Former Mets and Yankees outfielder Darryl Strawberry, who celebrates his 62nd birthday on Tuesday, announced in an Instagram post late Monday night that he is recovering from a heart attack.
“I praise God for his amazing grace and loving mercy in saving my life from a heart attack tonight. I am so happy and honored to report that all is well,” he wrote.
“I am so grateful to the medical team and staff at St. Joseph West in Lake St. Louis for their quick response and allowing me to undergo the stent surgery to fully recover my heart!!!” In the name of Jesus , your prayers are truly appreciated as I continue my recovery! ”
Strawberry was drafted by the Mets in the first round of the 1980 MLB Amateur Draft out of Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles. He stayed with Queen’s for eight seasons, being named an All-Star in each season and winning Rookie of the Year in 1983.— Bridget Riley
He then returned to his hometown and played three seasons with the Dodgers and another with the Giants before returning East and playing five seasons with the Yankees before retiring.
Strawberry never fully returned to the form he had during his time with the Mets, hitting .263 with an .878 OPS in 1,109 games. He hit 252 home runs with the Mets and 335 in his 17-year career.
He led the Mets to a World Series championship in 1986, and led the Yankees to two World Series championships in 1996 and 1999.
He will have his No. 18 jersey retired by the Mets on June 1 at Citi Field.
