Darryl Strawberry’s name is mentioned in more than just Major League Baseball record books. Although his remarkable talent gave him multiple opportunities in life, he had been raised by an abusive father and was filled with anger and depression, leading to several arrests for drugs, driving under the influence and other serious infractions.
Last Saturday at the Salvation Army’s annual Soup, Soap and Salvation fundraising dinner at the Oak Harbor Club, Strawberry shared his story in front of 300 supporters, saying a forgiving God had not only saved his life but his father’s as well.
“The man that beat me, I was able to bring to the Lord,” said Strawberry. “God used me to bring him.”
The event has become known as a night of inspiration and support for an organization that practices what it preaches – “to do the most good.” Previous speakers have included Richard LeMieux, Ted Williams and John Walsh, who each shared stories of how faith saved their lives in times of hardship and emotional pain.
John Corapi, the Vero Beach Salvation Army’s dedicated and enthusiastic director of development, had heard Strawberry speak on HBO’s Inside Sports and recognized that his story was a perfect fit for the mission.
“Darryl’s Strawberry Ministries is about redemption,” said Corapi. “Through his ministry Darryl is restoring lives and giving people hope. That is what the Salvation Army also does and I just knew I wanted to get him here. I reached out to him to come to Vero Beach to tell his story and he said ‘absolutely’ on the spot.”
Some guests, including young brothers Vincent, Joseph and Anthony Celano who clutched baseballs they hoped to have signed, came to see their sports hero. Strawberry, an eight-time All-Star and four-time World Series champion, played for the New York Mets and Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.
“I am a fan but I am also hoping the boys learn a little bit about the Salvation Army tonight too,” said their father, Vincent Celano.
After a brief video about the Salvation Army, Jason Redmon, co-host of sports radio’s The Sideline Show, introduced Strawberry, who spoke openly of his past fame and wealth as well as his destructive periods of deep depression.
“I wasn’t always like this,” said Strawberry, of his current sober life. “I was a sinner and a cheater. I tell kids that if they don’t really think I was a heathen, go Google me.”
Strawberry recently moved to Orlando where he is expanding his ministry. He brought many of the guests close to tears with his heartfelt sincerity, encouraging them to share their love of God by supporting the Salvation Army to help others in need.
“I am so happy to see how straight and grounded he is,” said guest Larry Wood. “He was an excellent and exciting baseball player but that is second to what his life is now. His ministry is much more important than just being a baseball player.”
