Trump Grants Full Pardon to Baseball Legend Darryl Strawberry

Former President Donald Trump granted a full pardon to baseball Hall of Famer Darryl Strawberry on November 7, 2025. The pardon officially closes the book on Strawberry’s 1995 federal tax evasion conviction. This act of clemency wipes the legal slate clean for the eight-time All-Star.

The decision was based on Strawberry’s decades of rehabilitation and public service. White House officials cited his long-term sobriety and ministry work.

The Legal and Personal Struggles of a Baseball Icon

Strawberry’s legal troubles began in the mid-1990s. He pleaded guilty to not reporting hundreds of thousands in income from memorabilia sales. He paid over $430,000 in restitution to the government.

His challenges extended far beyond the courtroom. Strawberry publicly battled substance abuse and was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1998. These struggles led to multiple probation violations and an 11-month prison sentence.

His baseball career was equally dramatic. He was a key part of the New York Mets’ 1986 World Series championship team. He later won three more titles with the New York Yankees, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.

A Path to Redemption and Public Service

In his post-baseball life, Strawberry underwent a profound transformation. He became an ordained minister and embraced his Christian faith. According to CBS News, he has used his platform to help others facing addiction.

He and his wife, Tracy, founded the Darryl Strawberry Recovery Center in Florida. The center focuses on helping individuals overcome addiction through faith-based programs. This work was a key factor cited in the White House’s pardon announcement.

Strawberry has been sober for over a decade. He often speaks about his journey toward becoming a better man and father.

The Presidential Phone Call and Public Reaction

Strawberry described the moment he learned of the pardon on social media. He was at home when he received a surprise call from President Trump. The former president informed him directly of the full pardon.

Strawberry expressed profound gratitude for the gesture. He stated the pardon allows him to be “truly free and clean” from his past. According to ESPN, he emphasized that the act was about friendship, not politics.

The pardon has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Some see it as a deserved recognition of personal growth. Others view it as part of a broader pattern of high-profile clemency.

The Darryl Strawberry pardon represents a formal end to a long and public journey through scandal, recovery, and redemption. His story continues to inspire those facing similar battles, proving that personal transformation is always possible.

Thought you’d like to know

What was Darryl Strawberry originally convicted for?

Strawberry pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion in 1995. He failed to report approximately $350,000 in income from memorabilia and appearances. He paid full restitution for the owed taxes and penalties.

How did Darryl Strawberry react to the pardon?

He expressed overwhelming gratitude and shock. Strawberry posted on social media that he felt truly free from his past. He described the pardon as a deeply personal, not political, moment.

What does Darryl Strawberry do now?

He is an ordained minister and addiction recovery advocate. Strawberry co-runs the Darryl Strawberry Recovery Center in Florida with his wife. He focuses on helping others through faith-based programs.

How many World Series did Darryl Strawberry win?

Darryl Strawberry won four World Series titles during his career. His first was with the New York Mets in 1986. He then won three consecutive titles with the New York Yankees from 1998 to 2000.

Why did President Trump pardon Darryl Strawberry?

The White House cited Strawberry’s post-career rehabilitation and ministry. Officials highlighted his long-term sobriety and work helping others. The decision was framed as a recognition of his personal transformation.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, Reuters, CBS News, ESPN, NBC News