Darryl Strawberry Talks Addiction and Recovery

After battling cocaine and alcohol addiction throughout much of his famed baseball career, Darryl Strawberry has now been sober for more than a decade.

Not only is he committed to helping others overcome substance use challenges, but he has also started a treatment center to support people in recovery.

Strawberry shared his story with about 300 people at the annual Coastal Horizons Center luncheon in Florida earlier this month, which raised funds for the nonprofit organization. The four-time World Series champion aimed to motivate attendees and emphasized that recovery is possible with commitment and support.

“Eleven years ago, I stuck a needle in my arm for the first time, and that’s when I realized I was really sick,” said Strawberry. “I used drugs and alcohol for a long time, and it started when I was 21 years old… It was about 11 years ago that I realized that I could reach for something greater than myself and get well.”

Darryl Strawberry’s Story

Strawberry was suspended by Major League Baseball on three occasions for substance use. He received a 140-game suspension in 1999 for possession of cocaine and soliciting sex. He later violated his probation in September 2000 after blacking out from taking painkillers while driving and causing an accident, which led to two years of house arrest.

Strawberry was also arrested and incarcerated on several occasions after leaving court-ordered treatment programs to use drugs. After violating several non-substance-related rules at a Florida treatment center while on probation, he was sentenced to 18 months in jail in March 2002. Strawberry was released after 11 months and has reportedly been sober since then.

A New Hope for the Future

He has continued his work with the Darryl Strawberry Foundation, which supports children with autism.

Last January, he opened The Darryl Strawberry Recovery Center in St. Cloud, Florida, and he hopes to eventually open two more treatment facilities.

“It’s not about me,” he said. “Sometimes people think celebrities and athletes are all about themselves, and at one point I was… I was a great baseball player and had a chance to do that. I just want to be able to help some of those who are less fortunate than me.”

One of the biggest lessons Strawberry seems to have learned is that recovery is a journey. While he experienced setbacks along the way, his persistence and commitment have contributed to his long-term sobriety. It’s also worth remembering that relapse (even a significant one) doesn’t mean recovery isn’t possible.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Recovery.com helps you compare treatment centers, understand care options, and find support that fits your needs, so you can take the next step with confidence.