Early Life and Education of Darryl Strawberry: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Darryl Strawberry. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

March 12, 1962: Darryl Strawberry Born

On March 12, 1962, Darryl Eugene Strawberry Sr. was born in the United States. He would later become a professional baseball right fielder.

Others born on this day/year

1985: Birth of son Darryl "D.J." Strawberry, Jr.

In 1985, Darryl Strawberry's son, Darryl "D.J." Strawberry, Jr., was born. He would later become a star basketball player and be drafted into the NBA.

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.

1999: Testimony on Benny Hinn's television program

In 1999, Darryl Strawberry and Tiny Lister gave their testimonies on evangelist Benny Hinn's television program, speaking about their faith.

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.

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.

April 8, 2003: Released from prison

On April 8, 2003, Darryl Strawberry was released from prison after serving 11 months of a 22-month suspended sentence from 1999.

2004: Reference in "The Sweetest Swing in Baseball" play

In 2004, the play "The Sweetest Swing in Baseball" by Rebecca Gilman premiered, featuring a lead character who adopts Darryl Strawberry's personality and speech, referencing his playing skills.

October 2005: Wife files for divorce

In October 2005, Darryl Strawberry's wife, Charisse, filed for divorce, marking a change in his personal life.

August 19, 2006: Mets Reunion

On August 19, 2006, Darryl Strawberry attended the New York Mets' 1986 World Champion team reunion at Shea Stadium.

October 12, 2006: Ceremonial First Pitch

On October 12, 2006, Darryl Strawberry threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Shea Stadium before Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.

October 2006: Third marriage to Tracy Boulware

In October 2006, Darryl Strawberry married his third wife, Tracy Boulware, after meeting her at a drug recovery convention; the couple shared a strong Christian faith.

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.

2007: Son drafted by the Phoenix Suns

In 2007, Darryl Strawberry's son, Darryl "D.J." Strawberry, Jr., was drafted by the Phoenix Suns, marking a significant achievement in his basketball career.

April 2009: Strawberry's Memoir Published

In April 2009, Darryl Strawberry's memoir, Straw: Finding My Way, co-written with John Strausbaugh, was published.

August 2010: Restaurant Opening

In August 2010, Darryl Strawberry opened his own restaurant, Strawberry's Sports Grill, in Douglaston, Queens.

2010: Appearance on "The Apprentice"

In 2010, Darryl Strawberry appeared on NBC's "The Apprentice." He was fired in the third episode but returned for the finale. The show donated $25,000 to The Darryl Strawberry Foundation.

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2010: Headliner of BGC Charity Day

In 2010, Darryl Strawberry was a headliner at the BGC Charity Day event at BGC Partners, demonstrating his commitment to charitable causes.

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.

October 2012: Restaurant Closure

In October 2012, Darryl Strawberry's restaurant, Strawberry's Sports Grill, closed.

November 15, 2017: Appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"

On November 15, 2017, Darryl Strawberry appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to promote his new book, "Don't Give Up on Me," which addresses addiction and recovery.

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September 26, 2020: Prayer at Franklin Graham Prayer March

On September 26, 2020, Darryl Strawberry led a prayer during the 2020 Franklin Graham Prayer March.

2023: Yankees Old Timer's Day Appearance

In 2023, Darryl Strawberry made a recent appearance at the New York Yankees' Old Timer's Day.

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.

November 7, 2025: Pardoned by President Donald Trump

On November 7, 2025, Darryl Strawberry received a pardon from President Donald Trump for his 1995 tax evasion conviction, for which he had previously served time.