Have you ever wondered about Darryl Strawberry’s biography and net worth? This baseball legend captured hearts with his powerful swings and dramatic life story. From rising as a star in Major League Baseball to facing tough personal battles, Strawberry’s journey shows resilience and comeback spirit. Today, he inspires many through his faith and advocacy work.
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Darryl Eugene Strawberry Sr. |
| Nickname / Stage Name | Straw, Straw Man |
| Date of Birth | March 12, 1962 |
| Age | 63 (as of January 2026) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Retired professional baseball player, ordained minister, motivational speaker, autism advocate |
| Known For | Eight-time MLB All-Star, three-time World Series champion, powerful home run hitter |
| Height | 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) |
| Family / Spouse | Married to Tracy Boulware (since 2006); father of five children (Darryl Jr., Diamond, Jade, Jewel, Jordan); blended family with nine kids total |
| Education | Crenshaw High School, Los Angeles |
| Social Media Followers | Instagram: approximately 241,000; X (Twitter): around 700 on main account |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1.5 million (as of 2025 estimates) |
Early Life and Background
Darryl Strawberry grew up in a tough neighborhood in South Central Los Angeles. Born to parents Henry and Ruby Strawberry, he had four siblings: brothers Michael, Ronnie, and sisters Regina and Michelle. His father, known as Big Hank, struggled with alcohol and could be abusive, which left a mark on young Darryl. Baseball became his escape. He starred at Crenshaw High School, playing alongside future pro Chris Brown. His older brother, Michael, also played professional baseball, setting an example.
From a young age, Darryl showed huge talent. He signed a letter of intent to play college ball at Oklahoma State, but fate had other plans. In 1980, the New York Mets picked him first overall in the MLB draft. This launched him into the big leagues, though the pressures of fame would later test him.
Career Journey and Achievements
Strawberry’s big break came when he debuted with the Mets in 1983. He quickly made waves, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors. His towering frame and long, looping swing drew comparisons to legends like Ted Williams. Over 17 seasons, he played for the Mets (1983-1990), Los Angeles Dodgers (1991-1993), San Francisco Giants (1994), and New York Yankees (1995-1999).
Major Milestones
He became an eight-time All-Star from 1984 to 1991, starting in right field for five straight years. In 1988, he led the National League with 39 home runs and won a Silver Slugger Award (he got another in 1990). Strawberry hit memorable marks, like two three-home-run games and two pinch-hit grand slams in one season, a rare feat shared by only five players in MLB history.
World Series Wins
His crowning moments included three World Series titles: with the Mets in 1986, and the Yankees in 1996 and 1999. He finished his career with a .259 batting average, 335 home runs, and 1,000 RBIs. The Mets honored him by retiring his number 18 in 2024 and inducting him into their Hall of Fame in 2010. Until 2025, his 252 home runs as a Met held the club record, later broken by Pete Alonso.
Challenges During Career
Substance abuse issues led to suspensions and stints in rehab, cutting into his potential. Despite this, he contributed to championship teams and became one of only three players to suit up for all four original New York-based MLB teams.
Personal Life and Relationships
Strawberry’s personal life has seen ups and downs. He has been married three times. His first marriage to Lisa Andrews produced two children: son Darryl Jr. (DJ, born 1985, who played college basketball at Maryland and was drafted by the Phoenix Suns) and daughter Diamond. They divorced in the early 1990s.
His second marriage to Charisse Simons brought three more kids: daughters Jade and Jewel, and son Jordan (who played college basketball for Mercer). This marriage ended in divorce in 2006 amid financial and personal struggles.
In 2006, he married Tracy Boulware, whom he met at a drug recovery convention. They share a strong Christian faith and live in St. Charles County, Missouri. Tracy brought three sons from her previous relationship, making their blended family a total of nine children. Strawberry has five grandkids and often shares family moments on social media.
Beyond family, he battled addictions to drugs, alcohol, and even admitted to sex addiction during his playing days. Health scares hit hard: colon cancer in 1998 (requiring chemotherapy and kidney removal in 2000), and a heart attack in 2024, from which he recovered after a stent procedure. Today, he’s focused on ministry and advocacy.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Darryl Strawberry’s estimated net worth stands at about $1.5 million, according to sites like CelebrityNetWorth, which base figures on public data, career earnings, and assets. Keep in mind, these are estimates, not verified totals, as celebrities’ finances can fluctuate.
How He Built His Wealth
During his MLB career, Strawberry earned around $30.6 million in salaries. Highlights include a five-year, $20.25 million deal with the Dodgers in 1991 (worth about $43.65 million today adjusted for inflation) and earlier Mets contracts peaking at $1.8 million yearly. Postseason bonuses from Yankee championships added more.
A key part was a deferred annuity from his 1985 Mets deal: roughly $1.28 million paid out monthly starting in 2010. But legal troubles ate into this.
Financial Struggles and Bankruptcy
Despite big earnings, addictions, divorces, and tax issues led to heavy losses. In the 1990s, he owed over $500,000 in unpaid federal taxes from 1987 to 1990. By 2006, during his second divorce, courts ordered part of his annuity for spousal support. The IRS seized the rest in 2014 for back taxes, auctioning it off with a $550,000 minimum bid.
Strawberry once said he was $3 million in debt before turning his life around. Legal battles included child support disputes and unpaid fees. He filed for bankruptcy protection at points, though details are sparse.
Path to Redemption
Recovery came through faith. He became an ordained minister and motivational speaker, earning from speaking gigs, books, and appearances. With Tracy, he founded Strawberry Ministries to help those with addictions and the Darryl Strawberry Foundation for autism support (inspired by a nephew). A short-lived restaurant, Strawberry’s Sports Grill (2010-2012), was another venture. In 2025, President Donald Trump pardoned him for a 1995 tax evasion conviction, closing a chapter.
Today, income likely comes from ministry, speaking (he keynotes at events like men’s conferences), and MLB-related roles, like Mets instructor or analyst for SportsNet New York.
Notable Facts and Trivia
- Strawberry appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated seven times, a sign of his stardom.
- He guest-starred as himself in a famous Simpsons episode, “Homer at the Bat.”
- In 2010, he competed on The Apprentice, finishing 12th.
- He’s one of the few players to hit home runs in both Shea Stadium and Citi Field for the Mets.
- Strawberry donated to charities and headlined events like BGC Charity Day in 2010.
- He overcame colon cancer twice and a 2024 heart attack, attending Mets ceremonies shortly after recovery.
Impact and Legacy
Darryl Strawberry matters because he represents untapped potential and second chances. In baseball, he was a feared slugger who helped revive the Mets in the 1980s and boosted the Yankees’ dynasty. His story influences fans and athletes, showing how personal demons can derail careers but faith can rebuild lives.
Beyond sports, as a minister and advocate, he helps people with addictions and autism. His openness about struggles inspires recovery stories. While some see him as a cautionary tale, others view his redemption as a powerful legacy in sports and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Estimates put it at $1.5 million, mainly from his MLB career earnings, though reduced by past financial issues. Sources like CelebrityNetWorth use public records for these figures.
He rose to fame as the first overall pick in the 1980 MLB draft by the New York Mets, debuting in 1983 and winning Rookie of the Year. His home run power and All-Star status made him a star.
He won three World Series (1986 Mets, 1996 and 1999 Yankees), was an eight-time All-Star, and hit 335 career home runs. The Mets retired his number 18 in 2024.
In 2026, he lives in Missouri with his wife, Tracy, focusing on ministry, speaking at events like men’s conferences, and advocating for autism awareness. He’s active in motivational work and occasional baseball appearances.
Yes, through faith and recovery programs. He became a born-again Christian, ordained minister, and helps others via Strawberry Ministries.
He battled colon cancer in 1998 and 2000, and had a heart attack in 2024, recovering with a stent.
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