Darryl Strawberry Praises Trump During Inspirational Church Sermon

Former New York Mets superstar Darryl Strawberry expressed heartfelt gratitude towards President Donald Trump during a moving church sermon held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Sunday. The event was attended by a congregation of more than 400, who greeted Strawberry with enthusiastic applause when he acknowledged Trump’s support.

Earlier this month, Trump granted a pardon to Strawberry for his past legal troubles, which included tax evasion and drug-related offenses. This act of clemency marked a pivotal moment in Strawberry’s life, and he did not shy away from sharing it with the congregation.

Strawberry remarked, “God just completely set me free when he gave me a pardon from President Donald J. Trump. Other presidents had opportunities, but they didn’t do it.” His words resonated deeply as he reflected on the challenges he faced throughout his career.

A Stellar Baseball Career

Strawberry, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1980 MLB Draft, debuted in 1983 at the age of 21. He became a key player for the Mets until 1990, contributing significantly during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees. Throughout his career, Strawberry accumulated impressive statistics, including three World Series titles, 335 home runs, and a batting average of .259 with an OPS of .862.

Despite his on-field success, Strawberry faced numerous challenges off the field. He grappled with personal and legal issues, ultimately serving 11 months in a Florida prison due to a violation of probation stemming from substance abuse.

The Power of Faith

At 63 years old, Strawberry attributed his turnaround to his Christian faith, which he emphasized during the sermon. He proudly declared, “All glory to God because he found me in a pit and put me in a pulpit.” This statement underscores the profound impact his faith has had on his life, allowing him to maintain sobriety for over two decades.

With a hint of humor, Strawberry mentioned, “The devil should have killed me when he had a chance,” expressing both gratitude and astonishment at his journey.

Connecting with Trump

Strawberry recounted his surprise when he heard from Trump on November 6, the day the president announced the pardon. The two had previously connected during the filming of “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2010. Strawberry remembered their interactions fondly, saying, “We just talked about my baseball career in the 1980s and what kind of player I was. He was just telling me how great of a player I was.”

During their conversations, Trump often joked about his own athletic abilities. Strawberry remarked, “He joked around that he couldn’t hit a baseball. I said, ‘Well, the way you hit a golf ball, you could probably hit a baseball.'” This light-hearted banter helped solidify their rapport.

Facing the Past

Strawberry also discussed his legal troubles, including a guilty plea in 1999 for failing to report $350,000 in income from autographs and memorabilia sales. He shared that Trump confronted him about these past mistakes, saying, “He told me, ‘You know you did some very bad things.’ But he added, ‘Today, the way your life is, your faith, and your efforts to help people, I’m giving you a full pardon. You’re going to be clean. I’m wiping everything out.’” This moment marked a significant rebirth for Strawberry, as he moved forward from his turbulent past.

The Legacy of Darryl Strawberry and Doc Gooden

Throughout their careers, Strawberry and his former teammate Doc Gooden have been frequently linked, both having faced their share of challenges related to substance abuse. While Strawberry successfully reassessed his life earlier, Gooden has recently displayed a commitment to sobriety as well. Their reunion during last year’s National League Championship Series showcased their enduring bond as two legends of the game.

Last season, both players’ numbers were retired by the Mets, a testament to their significant impact on the franchise and the sport. This honor highlighted their accomplishments on the field while also acknowledging their personal battles.

A New Chapter

As he continues to inspire others, Darryl Strawberry remains a compelling figure in both sports and faith communities. His journey from the struggles of addiction and legal issues to finding clarity and purpose serves as a powerful narrative of redemption. With the support of his faith and newfound freedom, Strawberry aims to help others facing similar challenges.

The sermon in Oklahoma not only celebrated Strawberry’s achievements but also served as a reminder of the transformative power of second chances and unwavering belief in one’s potential. His story encourages individuals to embrace their faith and seek healing, regardless of their past.