Darryl Strawberry’s story has always been bigger than baseball.
In a recent conversation on Scoop B Radio with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Strawberry reflected on his journey—from his early days in South Central Los Angeles to his championship years with the New York Mets and Yankees, and now to his calling as a minister.
Strawberry spoke first about his deep ties to Los Angeles, emphasizing that his rise began long before Shea Stadium or Yankee Stadium. “I’m really a South Central, Crenshaw High… born and raised here, and everything started here,” he said, noting that the discipline and drive of his upbringing carried him into the major leagues.
However, it was in New York that his name gained legendary status. His years with the Mets helped define an era in the city—one filled with personality, swagger, and winning.
He recalled the bond between the 1986 championship team and the borough that embraced them. “We got a chance to be very special for the city and embrace Queens again,” he said, listing teammates like Keith Hernandez, Dwight Gooden, Gary Carter, and Mookie Wilson as part of that core that energized New York.
Music also framed that moment in time. Strawberry remembered the growth of hip-hop in the city, calling back to a period of creativity and competition. “Everybody was good, everybody was competing… there wasn’t no violence back then,” he said, describing the connective energy between sports, music, and youth culture in the 1980s. For him, being a young Black athlete thriving in New York at that time meant being part of something larger than the game.
Today, Strawberry remains involved with the Mets, and he credits current ownership—Steve and Alex Cohen—for nurturing a family atmosphere that honors past contributors. Seeing his number displayed at Citi Field, he noted, reflects the value they place on history.
Strawberry also spoke about Dwight “Doc” Gooden, praising the pitcher’s peak dominance in terms few could offer with equal authority. “I saw it with my own two eyes and I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said, emphasizing that Gooden’s greatness is often underestimated by those who didn’t witness it firsthand.
But the center of Strawberry’s life today is faith. He described becoming a minister as the true purpose of his journey. “That’s the real call…loving people, helping people, and encouraging people,” he said.
In the wake of these reflections, news recently surfaced that Strawberry has been granted a presidential pardon related to a past tax evasion conviction. According to Newsweek, he had previously served time and repaid what was owed. Senior White House officials noted that he has spent the last decade focused on recovery, faith work, and operating a recovery center that remains active today.