911 and finished second with 101 runs batted in. He also led the league in slugging percentage at.

In 1988, Strawberry once again hit 39 home runs to lead the National League. Despite this, the 1987 team missed the playoffs. In addition to that, he hit 32 doubles and drove in 104 runs. In 1987, Strawberry hit 39 home runs and stole 36 bases, joining the exclusive 30–30 club at the time becoming one of only 10 players in baseball history to accomplish the feat. During the regular season in 1986, Strawberry hit 27 home runs and had 93 RBIs. He publicly complained about manager Davey Johnson after he was removed from the game in a double switch during the ninth inning of Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, which the Mets would go on to win. He often overslept and was late for, or missed, team workouts. He got into a physical altercation on team picture day with team captain Keith Hernandez and in the midst of a war of words with infielder Wally Backman, threatened to 'bust that little redneck in the face'. He was also known for his disruptive behavior. 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.ĭuring the period from 1983 to 1990, Strawberry was very popular, with his image used on action figures ( Kenner's Starting Lineup), posters and banners. 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. He was named the National League's Rookie of The Year. Darryl's older brother, Michael Strawberry, was also selected in that draft, going to the Dodgers in the 31st round.Įmploying 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. 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 a star baseball athlete who would play professional baseball. He played high school baseball for the Crenshaw High School Cougars along with Chris Brown. Strawberry was born to Henry and Ruby Strawberry in Los Angeles, California. His memoir, Straw: Finding My Way, written with author John Strausbaugh, was published in April 2009. Strawberry was formerly an analyst for SportsNet New York. A popular player during his career, Strawberry was voted to the All-Star Game eight straight times from 1984 to 1991. He was also suspended three times by MLB for substance abuse, leading to many narratives about his massive potential going unfulfilled. Strawberry, who was nicknamed ' the Straw Man' or ' Straw', helped lead the New York Mets to a World Series championship in 1986 and the New York Yankees to three World Series championships in 1996, 1998, and 1999. 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 6 in (1.98 m) frame and his long, looping swing that elicited comparisons to Ted Williams. 4× World Series champion ( 1986, 1996, 1998, 1999)ĭarryl Eugene Strawberry (born March 12, 1962) is an American former professional baseball right fielder who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB).

October 3, 1999, for the New York Yankees

Prime meta bat