President Trump has issued a second pardon to a participant from the well-known series “Celebrity Apprentice” during his current term.
In February, he commuted the 14-year sentence of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who is a Democrat, and granted him a pardon. Fast forward to 2020, and the latest pardon addresses a different case involving a famous baseball figure.
“President Trump has granted a pardon to Darryl Strawberry,” a three-time World Series champion and eight-time MLB All-Star, said a White House official.
Strawberry had a noteworthy 17-year career, primarily with the New York Mets, although he ended his career with the New York Yankees. In 1995, he admitted guilt to a charge of tax evasion for not reporting around $500,000 earned from baseball card events and autographs from 1986 to 1990.
At that time, he was given three years of probation, six months of home confinement, and had to pay $350,000 in restitution.
During his early thirties, Strawberry also faced significant challenges with substance abuse that affected his baseball career.
He was a fan favorite with the Mets and even made a memorable appearance in an iconic “Simpsons” episode. However, his troubles escalated after joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, and following the 1991 All-Star season, he never completed a full season again.
Just days before a federal court date in 1995 concerning tax evasion, he was dismissed from MLB due to ongoing issues with cocaine and was released from the San Francisco Giants.
Months later, he signed with the Yankees but only managed to play in 32 games before retiring from baseball in 1999.
A recent statement from the White House noted, “Darryl Strawberry has pled guilty to a tax evasion charge, served his time, and repaid his taxes.” Over time, Strawberry discovered his Christian faith and has remained sober for over a decade. He’s been involved in ministry and continues to run a recovery center.
In recent years, he has been lauded for overcoming addiction and focusing on his faith, frequently preaching alongside his wife.
Strawberry has shared messages of hope, emphasizing that nothing is beyond the reach of God, even in challenging moments. “We all make mistakes,” he has stated, acknowledging his past issues.
He concluded with a heartfelt message about his journey, recognizing his flaws but celebrating the grace that has transformed his life.
