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Former New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees star outfielder Darryl Strawberry has been going to different schools in the midwest this week to talk to high school students about restoration and how they can turn their lives around.
Darryl Strawberry has been enouraging students in the Midwest this week about restoration and how they can turn their lives around.
Strawberry was at Steubenville High School in Ohio on Sept. 22, per WTOV9.com:
“Darryl Strawberry is the all-time leading home run hitter for the New York Mets whose baseball career, and for a while, his (personal) life, were derailed by a drug and alcohol addiction.
“On Monday, he spoke with the entire student body at Steubenville High School to offer a message he says is crucial — find your purpose in life. Soon after Strawberry found fame, he realized the price of it came with life-altering consequences.
“‘Through God in my life is why I stand here today,’ Strawberry said. ‘There were issues in me embedded at a young age — and they eventually play out. In this generation, I think young kids are challenged with so many things, and you just want to guide them around because of the many challenges they face today.’
“Strawberry, also a cancer survivor, has found a fulfilling life as a pastor and an advocate for others suffering from substance abuse. With the help of Bobbyjon Bauman, pastor of youth and young families at Sarkdale Church in Steubenville, Strawberry was able to share his message of hope.
“‘He has a dynamic life story and testimony about how he went through a really rough period in his life but later on was able to beat that through the power of God,’ Bauman said.
“Strawberry will be speaking at a community-wide event tonight starting at 7 at the Big Red auditorium. His appearance will be used to launch the new Fellowship of Christian Athletes program coming to local schools. Strawberry will be preaching about how God transformed his life and how he became a true man of faith.”
http://t.co/Caq90coTTA 1990 Sports Illustrated Darryl Strawberry New York Mets the Amazing Mets #Mets http://t.co/hPyhtAw1TC— I Get It (@NYMetsX2) September 26, 2014
Three days later, Strawberry and his wife Tracy were at Manual High School in Peioria, Ill., according to CentralIllinoisProud.com:
“A former major league baseball star and his wife are in central Illinois to speak about their restored lives.
“Eight-time All-Star Darry Strawberry and his wife Tracy spoke to students at Manual High School this morning.
“Drugs and alcohol addictions ended this 17-year baseball career in 1999.
“He had two failed marriages, but now is clean, sober, and credits his faith in God for the turnaround.
“Darryl Strawberry/Former MLB star: ‘I came from a broken situation. I’m able to help kids who are in broken situations, you can be fixed. Me and my wife love to show people restoration si real. It can happen to anybody if they are willing to say yes to God,’ said Darryl Strawberry.
“Strawberry also talked to youth baseball players at the Proctor Center after school program this afternoon.
“After speaking to students at Manual, the Strawberrys made their way to the Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon.
“They attended as the keynote speakers.
“The luncheon is a special time for local leaders together and share their faith and prayers for the City of Peoria.
“Mayor Ardis says he’s thankful for such a great turnout.
“‘I’m really here today, thankful that our community is willing to come forward publicly and express their desire to praise the Lord and to understand the power of prayer. The sellout crowd here today speaks for itself,’ said Mayor Jim Ardis.”
The 52-year-old Strawberry amassed 335 home runs and 1,000 RBIs on a .259 batting average in 1,583 career regular-season games for the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees, per ESPN stats.
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