Darryl Strawberry made history as a four-time World Series champion and the New York Mets’ all-time home run king for 37 years. But behind the trophies he was falling apart fighting addiction, jail time and cancer. What saved him wasn’t fame. It was faith.
In his inspiring new book, ‘Another Life’, this former superstar shares his journey through rock bottom to find true healing and redemption in Jesus Christ.
Many people look for peace in money or success, but then learn nothing could fill that emptiness in their hearts. And the answer for that emptiness is Jesus Christ. Only He can fill us.
Early Life and Baseball Stardom
Darryl was born on March 12, 1962 in Los Angeles California, growing up in a tough home with an abusive father. So he used baseball as an escape from the pain and became a superstar talent.
The New York Mets drafted him as the number one pick in 1980, and he won Rookie of the Year in 1983. He went on to become an eight time All Star and won four World Series rings, setting a team record with home runs that stood for 37 years.
Fame, Addiction, and Health Battles
But fame brought heavy temptations that completely wrecked his personal life. He fought severe drug addictions, suffered divorces, and ended up serving eleven months in a Florida jail. On top of that, he faced scary health fights with colon cancer in 1998, kidney cancer, and a serious heart attack. Yet God was working through his dark times.
He gives credit to his mother Ruby, whose own faith left a mark on him he couldn’t shake.
Finding Purpose in Ministry
Darryl surrendered his life to Christ and became an ordained minister. He founded Strawberry Ministries with his wife Tracy, and now he travels 270 days a year with his son Jordan to preach in churches, schools, prisons, and hospitals.
“I found out that real freedom doesn’t come from trying harder, but from letting go,” Strawberry said. “Grace met me in the middle of my mess, not after I cleaned it up. My life didn’t change overnight, but my direction did when I gave it to God.”
He also shares his whole testimony in his new book, ‘Another Life: Discovering the Healing Power of Purpose on My Long Journey from Player to Preacher‘, coming out August 11, 2026. As Darryl likes to remind us from John 14:6, Jesus is the only way, truth, and light who sets us free.
The Power of God’s Grace
What a wonderful reminder this story gives us today. Our hold should not be on the temporary things this world offers. No such things can satisfy our souls. Our focus should be on our eternal life with God.
Darryl’s testimony also reminds us about the boundless grace of God to humanity. We were all lost and dead in our sins. But God sent His Son to die for our sins and bring us back to His love. He won the ultimate victory over death and sin through His resurrection. The price for our sins has already been paid. So do not let your past or present pull you away from the love of God.
Repent and surrender your heart to Him. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and take that next step of baptism in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as a sign of your new beginning in Christ.
Let us keep Darryl Strawberry, his family and his ministry in our prayers.
Pre-order Darryl Strawberry’s new book ‘Another Life’ here. (We may earn a small commission if you purchase through this link, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our ministry.)
WATCH: Baseball Legend Darryl Strawberry Shares His Powerful Testimony of Faith and Redemption
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