Darryl Strawberry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Darryl Strawberry |
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Strawberry in 2016
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| Right fielder | |||
| Born: March 12, 1962 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| May 6, 1983, for the New York Mets | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| October 3, 1999, for the New York Yankees | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .259 | ||
| Home runs | 335 | ||
| Runs batted in | 1,000 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Darryl Eugene Strawberry (born March 12, 1962) is an American former professional baseball player. He played for 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a right fielder. Darryl was known for hitting many home runs. He was a tall player, standing 6 feet 6 inches, and had a powerful swing.
Strawberry was often called "the Straw Man" or "Straw". He helped the New York Mets win a World Series championship in 1986. Later, he helped the New York Yankees win two more World Series in 1996 and 1999. He was a very popular player and was chosen for the All-Star Game eight times in a row from 1984 to 1991.
Contents
Early Life and Baseball Dreams
Darryl Strawberry was born in Los Angeles, California. His parents were Henry and Ruby Strawberry. He played high school baseball at Crenshaw High School. His older brother, Michael Strawberry, was also a talented baseball player.
Darryl's Baseball Journey
Starting in the Big Leagues
The New York Mets picked Darryl Strawberry as the very first player in the 1980 Major League Baseball draft. His brother, Michael, was also drafted by the Dodgers that same year.
Darryl had a special way of batting, with a high leg kick. He quickly moved up through the Mets' minor league teams. In 1983, he reached the major leagues. That year, he hit 26 home runs and had 74 runs batted in. He also had a batting average of .257. Because of his great first year, he was named the National League's Rookie of The Year.
In 1984, he was chosen for the All-Star game. This was the first of eight times he would be an All-Star. He hit 26 home runs again and drove in 97 runs.
Amazing Years with the Mets
From 1984 to 1990, Darryl Strawberry's Mets team was one of the best in the National League. They finished first or second in their division every year. During this time, Darryl was very popular. His picture was on action figures and posters.
On May 11, 1985, Darryl hurt his thumb while making a diving catch. This injury meant he missed 43 games. The Mets struggled without him and just missed winning their division that year.
On October 1, 1985, Darryl hit a huge home run in a key game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The ball hit the clock on the scoreboard! This helped the Mets win the game 1-0 in extra innings. For the season, he hit 29 home runs.
The 1986 Mets team had an amazing season, winning 108 games. Strawberry hit 27 home runs and had 93 RBIs. The Mets won the National League Championship Series and then defeated the Boston Red Sox in the World Series. In Game 7 of the World Series, Darryl hit a home run that helped seal the victory for the Mets.
In 1987, Strawberry had an incredible year. He hit 39 home runs and stole 36 bases. This made him one of only 10 players in baseball history to join the exclusive 30–30 club. His teammate, Howard Johnson, also achieved this feat that year. They are still the only teammates to have done this in the same season.
In 1988, Darryl hit another 39 home runs, leading the National League. He also led the league in slugging percentage. He finished second in the MVP voting. He led the Mets to the playoffs, but they lost to the Dodgers.
In 1990, Strawberry had another great year, hitting 37 home runs and driving in 108 runs. He finished third in the MVP voting.
After his time with the Mets, Strawberry signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1990. He had a good first year with them, hitting 28 home runs. However, injuries kept him from playing much in the next two seasons. By the end of 1991, he had hit 280 home runs in his career.
Later Years and Championships
After 1991, Darryl's playing time was limited by injuries. In 1994, he played for the San Francisco Giants.
In 1996, Darryl joined the New York Yankees. He showed flashes of his old power, hitting 11 home runs. He helped the Yankees win the World Series that year, playing alongside former Mets teammates Dwight Gooden and David Cone. He hit three home runs in one game against the Chicago White Sox that season.
He played very well in the 1996 American League Championship Series, hitting three home runs. In 1998, he hit 24 home runs and helped the Yankees win another World Series. He played 100 games that year, his most since 1991.
During the 1998 playoffs, Darryl was diagnosed with colon cancer. He bravely made a comeback in 1999 after his cancer treatment. He hit a very important 3-run home run against the Texas Rangers in the playoffs, helping the Yankees move forward.
Career Highlights
Darryl Strawberry was a starting right fielder in five All-Star games and played in nine overall. He had two games where he hit three home runs. Both of these games were against Chicago teams.
He is one of only five MLB players to hit two pinch-hit grand slams in the same season. He is also one of only three players in MLB history to have played for all four teams with a New York connection: the Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants.
Life After Baseball
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| Darryl Strawberry's number 18 was retired by the New York Mets in 2024. |
Darryl Strawberry has stayed connected to baseball. He attended the Mets' 1986 World Champion team reunion in 2006. He also worked as an instructor for the New York Mets in 2005 and 2008. In 2010, he was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame.
He often attends the New York Yankees' Old Timer's Day events. In 2006, he threw out the ceremonial first pitch before a Mets playoff game. He also worked as a baseball analyst for SportsNet New York.
In 2010, he opened his own restaurant, Strawberry's Sports Grill, which closed in 2012.
On August 24, 2023, the Mets announced they would retire Strawberry's number 18. This ceremony happened on June 1, 2024. His former teammate, Dwight Gooden, also had his number retired.
Personal Life
Darryl Strawberry is a born-again Christian. He has appeared on television programs to share his life story and faith. He later became an ordained minister.
He often gives to charity. He was a main guest at the BGC Charity Day event in 2010.
Darryl married his third wife, Tracy Boulware, in 2006. They share a strong Christian faith. They moved to St. Peters, Missouri in 2006. Together, they started "The Darryl Strawberry Foundation". This organization helps children with autism.
Darryl has a son named Darryl "D.J." Strawberry, Jr., who was born in 1985. D.J. was a college basketball star and was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 2007 NBA draft. Darryl also has another son, Jordan, who played college basketball.
On September 26, 2020, Strawberry led a prayer at the 2020 Franklin Graham Prayer March.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball annual home run leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders
