In brief
Darryl Strawberry, an eight-time MLB All-Star, has been pardoned by President Donald Trump for tax evasion and drug-related offenses, acknowledging his road to redemption through faith. Strawberry, who experienced legal troubles and personal battles, expressed gratitude for the pardon, emphasizing his commitment to recovery and ministry work.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pardoned former New York Mets great Darryl Strawberry of tax evasion and drug charges, highlighting Strawberry's post-baseball embrace of Christianity and his ongoing sobriety.
Strawberry, an outfielder and eight-time All-Star with the Mets, hit 335 home runs and racked up 1,000 RBIs over a 17-year career dominated by his impressive time with the Mets from 1983 to 1990. However, his later life was marred by issues that led to his indictment for failing to report $350,000 in income, culminating in a guilty plea in 1995.
After serving time in prison, Strawberry has turned his life around, celebrating over a decade of sobriety and becoming active in ministry. The White House confirmed that his pardon took into account his efforts at redemption.
Expressing his gratitude, Strawberry shared on Instagram a message to Trump for finalizing this chapter of his life, stating, Thank you, President @realdonaldtrump for my full pardon and for finalizing this part of my life, allowing me to be truly free and clean from all of my past.” He recounted the heartfelt call he received from Trump, which he shared with his wife, marking the moment as a profound shift in his life.
Strawberry articulated his journey of faith and how this experience deepened his resolve to work for the kingdom of God, labeling the pardon as an act of friendship from Trump, which transcends politics.
Throughout his career, Strawberry played with distinction for the Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, and the Giants, winning the World Series with the Mets in 1986. He was honored when the Mets retired his jersey number in 2024, making a heartfelt apology to fans during the ceremony.
