Baseball legend Darryl Strawberry visited Falk College in late March while in Syracuse for a radio event. Before heading back to New York City, Strawberry engaged with students, sharing insights about his career and personal journey.
Reflecting on his teenage years in South Central Los Angeles, Strawberry had aspirations of becoming a Major League Baseball player. He stated, “You have to build yourself up and say that is me; that’s how you push through those fears and anxiety.” This mindset helped him achieve a successful baseball career, including winning the World Series multiple times.
Strawberry emphasized more than just achieving success. He said, “Believe me, part of the journey on the road to where we want to go isn’t always a smooth road. That’s why you have to remember who you are.” The visit, organized by Brandon Steiner, chair of Falk College’s Sport Management Advisory Council, was an opportunity for students to learn from Strawberry’s experiences.
Steiner, who has known Strawberry for over 40 years, described him as “a better person than a ballplayer,” expressing the importance of hearing about life’s challenges directly from Strawberry. In 1980, Strawberry embarked on his professional baseball career, drafted first overall by the Mets, opting out of a scholarship from Oklahoma State University.
Despite a challenging start in Kingsport, Tennessee, Strawberry pushed through adversity, inspired by his mother’s advice: “Quitting is not an option.” He went on to win the NL Rookie of the Year award in 1983 and experienced great success with the Mets, later signing a significant contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Personal struggles continued, leading to his suspension for cocaine use and eventual release from the Giants before joining the Yankees.
Strawberry now focuses on ministry work, offering guidance and inspiration, saying, “I wanted to stop by and encourage you guys because I want you to win this thing called life.” He urged students to leverage their intelligence for success, reinforcing the value of character and perseverance.
Falk College continues to offer students interactions with prominent figures in sports, contributing to their academic and professional growth.
