"A Journey of Faith"
Darryl Eugene Strawberry
Darryl Eugene Strawberry's life has been a series of cycles, cycles of hardship, perseverance, and most significantly, redemption. Born March 12, 1962 in the South Central district of Los Angeles. Since his earliest years Strawberry endured difficulty to strive and succeed. A troubled childhood, Strawberry blossomed from the tough streets to be the New York Mets number one draft pick in the 1980 Major League Draft. Strawberry displayed enormous potential and established it in 1983 by winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
He was clearly on his way launching his career as an All-Star and leading the Mets to the 1986 World Series. There was nothing Strawberry couldn't do, or seem to resist. The decadence of the 80's caught up with Strawberry. An overwhelming force of pressure and responsibility led to repeated cocaine and alcohol abuse. In 1991 Strawberry signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the change of scenery proved to be quite detrimental to his personal life. After repeated offenses Strawberry was admitted into the Betty Ford Center, then released shortly after and signed with the San Francisco Giants. His path would lead him back to New York, this time playing for the Yankees. On a seemingly fresh direction Strawberry exhibited the brilliance he once had. His champion spirit was evident as he charged on to 2 World Series with the Yankees, but this was no shock to Strawberry, nor his principal achievement of this era.
In 1998 Strawberry's life was threatened by Colon Cancer, nevertheless his resilient nature kicked in. By this time his life demanded rest and relaxation, but that was the last thing Strawberry enjoyed. The next few years found him at his lowest points, but his salvation lied deep in his soul. Determined to battle back, Strawberry spent the following years learning to believe in the power of healing and understanding the strength of motivation. Strawberry constantly exhibited the backbone that made him an eight time All-Star. His path was anything but smooth, despite the adversity Strawberry kept persistent and cleaned up his life. His journey reveals elements of a short epic, and indeed it has been more of an epic than a simple journey back from the brink.
Never the one to allude to the heartwarming story, Strawberry continues to explain the outlook that kept him alive. His tale is one of intrigue and mended behavior. People will have their doubts, but Strawberry has proven once and for all that his life exhibits the healing strength we all need in times of trouble. "I'll never preach or dictate to people, all I can do is present my life and show them how it can twist and turn and in spite of everything, show them that survival is not only a possibility but a necessity."
Darryl Eugene Strawberry
Coming from the mean streets of Los Angeles at Crenshaw High School, Darryl Strawberry quickly found himself the toast of New York after finding early success with the Mets, including winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1983. Though it is reported that Darryl didn't like the pressure of being the chosen boy in The Big Apple, he played the part fast and hard. It wasn't long before Darryl would lead this team to the promised land of the 1986 World Series. Despite what the critics said he out performed himself year after year. From 1984 to 1991 Darryl Strawberry was voted to the National League All-Star team. Posting the most impressive numbers in Mets history made Darryl Strawberry one of the most popular athletes in the world.
Strawberry went back to his hometown in 1991 after signing a free-agent contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, even after traveling across the country, Darryl's personal problems continued to chase him. He was plagued with injuries and his battle with drug addiction. But as his life has proven you can never force a champion to quit; this was indeed Darryl's mantra. Darryl signed with the New York Yankees in 1995, complete with George Steinbrenner vowing to keep a watchful eye on his new slugger. Steinbrenner's faith in Darryl paid off immediately. The Yankees won the 1996 World Series with Darryl front and center. He proved his value every year, but during the 1998 season Darryl was diagnosed with colon cancer. Watching from his hospital room at Columbus Presbyterian the Yankees dedicated each and every game to the recovery of Darryl Strawberry as they won the 1998 World Series.
Darryl Strawberry burst into national consciousness as a 21-year-old rookie with the sweetest swing in recent history. Regretfully remembered for the unlimited potential that may have been, Darryl has returned to the spotlight a changed man with new goals. His foundation focuses on helping others as Strawberry's latest ventures have been geared toward reaching out and giving hope to those in need. Darryl's renewed passion for life is best said in his foundation's mission statement, "The spikes are in a box, the bat is retired but the true passion and purpose for my life is just beginning. That passion is being able to make a difference in the lives of others. That's what life is all about."
Career Statistics
A comprehensive set of Darryl Strawberrys's career statistics can be found at Baseball Almanac.
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