Darryl Strawberry
The Straw Man who lit up New York and beyond.
Darryl Eugene Strawberry Sr. (born March 12, 1962) is an American former professional baseball right fielder who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Throughout his career, Strawberry was one of the most feared sluggers in the sport, known for his prodigious home runs and his intimidating presence in the batter's box with his 6 ft frame and his long, looping swing that elicited comparisons to Ted Williams.
Quick Facts
- Hall of fame
- Not inducted as of 2024 (never elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame)
Lore & Background
Strawberry, who was nicknamed "the Straw Man" or "Straw", helped lead the New York Mets to a World Series championship in 1986 over the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees to two World Series championships in 1996 and 1999, both over the Atlanta Braves. He was also suspended three times by MLB for substance abuse, leading to many narratives about his massive potential going unfulfilled. A popular player during his career, Strawberry was voted to the All-Star Game eight straight times from 1984 to 1991. Strawberry was formerly an analyst for SportsNet New York. His memoir, Straw: Finding My Way, written with author John Strausbaugh, was published in April 2009.
Reader's Guide
In 1989, Strawberry's offensive numbers declined: he had 29 home runs and 77 runs batted in, but only had a .225 average. Nevertheless, the Mets came in a close second place to the Chicago Cubs in the National League East.
Did You Know?
- Strawberry was the first overall pick in the 1980 MLB draft.
- He hit 39 home runs and stole 36 bases in 1987, joining the 30–30 club.
- Strawberry's 252 home runs as a Met stood as a club record until 2025.
- He hit a 525-foot home run off the roof of Olympic Stadium in Montreal on Opening Day 1988.
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