Baseball Legend Darryl Strawberry on His Fall, Recovery, and Ministry of Hope

Darryl Strawberry is known worldwide as one of baseball’s greatest sluggers, a four‑time World Series champion and eight‑time All‑Star. But behind the fame, he struggled with addiction beginning at age 14, when he first smoked marijuana and drank alcohol. As he explains, “most of the time it’s because of the deep pain that’s going on on the inside” — and substances became his escape.

His career was impacted by drinking, drugs, and amphetamines, eventually slowing him down and threatening everything he had built. The turning point came through his wife Tracy, who refused to give up on him. “You don’t have to tolerate the behavior, but you still have to love people,” Darryl says, crediting her compassion and persistence for helping him surrender and begin recovery.

Now more than 22 years sober, Darryl and Tracy lead a national ministry focused on faith, healing, and hope. They speak in churches, schools, prisons, and treatment centers, encouraging people to avoid the path of addiction and embrace recovery. He emphasizes that sobriety requires more than abstinence — it demands a spiritual awakening and a change in behavior.

Darryl’s new book, Another Life, shares his journey from “a mess to a message,” showing how recovery can lead to transformation and purpose. He continues to inspire audiences by reminding them that no matter how far they’ve fallen, freedom and hope are possible.

Resources:

• Book: Another Life (Amazon)
• Ministry: Strawberry Ministries
• Speaking: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, national recovery events