Darryl Strawberry is described as a legend by many who have been dazzled by the dynamics of his game, the power he possessed at the plate and the story of redemption that continues to bring hope to so many lives. He has earned the legendary nicknames and phrases of one of the most feared homerun hitters in the game of baseball: Straw's Sweet Swing," "Strawberry's Field Forever," and "The Legendary Straw Man!" Today, Strawberry's passion is using his story to change the lives of others, whether he is speaking about cancer survival, those afflicted and affected by autism, overcoming addiction, or his faith in God. In his New York Times best-selling memoir, Straw: Finding My Way (Ecco), he shares his whole story from growing up in Crenshaw, Los Angeles, his rise to baseball superstardom as a Met, Dodger, and Yankee, his public and private struggles with addiction, his triumphant battle over cancer, his religious awakening, and his marriage to the love of his life, Tracy Strawberry. Strawberry's achievements through the life he lives today have earned him the respect and entitlement that he has searched for all his life. He is currently recognized as the roving instructor and community outreach spokesperson for the New York Mets, The Mets pre- and post-game television sports announcer for Sports New York (SNY), public speaker, joint venture consultant and entrepreneur through Strawmarketing, LLC, spokesperson as a two-time cancer survivor, Action for Autism Advocate, and youth outreach advocate. Strawberry remains one of the most celebrated New York ballplayers in recent memory. An eight-time All Star, four-time World Series Champion, and National League Rookie of the Year, he played for the Mets, Dodgers, Giants, and Yankees during his headlining career. His personal story of suffering and pain derives from the severe abuse that he suffered at the hand of a raging alcoholic father. This part of his life created the deep compassion in his heart for children and anyone suffering at the hands of abuse. Strawberry's desire is that his story will instill hope in others and to encourage them that healing is possible. Today, after overcoming many personal challenges including colon cancer, he is an All Star in the autism community. His 501c-3 non-profit organization, The Darryl Strawberry Foundation, donates funds needed for the facilities and programs that provide hope for individuals and groups in need. As he says, "Autism is a very serious epidemic and we must give it all we've got to search for a cure, help these families and support these precious souls." Now retired from baseball, Strawberry is devoted to his church and to his work with individuals affected by autism via the Darryl Strawberry Foundation. Since Opening Day 2008, Strawberry has served as special ambassador for the Mets."
