Darryl Strawberry
The Straw Man who led the Mets to glory and set a home run record that stood until 2025.
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 frame and his long, looping swing that elicited comparisons to Ted Williams. 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.
- Franchise Honors
- Mets all-time home run leader (252) until surpassed by Pete Alonso in 2022
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Strawberry was born to Henry and Ruby Strawberry in Los Angeles, California. He played high school baseball for the Crenshaw High School Cougars along with Chris Brown. As an 18-year-old from Los Angeles' Crenshaw High School, Strawberry signed a letter of intent with Oklahoma State, to play baseball for Gary Ward. However, a couple of months later, Strawberry was the first overall pick in the amateur draft, and he signed with the Mets in July 1980. Darryl's older brother Michael Strawberry was also a star athlete who went on to play professional baseball. The New York Mets selected Strawberry with the first overall selection in the 1980 Major League Baseball draft. Darryl's older brother, Michael Strawberry, was also selected in that draft, going to the Dodgers in the 31st round. Employing a distinctive batting stance with a high leg kick, Strawberry rose through the Mets system and reached the major league level in 1983, posting 26 home runs, 7 triples, and 74 runs batted in, while hitting for a .257 average. He was named the National League's Rookie of The Year. In 1984, he made it to the All-Star game for the first of 8 consecutive appearances (the first 5 as a starter), and he once again hit 26 home runs, this time driving in 97 runs. Strawberry's Mets from 1984–1990 formed one of the premier teams in the National League, finishing either first or second in the division every year. During the period from 1983 to 1990, Strawberry was very popular, with his image used on action figures (Kenner's Starting Lineup), posters and banners. On May 11, 1985, Strawberry suffered torn ligaments in his thumb, making a diving catch off of Ozzie Virgil of the Philadelphia Phillies. This required surgery, and Strawberry missed the team's next 43 games, not returning until June 28. The injury was devastating to the Mets, who went only 20–23 (.465) without Strawberry (as opposed to 78–41 [.655] in all other games) and lost the National League East title to the St. Louis Cardinals by only three games. On October 1, 1985, the Mets began a 3-game series in St. Louis, trailing the Cardinals by three games with only six remaining to play. It seemed that they would need to sweep the series in order to have a chance at the title. After starting pitchers Ron Darling of the Mets and John Tudor of the Cardinals dueled scorelessly into extra innings, Strawberry provided the only ru
In Their Own Story
On Opening Day 1988, Strawberry showcased his power by hitting an estimated 525-foot home run that struck the roof of Olympic Stadium in Montreal. That season, he led the National League with 39 home runs and topped the league in slugging percentage (.545) and OPS (.911), finishing a very close second in MVP voting to Kirk Gibson. The following year saw a dip in his average to .225 despite 29 home runs, yet he remained a central figure. In 1990, he rebounded with 37 home runs and 108 RBIs, finishing third in MVP voting. However, off-field tensions occasionally flared; he once threatened infielder Wally Backman to "bust that little redneck in the face" during a war of words and got into a physical altercation on team picture day with captain Keith Hernandez. Despite these moments, his on-field production was undeniable until injuries and personal problems began to sideline him after 1990.
Reader's Guide
Darryl Strawberry was a key figure in the Mets' 1986 World Series championship, hitting a home run in Game 7 off Al Nipper. His slow trot around the bases led to Nipper throwing at him and igniting a brawl during spring training the next season. Strawberry's 252 home runs as a Met stood as a club record until 2025, when Pete Alonso surpassed him.
Did You Know?
- Strawberry and teammate Howard Johnson are the only teammates in MLB history to both hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season (1987).
- Strawberry hit a 525-foot home run on Opening Day 1988 that struck the roof of Olympic Stadium in Montreal.
- Strawberry was the first overall pick in the 1980 MLB draft and signed with the Mets in July 1980.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Darryl Strawberry?
Darryl Eugene Strawberry Sr. was a towering 6-foot-6 right fielder who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily for the New York Mets between 1984 and 1990. Known as "the Straw Man," he became one of the sport's most feared sluggers with a long, looping swing often compared to Ted Williams.
What were Darryl Strawberry's key achievements?
Strawberry was selected to eight consecutive All-Star Games from 1984 to 1991 and served as a cornerstone player for the Mets during their championship run. His most significant honor remains leading New York to the 1986 World Series title against the Boston Red Sox.
Why is Darryl Strawberry important to Mets history?
He defined an era of baseball with his massive potential and intimidating presence at the plate, becoming a central figure in the franchise's only championship victory. His power-hitting ability helped propel the team to its last World Series title to date.
How did Darryl Strawberry play during his prime years?
During his primary era from 1984 to 1990, he operated as a dominant right fielder who utilized his height and unique swing to generate significant power. His performance on the field was consistently elite enough to earn him multiple All-Star selections throughout that decade.
What legacy does Darryl Strawberry leave behind?
He is remembered as the powerful slugger who anchored the 1986 World Series champion team, leaving a lasting impact on New York Mets folklore. His career stands out for combining physical dominance with the ability to deliver in high-pressure postseason moments.
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