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Baseball Legend Darryl Strawberry To Talk Addiction, Recovery In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Darryl Strawberry, a former Major League Baseball all-star whose career was plagued by incidents of drug abuse, is to speak about his road to recovery at Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.

Baseball great Darryl Strawberry will discuss his career, addiction and recovery at Fairfield University.

Baseball great Darryl Strawberry will discuss his career, addiction and recovery at Fairfield University.

Photo Credit: Contributed

During the 7 p.m. event on April 18, Strawberry is scheduled to give his talk, “From Strikeout to Recovery and Hope,” according to a statement from the university.

The presentation, which traces Strawberry’s struggles with substance abuse and details his “commitment to recovery,” is free and open to the public, according to the school.

Strawberry’s career spanned 17 years with the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. His achievements include winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1983, being part of two World Series winning teams and being named to the All-Star Team nine times. Strawberry also is the only Major League Baseball player to hit two pinch-hit grand slams in the same season.

Despite the accolades, Strawberry – who is now sober for more than 14 years – suffered from alcohol and drug addiction throughout much of his career, according to event organizers, who said the impact on his career and personal life was severe and includes a MLB suspension, two years of house arrest and several stints in jail.

Since becoming sober, however, Strawberry has turned his life around and opened the Darryl Strawberry Recovery Centers, residential centers designed to treat all forms of substance abuse addictions.

“Fairfield University is a pioneer in welcoming and supporting students who have struggled with addiction,” said Susan Birge, PhD, assistant vice president and director of counseling & psychological services. “Darryl Strawberry is not only a true baseball legend, but an inspiration — he has learned from mistakes, made changes, embraced his faith, and is devoted to helping others. His story is one of hope.”

The event is co-sponsored by Fairfield University’s Collegiate Recovery Program, Counseling & Psychological Services and the Office of the Dean of Students.

Learn more about Fairfield University online.

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