Career Timeline of Darryl Strawberry: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 9, 2025

Discover the career path of Darryl Strawberry, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Darryl Strawberry is a former MLB right fielder who played for 17 seasons. Known for his powerful hitting and intimidating presence, he was considered one of the most feared sluggers in baseball. Standing at 6'6", his distinctive swing drew comparisons to Ted Williams.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

July 1980: Signed with the Mets

In July 1980, after being the first overall pick in the amateur draft, Darryl Strawberry signed with the New York Mets.

1980: Drafted by the New York Mets

In 1980, The New York Mets selected Darryl Strawberry with the first overall selection in the Major League Baseball draft.

1983: Major League Debut and Rookie of the Year

In 1983, Darryl Strawberry reached the major league level, posting 26 home runs and earning the National League's Rookie of The Year award.

1984: Mets Team Success

From 1984, Strawberry's Mets became one of the premier teams in the National League.

1984: All-Star Game Appearance and Home Runs

In 1984, Darryl Strawberry made his first All-Star game appearance and hit 26 home runs, driving in 97 runs.

1984: All-Star Game Appearance

In 1984, Darryl Strawberry was voted to the All-Star Game, marking the first of eight consecutive appearances.

August 5, 1985: Three-Home Run Game Against Cubs

On August 5, 1985, Darryl Strawberry had a three-home run game against the Chicago Cubs.

October 1, 1985: Game-Winning Home Run

On October 1, 1985, Darryl Strawberry hit a game-winning home run in the 11th inning against the St. Louis Cardinals, helping the Mets win 1-0.

1986: Mets Win the World Series

In 1986, Darryl Strawberry contributed 27 home runs and 93 RBIs as the Mets won the World Series, defeating the Boston Red Sox.

1986: World Series Championship with the Mets

In 1986, Darryl Strawberry helped lead the New York Mets to a World Series championship.

1987: Joins 30-30 Club

In 1987, Darryl Strawberry joined the 30-30 club with 39 home runs and 36 stolen bases, also driving in 104 runs.

1988: Featured in "Wait Till Next Year" book

In 1988, Darryl Strawberry was prominently featured in the book "Wait Till Next Year" by William Goldman and Mike Lupica, which examined life inside the Mets and provided an honest account of his importance and behavior.

1988: Home Run at Olympic Stadium

On Opening Day in 1988, Darryl Strawberry hit a massive home run that struck the roof of Olympic Stadium in Montreal. He also led the league in slugging percentage and OPS.

November 8, 1990: Signed with the Dodgers

On November 8, 1990, Darryl Strawberry signed a five-year, $22.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1990: Offensive Rebound

In 1990, Darryl Strawberry rebounded with 37 home runs and 108 RBIs, finishing third in MVP voting.

1990: Mets Team Success

Through 1990, Strawberry's Mets were one of the premier teams in the National League.

1991: All-Star Game Appearance

In 1991, Darryl Strawberry made his eighth straight All-Star Game appearance.

1994: Released by Dodgers and Signed with Giants

In 1994, Darryl Strawberry was released by the Dodgers in May and later signed with the San Francisco Giants.

May 3, 1996: Signed with Saint Paul Saints

On May 3, 1996, Darryl Strawberry signed with the Saint Paul Saints of the Northern League in an attempt to rehabilitate his career.

July 4, 1996: Signed with the Yankees

On July 4, 1996, Darryl Strawberry signed with the New York Yankees.

August 6, 1996: Three-Home Run Game Against White Sox

On August 6, 1996, Darryl Strawberry had a three-home run game against the Chicago White Sox.

1996: ALCS Performance

In 1996, Darryl Strawberry had a big series against the Baltimore Orioles in the ALCS, blasting three home runs with five RBIs and a .417 average in four games.

1996: World Series Championship with the Yankees

In 1996, Darryl Strawberry helped the New York Yankees to a World Series championship.

1998: World Series Win and Colon Cancer Diagnosis

In 1998, Darryl Strawberry hit 24 home runs, helping the Yankees win the World Series, but was diagnosed with colon cancer during the ALDS.

1999: World Series Championship with the Yankees

In 1999, Darryl Strawberry helped lead the New York Yankees to another World Series championship.

1999: Comeback and Home Run

In 1999, Darryl Strawberry made a comeback from his cancer treatment, hitting a crucial 3-run home run against the Texas Rangers in the ALDS.

2005: Instructor for New York Mets

In 2005, Darryl Strawberry worked as an instructor for the New York Mets.

2006: Move to St. Peters, Missouri and Founding of The Darryl Strawberry Foundation

In 2006, Darryl Strawberry and his wife Tracy moved to St. Peters, Missouri, and together they founded "The Darryl Strawberry Foundation", an organization focused on supporting children with autism.