Darryl Strawberry recalls his challenging 1981 season with the Class A Lynchburg Mets as the “suck season.” He faced failure for the first time, heard racist slurs from the stands, and came close to quitting baseball. His struggles were magnified by being the No. 1 pick out of high school with a significant signing bonus. Playing in the southern city of Virginia, Strawberry faced discrimination from fans, which took a toll on him mentally and emotionally. Despite the difficult circumstances, he credits his manager Gene Dusan and teammate Lloyd McClendon for helping him get through this tough period.
During the first month of the season, it became clear that Strawberry was struggling. Being a black man playing in the southern U.S. at a time when society did not fully embrace African Americans added more pressure. The racist slurs and negative comments from the crowds made it challenging for him to perform on the field. This led him to contemplate quitting, but the support and guidance of Dusan and McClendon played a crucial role in his decision to stay and fight through the adversity. The relationships he built during this time were essential for his growth as a player and as a person.
Strawberry’s decision to leave the team for a couple of days in early May was a turning point in his season. Instead of chasing him down, Dusan gave him space and trusted that he would return. When Strawberry came back, it was evident that the time off had allowed him to refocus and recommit to the game. Dusan’s tough-love approach and McClendon’s support helped him become the best player he had ever coached. The dedication and hard work that Strawberry put in after returning to the team paid off as he began to excel on the field.
Despite the challenges and setbacks he faced during the 1981 season, Strawberry’s resilience and determination ultimately led to his success in the following years. Playing for Dusan in Double-A Jackson in 1982, he had a breakout season with 34 home runs, 45 stolen bases, and an OPS over 1.000. Just two years after his “suck season,” Strawberry was named the National League’s Rookie of the Year. Reflecting on that difficult time, he acknowledges the importance of facing and overcoming adversity, as it taught him valuable lessons that he carried with him throughout his career and life.
Strawberry’s emotional journey during the 1981 season serves as a reminder of the impact that mentors and teammates can have on a player’s life and career. The support and guidance provided by Dusan and McClendon were instrumental in helping Strawberry navigate the challenges he faced and emerge stronger as a result. Their friendship and mentorship helped him develop not only as a player but as a person, instilling values of perseverance, hard work, and integrity that he carried with him in his future endeavors. The resilience and determination he showed during that difficult time set the foundation for his success in the years to come.
As Darryl Strawberry prepares to have his number retired at Citi Field, he reflects on the significance of the people who supported him during his toughest moments. His gratitude towards Dusan and McClendon for helping him through his “suck season” highlights the importance of having a strong support system in times of adversity. Their belief in his potential and their guidance during a challenging period were crucial factors in shaping his career and instilling in him the values that guided him both on and off the field. The story of the “suck season” serves as a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and camaraderie in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
