President Trump Grants Pardon to MLB Icon Darryl Strawberry, Citing Faith and Rehabilitation

Nov 7, 2025, 02:45 PM ET – WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to former Major League Baseball star Darryl Strawberry, absolving him of past tax evasion and drug convictions. The White House cited Strawberry’s profound post-career commitment to his Christian faith and his sustained sobriety spanning over a decade as key factors in the decision, marking a significant act of clemency for one of baseball’s most recognizable figures.

Strawberry burst onto the Major League Baseball scene in 1983 as the New York Mets’ first overall pick in the 1980 amateur draft, quickly earning the National League Rookie of the Year award. His immediate impact was undeniable, as he finished his debut season with 26 home runs, 74 runs batted in, and 19 stolen bases, showcasing a rare combination of power and speed. His powerful left-handed swing, often described as "Strawberry’s Sweet Swing," and imposing 6-foot-6 frame made him one of the most feared hitters of his generation. He quickly became a cornerstone of the Mets’ formidable lineup, contributing significantly to the franchise’s second World Series title in 1986. Alongside charismatic teammates like the equally talented but troubled Dwight Gooden, the veteran leader Keith Hernandez, and the beloved catcher Gary Carter, Strawberry helped define an era of "Bad Guys" Mets baseball, captivating New York fans with their aggressive style and dominant play. This period cemented his status as a sports icon in one of the world’s largest media markets.

He was an eight-time All-Star, with an impressive seven selections coming consecutively during his tenure with the Mets from 1983 to 1990. During his 17-season career, which also included stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees, Strawberry amassed 335 career home runs, 1,000 runs batted in, and 221 stolen bases. His offensive prowess was further recognized with a Silver Slugger Award in 1988, a season where he led the National League with 39 home runs. After leaving the Mets following the 1990 season, Strawberry continued to find success, notably winning three more World Series titles with the New York Yankees in 1996, 1998, and 1999. While his role with the Yankees was more as a veteran presence and designated hitter, his ability to contribute to championship teams underscored his enduring talent, even as personal struggles began to mount and increasingly overshadow his on-field brilliance.

Despite his undeniable talent and on-field achievements, Strawberry’s career was increasingly overshadowed by a series of legal and personal challenges that began to surface in the mid-1990s. In 1995, he faced indictment for tax evasion, ultimately pleading guilty to a single felony count. The charge stemmed from his failure to report approximately $350,000 in income derived from various off-field ventures, including autograph signings, personal appearances, and memorabilia sales. As part of his plea agreement, Strawberry was mandated to pay over $430,000 in restitution and penalties to the Internal Revenue Service. This period marked the beginning of a public and protracted battle with addiction and legal woes that would continue for nearly a decade, severely impacting his professional trajectory and public image.

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In 1998, a significant health crisis emerged when he was diagnosed with colon cancer, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy. This battle with cancer added another layer of complexity to his already challenging personal life. The following year, his career was effectively cut short when he was sentenced to probation and suspended indefinitely from Major League Baseball after pleading no contest to charges of cocaine possession and soliciting a prostitute in Florida. During subsequent court appearances, Strawberry openly discussed his struggles with depression and substance abuse, offering a raw and public glimpse into the depths of his personal turmoil. His probation was violated numerous times due to further drug-related incidents and failures to comply with court orders, most notably on his 40th birthday in 2002. These repeated violations led to multiple stints in rehabilitation facilities and ongoing legal proceedings. The cycle of addiction and legal repercussions eventually culminated in his incarceration, and Strawberry served 11 months in a Florida state prison before his release in 2003. His highly publicized downfall became a cautionary tale in professional sports, highlighting the devastating impact of addiction and unaddressed mental health issues on even the most talented individuals.

Following his release from prison, Strawberry embarked on a profound journey of personal transformation and spiritual renewal. He publicly embraced Christianity, committing himself to sobriety and dedicating his life to ministry. A White House official, speaking on background to provide context for the as-yet-unformally-announced pardon, emphasized Strawberry’s unwavering commitment to his newfound faith and his sustained sobriety, which now spans more than a decade. The official also highlighted his active involvement in ministry through "Strawberry Ministries," an organization dedicated to sharing his story of redemption, offering hope to those struggling with addiction, and working with youth. The establishment of a still-active recovery center further serves as a testament to his dedication to helping others overcome similar struggles. These efforts, alongside his documented payment of back taxes and time served, were crucial considerations in President Trump’s decision to grant clemency.

Strawberry himself shared the news with his followers on Instagram, posting a picture with President Trump and expressing profound gratitude. "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 wrote. He recounted receiving a call from Washington D.C. while at home caring for his wife, who was recovering from surgery. "Half asleep, I glanced over and saw a call from Washington DC. Curious, I answered, and to my amazement, the lady on the line said, ‘Darryl Strawberry, you have a call from the President of the United States, Donald Trump,’" Strawberry detailed. He placed the call on speakerphone, where President Trump reportedly spoke warmly of Strawberry’s "baseball days in NYC," praising him as "one [of] the greatest player[s] of the ’80s" and celebrating the Mets, before delivering the news of the full pardon. Strawberry described himself as "overwhelmed with gratitude," crediting God for his liberation and transformation into "a better Man, Husband and Father." He underscored the personal nature of the pardon, stating, "This has nothing to do with politics – it’s about a Man, President Trump, caring deeply for a friend. God used him as a vessel to set me free forever!" This sentiment resonates with Trump’s known affinity for figures from the New York sports and entertainment scene, a world he navigated as a prominent real estate mogul before his political career and two successful presidential campaigns. A full presidential pardon legally expunges the convictions, restoring certain rights and removing the stigma of past federal offenses.

The clemency granted to Darryl Strawberry adds to a growing list of individuals pardoned by President Trump, often including high-profile figures, political allies, and celebrities. This week alone, Trump also issued pardons for a former Republican speaker of the Tennessee House and a onetime aide on public corruption charges. Previous recipients of Trump’s pardons have included a former Republican governor of Connecticut, an ex-GOP member of Congress, and reality television stars convicted of financial crimes like cheating banks and evading taxes. Presidential pardons, a constitutional power, are often exercised in the final stages of an administration or during periods where the President seeks to highlight specific themes, such as rehabilitation or perceived injustices. The decision to pardon Strawberry aligns with a pattern of extending mercy to individuals whose stories of post-conviction rehabilitation and public advocacy have gained significant attention.

The presidential pardon arrives during a significant year for Darryl Strawberry, marked by both health challenges and public reconciliation. In March 2024, just a day before his 62nd birthday, Strawberry was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack, underscoring the ongoing health battles he has faced. Despite this scare, 2024 also saw a momentous occasion for the former Mets star when the New York Mets retired his iconic No. 18 jersey. The ceremony at Citi Field was a deeply emotional event, signifying a full circle moment for Strawberry and the fan base he once electrified. During his heartfelt address to the crowd, an emotional Strawberry expressed deep remorse for his past actions and his departure from the team, stating, "I’m truly, deeply sorry that I ever left you guys. I never played baseball in front of fans greater than you guys." This public apology and the overwhelming positive reception from Mets fans, who gave him a thunderous ovation, likely played a significant role in reinforcing the narrative of his redemption, providing further impetus for the presidential clemency that now formally closes a difficult chapter of his life. The pardon not only absolves him legally but also symbolically affirms his journey from a troubled past to a future dedicated to faith, family, and community service.