The 1986 Mets legend sees a key similarity between the World Series-winning club and this year's squad

NEW YORK, NY – There is magic in Queens, and while it's a little early to compare this year's New York Mets to the legendary 1986 team, two members of that team see a little of themselves on TV.

Doc Gooden and Darryl Strawberry are the ceremonial first pitch honorees on Wednesday night, and their names will forever be etched in Mets lore.

The organization forever cemented its legacy by retiring both players last year, as they were the two superstars who helped the Mets to their second title 38 years ago – their most recent. But not if this club has something to say about it.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Former New York Mets star Darryl Strawberry

Gooden was asked what he sees this year compared to 1986 and he kept it simple.

“I think the lineup is very deep, our lineup was very deep, so anyone can hurt you. There’s no one to mess around with or feel comfortable with,” he said.

But Strawberry sees a key similarity in that both teams are never eliminated until the final.

“I think these guys really believe in themselves, which is good. “They had a late push at the end of the season to get to this point, (Francisco) Lindor came up with some big hits for them in crucial situations,” Strawberry said. “That’s what it takes.”

The Mets started the season 0-5, but then went 22-33. But from that point on, they had the best record in baseball, and their come-from-behind wins in recent weeks have been nothing short of miraculous.

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor celebrates with his teammates after hitting a grand slam in the sixth inning in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies on October 9. (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

Dodgers' Dave Roberts still enjoys 'beating the team all over town'

Even Pete Alonso literally achieved his first MLB win. In Game 3 of the Wild Card Series, Alonso's three-run home run, with him trailing 2-0 entering the ninth inning, was the first in MLB history by a player whose team trailed a winner-take-all in the ninth inning or later -Postseason play, according to OPTA stats.

“Pete was a real turning point for them as a group with his big home run in Milwaukee. It takes all these guys to perform, they all did. That's what it takes to be a good team, to win a championship. “These guys are good in situations like this…” Strawberry added. “They just do the little things, just like we do. You don't have to constantly bash a certain guy to do it. We play today, we win today, whoever wants to do it, does it. This is it. “Baseball is all about … They did a great job taking advantage of those situations just like we did.”

Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry attend the 1986 Mets 30th Anniversary Reunion Celebration at Citi Field on May 28, 2016 in New York City. (Adrian Edwards/WireImage)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Strawberry obviously knows this from experience: His 1986 Mets were down 3-0 in Game 6 of the World Series before their incredible rally in the bottom of the ninth. The next night they were down 3-0 again, but fought back and won the Fall Classic.

The Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers meet later Wednesday at Citi Field for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series, with the series tied.

Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage of X and subscribe the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.