Darryl Strawberry Receives Full Pardon from Donald Trump

Former New York Mets star pitcher Darryl Strawberry received a full pardon from former President Donald Trump on November 6, 2023, clearing his record of a tax evasion conviction from 1995. The announcement came via an emotional Instagram post by Strawberry, who expressed gratitude for the pardon, stating it allows him to feel “truly free.”

In his post, Strawberry detailed the moment he received the call from Trump. He recalled, “Half asleep, I glanced over and saw a call from Washington, DC. Curious, I answered, and to my amazement, the lady on the line said, ‘Darryl Strawberry, you have a call from the President of the United States, Donald Trump.’” Strawberry shared that Trump spoke fondly of his baseball career, particularly his time with the Mets, and then informed him of the pardon.

Throughout his illustrious career, spanning from 1983 to 1999, Strawberry achieved significant accolades, including being an eight-time MLB All-Star and a three-time World Series champion. Despite his success, his career was marred by personal challenges, including legal issues and substance abuse. In 1995, he pleaded guilty to tax evasion after failing to report over $350,000 in income derived from autographs, personal appearances, and memorabilia sales between 1986 and 1990.

According to a report from the New York Times, a White House official noted that Strawberry has since paid back the owed taxes and has made significant life changes. “Following his career, Mr. Strawberry found faith in Christianity and has been sober for over a decade—he has become active in ministry and started a recovery center which still operates today,” the official stated.

Strawberry emphasized that the pardon was not a political matter but a personal gesture. “This is about a man, President Trump, caring deeply for a friend. God used him as a vessel to set me free forever!” he wrote, sharing photos from the call on his social media.

In 2024, the Mets honored Strawberry by retiring his jersey number 18. During the ceremony, he reflected on his departure from the team in 1990, expressing remorse to the fans. “I’m truly, deeply sorry that I ever left you guys,” he told the crowd. Throughout his 17-year career, Strawberry accumulated 335 career home runs and 1,000 RBIs, concluding his time in baseball as a player for the Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees.

This pardon marks a notable chapter in Strawberry’s life, symbolizing not only legal redemption but also personal transformation.