DARRYL STRAWBERRY CAREER STATS

DARRYL STRAWBERRY'S CAREER

Darryl Eugene Strawberry grew up in a poverty-stricken environment in Los Angeles. Sports provided an escape from the challenges at home, including an abusive father. Young Darryl earned a strong reputation in the Los Angeles Little League scene, but when he landed at Crenshaw High School for the 10th grade, baseball coach Brooks Hurst saw a young man full of talent who lacked discipline. Hurst recognized Strawberry's talent but noticed the need for guidance. Crenshaw High School was known for its athletic prowess, attracting scouts on the lookout for emerging stars. Over the course of three years, Hurst mentored Strawberry and helped him navigate challenges. Despite occasional team conflicts, Strawberry's exceptional talent and potential were evident. By his senior year, Strawberry was a focal point for agents and scouts both on the field and in the school hallways.

Strawberry had aspirations of becoming the top pick in the draft, and in June of 1980, the New York Mets made that dream a reality. The team selected him with a signing bonus to forgo college and go directly to New York, but he needed to demonstrate his abilities in the minor leagues first.

Over the following three years, Darryl progressed through the farm league ranks, developing his skills and experience as a player. As the Mets struggled at the start of the 1983 season, fans began demanding Strawberry's promotion. Despite General Manager Frank Cashen's reluctance to rush his debut, Strawberry's promising talent offered hope of boosting stadium attendance. Finally, on May 6, 1983, Darryl marked his debut in the major leagues.

Although Strawberry had a rough start, he eventually adapted to facing major-league pitchers. He overcame his struggles at the plate, hitting his stride in September. Regrettably, some teammates introduced Darryl to cocaine as a common practice in professional baseball. This detrimental habit haunted his career. Despite his personal issues, Strawberry continued to deliver impressive performances. His achievements, including 108 hits, 26 home runs, 74 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases, earned him the title of National League Rookie of the Year.

Following the season, Davey Johnson took over as manager from Howard. With Johnson at the helm, the Mets, led by Strawberry, emerged as a dominant team throughout the decade. As the number of victories grew, the attendance at Shea Stadium started to rise. By the conclusion of the season, Johnson had steered the Mets from a last-place finish in the previous year to securing second place in the NL East. Despite facing some health setbacks that led Darryl to miss several games during the 1985 season, Strawberry managed to score 79 runs and hit 29 home runs, surpassing his previous year's totals. However, the team ultimately fell short of reaching the postseason.

The 1986 Mets had an impressive season, achieving 108 wins and maintaining the top spot throughout most of the season. Darryl's on-field performance played a significant role in their success, despite his off-field struggles. With the team's consistent victories, there was little effort to curb his behavior. In the National League Championship Series, the Mets emerged victorious in six games. Strawberry's crucial home run in Game Three contributed to their triumph, and he finished the NLCS with two home runs and five RBIs. This victory propelled the Mets to their first World Series appearance. The contest went into game seven with the Mets and Boston Red Sox with three games each. Game seven was a tight battle, but when Darryl led the bottom of the eighth inning with a solo home run it was obviously the Mets night.

In the following two seasons, Darryl achieved 39 home runs and over a hundred runs each season. However, the team was unable to replicate their success from '86. Strawberry's numbers started declining, and internal conflicts within the team became apparent. After Davey Johnson's early dismissal in the 1990 season, Darryl opted to leave as a free agent.

Darryl came back to his hometown with the Dodgers and had a successful debut season. However, after only 43 games into his second year, he suffered a back injury that required surgery. Rushing his return, Strawberry battled through the pain but his addictions ultimately led to a stint at the Betty Ford Clinic. Subsequently, the Dodgers let him go.

In 1994 the San Francisco Giants brought in a new Darryl Strawberry, now 32, vowing a drug free lifestyle. The ’94 season was interrupted by the players’ strike and Darryl relapsed into addiction. The Giants released him and Yankees owner George Steinbrenner believed in Darryl enough to give him a chance with the Yankees where he would stay through the 1999 season. With the Yankees, Strawberry would achieve three more World Series rings. After the 1999 season ended, Strawberry retired from baseball.

Over the course of his career Darryl Strawberry collected 4 World Series titles including the ‘86 New York Mets, 8 Time National League All-Star, National League Homerun Leader in '88, 1983 National League Rookie of the Year, ten 20 Home Run Seasons, three 30 Home Run Seasons and a Hall of Fame Nomination in 2004. Quite the achievement for a boy from the inner city and a poor neighborhood.