For former New York Mets star player Darryl Strawberry, an unforeseen heart attack last month was a life-altering event. Now, the MLB legend speaks out about the terrifying ordeal and his recovery, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the medical intervention that saved his life.
Heart Attack: A Sudden Life-Changer
On March 11, Strawberry experienced a heart attack, compelling swift medical intervention. Quickly admitted to Missouri’s SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital for a stent procedure, the 62-year-old asserts this life-saving protocol set him on a path to recovery. Speaking candidly at St. Louis’ Busch Stadium, the veteran player described the physical and mental toll following his heart attack.
“It’s a different feeling inside. You feel fatigued. You feel weak…you don’t think that you’re gonna be good again. It’s been a scary time,” Strawberry shared with New York sports channel SNY.
Finding Strength Near Home
Living in O’Fallon, Missouri, not far from where the Mets are playing a series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Strawberry acknowledges the immense role his wife, Tracy, played in his recovery. Her supportive presence, he confessed, has been instrumental in navigating this challenging journey.
“Without my wife [Tracy], I don’t know where I would be, because she has really helped me through this process.”
A Legacy in Baseball
Drafted first by the Mets in 1980, Strawberry’s eight-season tenure with the team is still commemorated. With 252 home runs under his belt, a Mets franchise record, seven All-Star appearances, and a World Series victory in 1986, his contributions to the sport are incontrovertible.
Strawberry opted for new horizons in 1991, signing a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, worth $22 million. His 17-season career spanned stints with the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees, clinching championships with the Yankees in 1996 and 1999. His career, however, wasn’t without trials. A diagnosed with colon cancer in 1998, Strawberry missed out on participating in the 1998 World Series.
While his MLB history brims with achievement, Strawberry’s life off-field has been marred by substance abuse issues, prompting three suspensions. In spite of these trials, he emerged as Rookie of the Year in 1983 and was listed in the top six for National League MVP three times with the Mets.
Joy Amidst Recovery
In an uplifting event amidst his health battle, Strawberry made a surprise appearance at Citi Field on April 14 to witness the retirement of close friend and former teammate Dwight Gooden’s No. 16. Strawberry’s presence was a testament to the enduring bonds formed on the field and the power of true camaraderie in the face of adversity.
Honoring Strawberry’s Enduring Legacy
On June 1, the Mets are slated to retire Strawberry’s No. 18 jersey in a special ceremony, a tribute to the player whose career has left an indelible mark. Upon reflecting on the event, Strawberry anticipates it to be more than just about him.
“I’m looking forward to really being able to say thank you to the fans, to tell the fans I’m sorry for leaving…The day is just not about me.”
As he recuperates and readies for this homage, Strawberry’s narrative of resilience, both on and off the field, continues to inspire.