WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pardoned former New York Mets great Darryl Strawberry of tax evasion and drug charges, citing the 1983 National League Rookie of the Year’s post-career embrace of his Christian faith and longtime sobriety.
Strawberry was an outfielder and eight-time All-Star, including seven with the Mets from 1983-90. He hit 335 homers and had 1,000 RBIs and 221 stolen bases in 17 seasons.
Plagued by later legal, health and personal problems, Strawberry was indicted for tax evasion and eventually pleaded guilty in 1995 to a single felony count for failing to report $350,000 in income from autographs and memorabilia sales.
Strawberry agreed to pay over $430,000 as part of the case and was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1998. After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, he faced further legal troubles, including a 2002 probation violation that resulted in his suspension from baseball.
Strawberry served 11 months in Florida state prison and was released in 2003. A White House official mentioned that Trump approved the pardon upon noting Strawberry's significant recovery and active role in ministry.
Following the announcement, Strawberry expressed his gratitude on Instagram, saying, Thank you, President @realdonaldtrump for my full pardon... allowing me to be truly free and clean from all of my past.
He described a heartfelt phone conversation with Trump, who reminisced about Strawberry's baseball days and praised him as one of the greatest players of the ’80s. Strawberry highlighted that this experience deepened his faith and commitment to his spiritual journey, stating that it was not about politics but rather about personal redemption.
Strawberry's story showcases the profound impact of forgiveness and renewal, as he continues to be a motivational force in the community, especially focusing on recovery initiatives.
