Darryl Strawberry says he should have DIED from a massive heart attack in March - as the Mets get set to retire his No 18 jersey on Saturday

Darryl Strawberry has revealed his heart was pumping at just 40 percent strength when he had a massive heart attack in March - and that his doctors were stunned he managed to pull through.

The 62-year-old will have his No 18 jersey retired by the New York Mets on Saturday when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks and ahead of the ceremony, Strawberry poignantly opened up on how grateful he is to be there after such a huge scare.

He spent his 62nd birthday in hospital in St Louis, announcing his news on social media back in March from his sick bed.

Less than three months later, he will be honored at Citi Field with his No 18 jersey lifted into the rafters. His number has also been etched into the field for the event.

Speaking to TMZ ahead of the weekend, Strawberry opened up on how close he was to dying just two months ago, saying: 'My heart was pumping at 40 percent.

'So, there was a lot going on. There was not a lot of blood flowing through my heart at that particular time.

'I'm recovering well, I thank god for it. You just never know - I'm in great shape, 62 years old and I have a massive heart attack.

'I'm here this weekend, celebrating the fact my number is being retired but your health is the most important thing. 

'You just never know, if it wasn't for my lovely wife rushing me to the hospital I could be on the other side right now.'

Strawberry also revealed he initially refused to go to hospital as he didn't realize the significance of what was happening to him at the time.

'I'm at athlete!' Strawberry laughed. 'Athletes do not go to the doctor unless it's a broken bone. You have to see it!

'The doctor said "I don't even know how you are alive". There was not a lot of blood flowing through my heart and three months later I am back healthy.' 

The Mets begin the three-game Diamondbacks series in dire straights after being swept by the Dodgers this week - losing the third game of the series 10-3 on Wednesday night in New York. 

Pitcher Jorge Lopez threw his glove in the stands after getting ejected for arguing a check swing call on Shohei Ohtani. 

A 17-year Major League Baseball pro, Strawberry also played for the Dodgers, Giants and Yankees. He won the World Series three times - once with the Mets and twice with the Yankees.

When he announced on social media that he had endured his health scare, he said: 'Praising God for His amazing grace and loving mercy in saving my life this evening from a heart attack. 

'I am so happy and honored to report that all is well. So thankful for the medical team and staff at St. Joseph West in Lake St. Louis for responding so quickly and bringing me through a stent-procedure that has brought my heart to total restoration!!!

'Your prayers are so absolutely appreciated as I continue to recover, in Jesus Name!'