Challenges Faced by Darryl Strawberry: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Darryl Strawberry's life and career.

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

May 11, 1985: Thumb Injury

On May 11, 1985, Darryl Strawberry suffered torn ligaments in his thumb while making a diving catch, requiring surgery and causing him to miss 43 games.

1989: Offensive Decline

In 1989, Darryl Strawberry's offensive numbers declined, with 29 home runs and 77 RBIs, but the Mets still came in a close second place.

1991: Numbers Tailed Off

After 1991, Strawberry's numbers tailed off considerably; over the next two years he only played in 75 games.

December 9, 1994: Indicted on tax charges

On December 9, 1994, Darryl Strawberry was indicted on charges of income tax conspiracy and tax evasion for failing to pay $146,000 in income taxes from 1986-1990.

February 10, 1995: Guilty plea for tax evasion

On February 10, 1995, Darryl Strawberry pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion as part of a plea deal, following charges for failing to report income taxes.

December 19, 1995: Charged with failing to make child support payments

On December 19, 1995, Darryl Strawberry was charged in California with failing to make required child support payments.

1995: Suspension and Signed with Yankees

In 1995, after a suspension for testing positive for cocaine, Darryl Strawberry signed with the New York Yankees for the stretch run.

June 5, 1996: Child support deadline missed

After Darryl Strawberry missed a June 5, 1996, deadline to pay child support, a Los Angeles judge set a trial date, leading to an agreement where Strawberry would use his signing bonus to cover the debt.

1997: Limited Playing Time

In 1997, Darryl Strawberry's playing time was limited by injuries, and he did not hit any home runs.

August 1998: Sued by attorney Robert Shapiro

In August 1998, Darryl Strawberry was sued by attorney Robert Shapiro for failing to pay $100,000 in legal fees dating back to 1994, when Shapiro represented him in a contract matter with the Dodgers.

October 1, 1998: Diagnosis of colon cancer

On October 1, 1998, Darryl Strawberry was diagnosed with colon cancer, leading to surgery to remove a tumor shortly after.

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.

April 3, 1999: Arrested for soliciting sex and drug possession

On April 3, 1999, Darryl Strawberry was arrested in Tampa, Florida, for soliciting sex from a policewoman posing as a prostitute and for possessing a small amount of cocaine.

July 28, 2000: Cancer spread suggested by C.T. scan

On July 28, 2000, a C.T. scan indicated that Darryl Strawberry's cancer may have spread to his lymph nodes, requiring further medical intervention.

September 11, 2000: Arrested for DUI and probation violation

On September 11, 2000, in Tampa, Florida, Darryl Strawberry was arrested after blacking out while driving under the influence of painkillers, rear-ending another car, and attempting to flee. This led to changes in his probation.

October 25, 2000: Violation of house arrest and parole

On October 25, 2000, Darryl Strawberry violated his house arrest and parole by leaving a drug treatment center in Tampa to use drugs with a female friend.

November 3, 2000: Admission of lost will to live and chemotherapy cessation

On November 3, 2000, Darryl Strawberry told a judge in Tampa that he had lost his will to live and had stopped undergoing chemotherapy.

2000: Suspension and Career End

In 2000, Darryl Strawberry tested positive for cocaine and was suspended for the entire season, effectively ending his career.

April 2, 2001: Arrest for Disappearing from Drug Treatment Center

On April 2, 2001, Darryl Strawberry was arrested again for disappearing from his house arrest drug treatment center in Tampa.

March 12, 2002: Jailed for violating drug treatment center rules

On March 12, 2002, Darryl Strawberry was jailed again for violating several non-drug related rules at the drug treatment center where he was on probation in Ocala, Florida.

September 2005: Charged with filing a false police report

In September 2005, Darryl Strawberry was charged with filing a false police report after claiming his SUV was stolen. He admitted to lying but was not arrested due to it being a misdemeanor.

February 8, 2011: Appearance on Canadian documentary about depression

On February 8, 2011, Darryl Strawberry, along with Clara Hughes and Stephane Richer, appeared on a Canadian documentary by Michael Landsberg to discuss his battle with depression.

March 11, 2024: Suffered a heart attack

On or about March 11, 2024, Darryl Strawberry suffered a heart attack and underwent a stent procedure, recovering in a hospital in Lake St. Louis, Missouri.