Darryl Eugene Strawberry was a prominent American professional baseball right fielder with a 17-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB). His impressive home runs and intimidating presence at the batter's box, characterized by his tall stature and powerful swing, earned him recognition as one of the most formidable sluggers in the sport. Strawberry's unique swing drew comparisons to the legendary Ted Williams.
March 12, 1962: Birth of Darryl Strawberry
Darryl Eugene Strawberry was born on March 12, 1962. He would go on to become a prominent figure in Major League Baseball, known for his powerful hitting and imposing presence on the field.
1980: Darryl Strawberry Selected First Overall in MLB Draft
In 1980, Darryl Strawberry was chosen by the New York Mets as the first overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft. This marked the beginning of his professional baseball journey.
1983: Darryl Strawberry's Popularity and Off-Field Behavior
Between 1983 and 1990, Darryl Strawberry gained immense popularity, becoming a cultural icon with his image featured on various merchandise. However, he also faced scrutiny for his disruptive behavior, including altercations with teammates and conflicts with management.
1983: MLB Debut and Rookie of the Year Award
Darryl Strawberry made his Major League Baseball debut in 1983, demonstrating his exceptional talent with 26 home runs, 7 triples, and 74 RBIs. His performance earned him the National League's Rookie of the Year award.
1984: First All-Star Game Selection
Darryl Strawberry was selected for his first All-Star game in 1984. This marked the beginning of a streak of eight consecutive All-Star selections, solidifying his place among the league's elite players.
1984: Start of Mets' Dominance in National League
From 1984 onwards, the New York Mets, with Darryl Strawberry as a key player, emerged as a dominant force in the National League. They consistently finished either first or second in their division for several years.
1984: Second Consecutive Year with 26 Home Runs
In 1984, Darryl Strawberry continued to showcase his power hitting, hitting 26 home runs for the second year in a row. He also achieved 97 RBIs, solidifying his reputation as a formidable batter.
August 5, 1985: Three-Home Run Game Against the Chicago Cubs
On August 5, 1985, Darryl Strawberry hit three home runs in a single game against the Chicago Cubs. This was one of two three-home run games in his career.
1985: Son Darryl "D.J." Strawberry, Jr. is Born
Darryl Strawberry's son, Darryl "D.J." Strawberry, Jr., was born in 1985. He went on to become a star shooting guard with the Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team.
1986: 27 Home Runs and 93 RBIs in Regular Season
In 1986, Darryl Strawberry delivered a strong regular season performance, hitting 27 home runs and achieving 93 RBIs. This contributed to the Mets' successful season, which culminated in their World Series victory.
1986: New York Mets World Series Championship
In 1986, Darryl Strawberry played a key role in leading the New York Mets to a World Series victory. This marked a significant milestone in his career and solidified his status as a star player.
1987: Entry into the 30-30 Club
Darryl Strawberry had a remarkable season in 1987, hitting 39 home runs and stealing 36 bases, earning him a place in the prestigious 30-30 club. This achievement highlighted his exceptional power and speed.
1988: National League Home Run Leader and MVP Runner-Up
In 1988, Darryl Strawberry led the National League in home runs with 39, showcasing his exceptional power-hitting abilities. He also achieved a league-leading slugging percentage of .545 and an OPS of .911, finishing a close second in the MVP voting to Kirk Gibson.
1989: Decline in Offensive Performance
Darryl Strawberry experienced a decline in his offensive output in 1989, hitting 29 home runs and 77 RBIs with a .225 average. Despite his individual performance, the Mets finished second in the National League East.
November 8, 1990: Signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers
On November 8, 1990, Darryl Strawberry signed a lucrative five-year, $22.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, embarking on a new chapter in his career.
1990: Rebound Season with 37 Home Runs and 108 RBIs
Darryl Strawberry had a strong rebound season in 1990, hitting 37 home runs, achieving 108 RBIs, and batting for a .277 average. He finished third in the MVP voting, highlighting his significant contribution to the Mets.
1990: End of Mets' Dominance in National League
The year 1990 marked the end of the New York Mets' reign as a top team in the National League. Despite a strong performance by Strawberry, the team finished second in the National League East.
1990: Darryl Strawberry's Popularity and Off-Field Behavior
Between 1983 and 1990, Darryl Strawberry gained immense popularity, becoming a cultural icon with his image featured on various merchandise. However, he also faced scrutiny for his disruptive behavior, including altercations with teammates and conflicts with management.
1991: Decline in Playing Time Due to Injuries and Personal Problems
After a stellar 1991 season, Darryl Strawberry faced a significant decline in playing time over the next two years due to injuries and personal problems, limiting his impact on the field.
1991: Eight Consecutive All-Star Game Selections
By 1991, Darryl Strawberry had been selected for eight straight All-Star games, a testament to his consistent performance and recognition as a top player in the league.
1991: Reaching 280 Career Home Runs at Age 29
By the end of 1991, Darryl Strawberry had hit 280 career home runs at the age of 29, drawing comparisons to the legendary Hank Aaron. This achievement solidified his status as one of the most powerful hitters of his generation.
1991: Successful First Year with the Dodgers and Big Brother of The Year Award
Darryl Strawberry had a successful first year with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1991, hitting 28 home runs and achieving 99 RBIs. He was also recognized as Big Brother of The Year for his contributions off the field.
1991: Playing 100 Games for the First Time Since 1991
Darryl Strawberry played 100 games in the 1998 season, marking the first time he had reached this milestone since 1991. Despite battling abdominal pain, he persevered and contributed to the Yankees' success.
1994: Release from the Dodgers and Signing with the Giants
In 1994, Darryl Strawberry was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers and subsequently signed with the San Francisco Giants. However, his playing time remained limited as he worked towards a comeback.
December 19, 1995: Charged with Failure to Make Child Support Payments
On December 19, 1995, Darryl Strawberry was charged in California with failing to make child support payments.
1995: Suspension Due to Positive Cocaine Test
Darryl Strawberry faced a suspension at the beginning of the 1995 season after testing positive for cocaine. This marked a challenging period in his career as he confronted personal struggles.
May 3, 1996: Signing with the Saint Paul Saints
On May 3, 1996, Darryl Strawberry signed with the Saint Paul Saints of the Northern League as part of his rehabilitation efforts. This marked a step towards reviving his baseball career.
June 5, 1996: Deadline to Pay Child Support Debt
On June 5, 1996, Darryl Strawberry missed a deadline set by a Los Angeles judge to pay child support debt.
July 4, 1996: Return to the New York Yankees
Darryl Strawberry returned to the New York Yankees on July 4, 1996, after a brief stint with the Saint Paul Saints. This marked a significant turning point in his career, offering him a chance to contribute to a winning team once again.
August 6, 1996: Three-Home Run Game Against the Chicago White Sox
On August 6, 1996, Darryl Strawberry hit three home runs in a single game against the Chicago White Sox, almost 11 years to the day after his first three-home run game, which was also against a Chicago team.
1996: New York Yankees World Series Championship
In 1996, Darryl Strawberry, alongside former Mets teammates Dwight Gooden and David Cone, helped the New York Yankees win the World Series. This was Strawberry's second World Series title.
1996: World Series Victory and Second Three-Homer Game
Darryl Strawberry contributed to the New York Yankees' World Series victory in 1996, demonstrating his value to the team. He also achieved his second career three-homer game during the season, showcasing his enduring power-hitting abilities.
1996: Strong Performance in ALCS Against Baltimore Orioles
Darryl Strawberry delivered a standout performance in the 1996 ALCS against the Baltimore Orioles, hitting three home runs and achieving five RBIs with a .417 average. His contributions were instrumental in the Yankees' success.
1997: Limited Playing Time Due to Injuries
Injuries limited Darryl Strawberry's playing time in 1997, hindering his ability to contribute significantly to the New York Yankees.
August 1998: Sued for Unpaid Legal Fees
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 with the Dodgers.
October 1, 1998: Diagnosed with Colon Cancer
On October 1, 1998 Darryl Strawberry was diagnosed with colon cancer.
1998: World Series Victory and Colon Cancer Diagnosis
Darryl Strawberry played a key role in the New York Yankees' World Series victory in 1998, marking his third World Series title. However, he was diagnosed with colon cancer during the ALDS, a significant health challenge that overshadowed his on-field achievements.
April 3, 1999: Arrested for Soliciting Prostitution and Cocaine Possession
On April 3, 1999, Darryl Strawberry was arrested in Tampa, Florida for soliciting sex from an undercover police officer and possession of cocaine.
1999: New York Yankees World Series Championship
In 1999, Darryl Strawberry contributed to the New York Yankees' World Series victory, marking his third World Series title. Despite limited playing time due to his recovery from cancer treatment, he hit a crucial home run in the ALDS.
1999: Comeback from Cancer Treatment and Crucial Home Run in ALDS
In 1999, Darryl Strawberry made a comeback to baseball after undergoing treatment for colon cancer. Despite limited playing time, he hit a crucial home run in the ALDS against the Texas Rangers, helping the Yankees advance to the ALCS.
July 28, 2000: Cancer Spreads to Lymph Nodes
On July 28, 2000, a CT scan suggested that Darryl Strawberry's cancer had spread to his lymph nodes.
September 11, 2000: Arrested After Driving Under the Influence of Painkillers
On September 11, 2000, Darryl Strawberry blacked out while driving under the influence of painkillers and rear-ended another car in Tampa, Florida. He was arrested by an off-duty police officer.
October 25, 2000: Violates House Arrest and Parole
On October 25, 2000, Darryl Strawberry left a drug treatment center in Tampa, Florida, to use drugs, violating his house arrest and parole.
November 3, 2000: Expresses Loss of Will to Live
On November 3, 2000, Darryl Strawberry told a judge in Tampa, Florida, that he had lost his will to live and had stopped chemotherapy.
2000: Positive Cocaine Test and Career-Ending Suspension
Darryl Strawberry's baseball career effectively ended in 2000 after he tested positive for cocaine during spring training. Commissioner Bud Selig imposed a season-long suspension, bringing Strawberry's time in Major League Baseball to a close.
April 2, 2001: Disappears from Drug Treatment Center
On April 2, 2001, Darryl Strawberry was arrested for disappearing from his house arrest drug treatment center in Tampa, Florida.
March 12, 2002: Jailed for Violating Drug Treatment Center Rules
On March 12, 2002, Darryl Strawberry was jailed for violating several non-drug rules at a drug treatment center in Ocala, Florida, where he was serving probation.
April 8, 2003: Released from Prison
On April 8, 2003, Darryl Strawberry was released from prison after serving 11 months.
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 had been stolen. He admitted to lying but was not arrested because the offense was a misdemeanor.
August 19, 2006: Mets' 1986 World Champion Team Reunion
On August 19, 2006, Darryl Strawberry attended the Mets' 1986 World Champion team reunion at Shea Stadium, where the team received a standing ovation from fans.
October 12, 2006: Throws First Pitch at Shea Stadium
On October 12, 2006, Darryl Strawberry threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Shea Stadium before Game 1 of the National League Championship Series between the Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals, receiving a rousing ovation from the crowd.
October 2006: Marries Tracy Strawberry
In October 2006, Darryl Strawberry married his third wife, Tracy, whom he met at a drug recovery convention. They moved to St. Peters, Missouri, and later founded "The Darryl Strawberry Foundation", which helps children with autism.
2007: Son D.J. Strawberry Drafted into NBA
In 2007, Darryl Strawberry's son, D.J. Strawberry, was drafted into the NBA by the Phoenix Suns.
April 2009: Publication of Darryl Strawberry's Memoir
In April 2009, Darryl Strawberry's memoir, "Straw: Finding My Way," co-written with author John Strausbaugh, was published. The book delved into Strawberry's life, including his baseball career, personal struggles, and journey to finding his way.
August 2010: Opens Strawberry's Sports Grill
Darryl Strawberry opened his own restaurant, Strawberry's Sports Grill, in Douglaston, Queens in August 2010.
2010: Darryl Strawberry on NBC's The Apprentice
In 2010, Darryl Strawberry appeared on NBC's The Apprentice. Despite his efforts, he was fired at the end of the third episode after admitting to being the weakest contestant and expressing a desire to go home. Donald Trump sent him home. Strawberry later returned in the season finale to help Bret Michaels, and the show donated $25,000 to The Darryl Strawberry Foundation. He placed 12th.
February 8, 2011: Darryl Strawberry discusses depression in a documentary
On February 8, 2011, Darryl Strawberry appeared with Clara Hughes and Stephane Richer in a Canadian documentary by Michael Landsberg. The documentary focused on Strawberry's battle with depression.
October 2012: Strawberry's Sports Grill Closes
Strawberry's Sports Grill, owned by Darryl Strawberry, closed in October 2012.
November 15, 2017: Darryl Strawberry on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
On November 15, 2017, Darryl Strawberry appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to discuss his new book Don't Give Up on Me. The book highlights issues related to addiction and recovery.
August 24, 2023: Number Retirement Announcement
On August 24, 2023, the Mets announced that Darryl Strawberry's number 18 would be retired, along with former teammate Dwight Gooden's number 16, during the 2024 baseball season.
March 11, 2024: Suffers Heart Attack
On or about March 11, 2024 Darryl Strawberry suffered a heart attack and underwent a stent procedure. He reported that he was recovering in a hospital in Lake St. Louis, Missouri.