When former Yankees superstar Darryl Strawberry opened up about his struggles with alcoholism
In April 2001, former Yankees superstar Darryl Strawberry appeared on 60 Minutes and candidly detailed his struggles with addiction.
Darryl is renowned for his spectacular home runs and commanding on-field presence. He also contributed to the World Series victories for the Mets (1986) and the Yankees (1996 and 1999). Strawberry, however, destroyed his chances with alcohol addiction throughout his illustrious baseball career.
Strawberry last played in the major leagues in 1999 with the Yankees. In February 2000, Strawberry tested positive for cocaine and was suspended for the entire season by the former commissioner, Bud Selig. The ban effectively ended Strawberry's baseball career.
A year after serving the suspension, Strawberry opened up about his struggles and how he resorted to alcoholism to escape his feelings.
"Dealing with the effects of childhood abuse and how it affected me in so many [ways]. Drinking became a part where I just escaped from it and stuffed my feelings down. I have done that for years where I stuffed my feelings down and never really expressed how I feel."
Today in Sports History: 2.28.2000-New York Yankees OF Darryl Strawberry was suspended... tmi.me/1f08jK http://t.co/zaVS5KFso9
"Today in Sports History: 2.28.2000-New York Yankees OF Darryl was suspended." - Full Sport Press
According to Strawberry, his alcoholic father physically and verbally abused him as a child. He blamed the agony he experienced as a youngster for his early alcohol and drug usage and the stress of performing in MLB for his later substance misuse.
Former New York Yankees right fielder Darryl Strawberry is now leading a stable life
For the last 11 years, former Yankees star Darryl Strawberry has remained sober and drug-free. He is now dedicated to helping people overcome their addictions through his Florida-based Darryl Strawberry Recovery Center.
"Eleven years ago, I stuck a needle in my arm for the first time and that’s when I realized I was really sick. I used drugs and alcohol for a long time and it started when I was 21 years old. It was about 11 years ago I realized that I could reach for something greater than myself and got well," said Darryl.
Deputy Surgeon General Trent-Adams spoke w/ Darryl Strawberry Recovery Center staff & patients abt their recovery journeys #TurnTheTide #TBT https://t.co/gCI259OZtw
"Deputy Surgeon General Trent-Adams spoke w/ Darryl Recovery Center staff & patients abt their recovery journeys." - Dr. Vivek Murthy
Despite repeated setbacks in his recovery, Darryl's perseverance has helped him to emerge sober today.