Darryl Strawberry to share story of addiction and recovery

WALLENPAUCK — Former New York Met and New York Yankee Darryl Strawberry will share his inspirational story of recovery from the drug and alcohol addiction that plagued the nine-time All-Star’s 17-year career.
He'll give his talk in the Wallenpaupack Area High School gym at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 20.
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Strawberry was one of the most feared sluggers in the game, known for his prodigious home runs and his intimidating presence in the batter's box with his 6-foot-6 frame and his long, looping swing that elicited comparisons to Ted Williams. He captured four World Series Championships.
But his talents and accomplishments on the field at times were largely overshadowed by his controversial life off of it.
His struggles with addiction led to three suspensions by Major League Baseball, leading to many narratives about his massive potential going unfulfilled. He is also a cancer survivor.
Strawberry met his wife, Tracy, in Narcotics Anonymous. The couple was married in 2006 and have since founded The Darryl Strawberry Foundation, an organization dedicated to children with autism. They also founded the Darryl Strawberry Recovery Center in 2014, which has locations in Deland and St. Cloud, Florida. Strawberry is also an ordained minister.
He was invited by Jim Simpson, co-founder of C.A.R.E.S. (Community-Advocacy-Recovery-Education-Support), a drug awareness group in Wayne County, after Simpson had a conversation with Strawberry at an event at PNC Field in Moosic last year.
Simpson is also a certified recovery support specialist at Wayne County Drug and Alcohol Commission.
The C.A.R.E.S. mission is to promote a healthier community by providing support to individuals and families affected by alcoholism and drug addiction; to offer hope and recovery to addicts, alcoholics, their families, loved ones, and the greater community; to educate the community and advocate to reduce the stigma associated with alcoholism and drug addiction.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are free and may be reserved by calling Simpson at Wayne County Drug and Alcohol at 570-253-5970 ext. 3434.
For more information visit caresrecovery.org.