After he made a proclamation late on Monday, the New York Mets have decided to retire former slugger Darryl Strawberry’s No. 18 on June 1. Thankfully, this will not be done posthumously.
The former MLB player posted on Instagram to disclose that he had suffered a heart attack. He is now recuperating at St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis.
“Praising God for His amazing grace and loving mercy in saving my life this evening from a heart attack,’’ revealed Strawberry who, ironically, is celebrating his 62nd birthday on Tuesday. “I am so happy and honored to report that all is well.’’
Throughout his 17-year career, the 6-foot-6 Strawberry played eight seasons for the Mets and five for the Yankees. He was grateful to the medical personnel for saving his life.
“So thankful for the medical team and staff at St. Joseph West in Lake St. Louis for responding so quickly and bringing me through a stent-procedure that has brought my heart to total restoration!!!’’ he said. “Your prayers are so absolutely appreciated as I continue to recover, in Jesus Name!’’
A photo of Strawberry sitting in a hospital bed with two women—one of whom is presumably his current wife, Tracy Boulware—was posted on Instagram. They were all three grinning broadly.
Strawberry had a stellar career and won three World Series: one with the Mets in 1986 and two with the Yankees in 1996 and 1999.Throughout his career, he had a 259 batting average, 335 home runs, and precisely 1,000 RBI. He batted.254 with 40 career postseason games played, nine home runs, and 22 RBI.
Not to be outdone, the 1983 National League Rookie of the Year also survived colon cancer, having been diagnosed shortly before the Yankees’ 1998 postseason.