bring a different finale. Although Carlos Delgado continues to impress in the post-season with two unbelievable blasts, Met closer, Billy Wagner couldn't close the doors, allowing the Cardinals to show they simply will make this a true challenge in the post-season. With the series tied 1-1, and the Mets head to St. Louis to continue their quest to a World Series crown, one of the legendary greats of the 'Amazins', Darryl Strawberry spoke to LATINOSPORTS. Prior to the start of Game One, Strawberry would throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Shea Stadium. He shared his thoughts on the 2006 Mets, team chemistry, the passing of Buck O'Neil and should MLB retire Roberto Clemente's number league-wide.

Danny Torres: It's been 20 years, can you believe it?

Darryl Strawberry: I feel like an old man (laughter) but I'm blessed and honored to be back at Shea after winning a championship so long ago. You never take it for granted because it's the hardest thing to do. Everybody thinks you can roll a team out there and it happens. It doesn't work that way. You've got to get some breaks and we were fortunate.

DT: When you look at the chemistry, this question you've probably answered numerous times, how important is it? Not just with a winning team but any team in general?

DS: The chemistry is very important. You're playing in New York, the pressure here is unbelievable and the expectations are so great. When you don't produce, everyone is pointing fingers at you. You have to have good chemistry, stick together in the clubhouse and play as a team. It doesn't mean you're going to agree all of the time. You have to remember the number one goal when you step on the field is to win. These guys have shown that and that's why they're headed in the right direction.

DT: Are there any comparisons between the '86 team and this one?

DS: They have the same kind of energy and excitement. You bring excitement to the ballpark and get the crowd into it. They're good at that. Once you get the crowd into the ballgame, you have a chance to roll. This team does a lot of that and that's why they're successful.

DT: You look at certain players such as David Wright and Jose Reyes who have a big future with this ballclub. What are your thoughts when you see them play?

DS: They have a tremendous future and that's great. You get these younger guys who are going to stay here and be a part of this, that's so important. It brings out the best. It brings out the best for the fans to see their younger players who came through the farm system having a chance to succeed. It doesn't happen overnight but these guys have the quality to step out and play at this level to be successful. Playing in New York, understanding the pressure and everything around here, they've handled it extremely well.

DT: Was there any time watching this 2006 team that you said to yourself they have a chance to go all the way?

DS: I've been watching this team all year and they dominated the division, similar to what we did. You just don't want to get too complacent after that. It looks like that's what happened toward the end of the year and they picked it up. They're doing all the right things.

DT: On another note, we lost the legendary Buck O'Neil. What was your reaction to hearing this sad news?

DS: You know when you get to a certain age, some things are going to take place. You hate to lose the great Buck O'Neil. What a wonderful guy but he's probably in a better place than being here anyway.

DT: There's currently a grass-roots movement that is in full swing on retiring the great Roberto Clemente's number throughout baseball. What are your thoughts and do you support this?

DS: I think Roberto's number should have been retired a long time ago. He was one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Not only on the field but off the field as well. He was very personable and always willing to help others. Like I said, this should have been done a long time ago. I don't see what the debate is. He was well respected in the game of baseball and he really deserves it.

DT: Well, there have been naysayers that obviously will say why Roberto and not another player to be considered. If it weren't for Jackie, there would be no Roberto Clemente. Your thoughts?

DS: Naysayers will always be there and they don't understand what a player goes through, how he gives back to the game. They don't comprehend it. So, when you have guys who come along in the game like Roberto and Jackie, they opened the doors for all those great players like myself and all these guys who have come along to play this great game. We as players should never forget that.

© Copyright 2006 by LatinoSports.com

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