When former New York Mets star Keith Hernandez candidly spoke about batting his personal demons during days of drugs in 1980s

In September 1985, former New York Mets star Keith Hernandez testified about resorting to intaking cocaine during the second half of the 1980 MLB season, during a trial set in Pittsburgh.

Back in 1980, Hernandez played with the St. Louis Cardinals before being traded to the Mets on Jun. 15, 1983.

"That was the year I was crazy,” Hernandez said while testifying at the trial. That was the year of my greatest use. It was like a demon in me."

He added that 1980 witnessed the most cocaine use by baseball players in MLB history.

"February 28, 1986: Commissioner Peter Ueberroth hands down fines and suspensions to seven players who admitted to using drugs. Mets 1B Keith Hernandez is listed among those labeled as part of the "cocaine seven." - Mets Rewind

In 1979, Hernandez had the best-hitting average in the National League (.344), and in the year in question (1980), he improved to an impressive .321.

In 1986, Hernandez got a one-year suspension along with six other players. However, former MLB commissioner Peter Ueberrot offered to lift the suspensions if the players agreed to certain conditions:

-Dedicating 100 hours to community service.

-10% salary reduction of suspended players designated for drug treatment organizations.

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Keith Hernandez won his second World Series ring with New York Mets

Former New York Metz player Keith Hernandez (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Former New York Mets player Hernandez agreed to participate in volunteer work and donate a portion of his pay to drug rehabilitation centers to avoid missing any playing time. He included the Mets' potential World Series run in his justification.

"Today in 1986: The New York Mets win the World Series." - National Museum of American History

Hernandez's wish came to fruition. Indeed, the Mets won over Boston Red Sox in the 1986 World Series as they clinched their second championship title, after 1969.