Introduction
Darryl Eugene Strawberry was born on March 12 1962 in Los Angeles, California, and went on to become one of the most powerful and polarising figures in Major League Baseball during the 1980s and 1990s.
In this article we’ll look at his personal life (particularly his wife), his financial situation (net worth), his legacy and honours (Hall of Fame / team honours) and the controversies that followed him — all in a format.
Wife & Family Life
Strawberry’s personal life has had its share of ups and downs, especially regarding relationships and marriage.
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He has been married multiple times. His second wife, Charisse Strawberry, filed for divorce after nearly 12 years in October 2005.
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In 2006 he married his third wife, Tracy Boulware. The two met at a drug-recovery convention, bonded over shared faith, and founded together a foundation dedicated to children with autism.
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In October 2025, Strawberry shared that Tracy was battling early-stage cancer and facing hip replacement surgery — highlighting the couple’s ongoing personal challenges.
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Darryl & Tracy have worked together in ministry and outreach, anchored by their Christian faith.
Why it matters: For fans and observers, Strawberry’s marital journey illustrates how his off-field life intertwined with his on-field identity — one of striving, fall-backs, and redemption.
Net Worth & Financial Story
When assessing Darryl Strawberry’s financial standing, the headline figure is modest compared to his stardom — but the story behind it is rich with insight.
Net Worth Estimates
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Various outlets estimate his current net worth at around US$1.5 million.
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Some older estimates place his net worth at around US$2 million (as of 2012).
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Even though he earned tens of millions in career earnings (reportedly around US$30 million) during his playing days, his net worth today remains comparatively low.
Why such a gap?
Several factors contributed to the disparity between earnings and current net worth:
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He had a deferred contract with the New York Mets which the IRS later moved to auction off for unpaid tax debts.
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Legal troubles, child-support and tax issues eroded his financial base.
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Investments and business ventures (such as his restaurant) did not always succeed long-term.
Key takeaway
Even a superstar athlete’s earnings don’t guarantee lasting wealth — understanding contracts, taxes, endorsements, and long-term planning matter deeply.
Hall of Fame & Legacy
When discussing legacy, Darryl Strawberry’s career is a blend of high achievement and “what-could-have-been”.
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He was the first overall pick by the Mets in the 1980 MLB draft.
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Over 17 seasons, he compiled stats of .259 batting average, 335 home runs and 1,000 RBIs.
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He earned 8 consecutive All-Star selections (1984–1991).
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He won three (some sources say four) World Series championships.
What about the Hall of Fame?
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He is not currently inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. (At least up to the most recent update.)
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However, his former team the Mets have honoured him: his number 18 was retired by the Mets in 2024, which speaks to his significance to that franchise.
Legacy Summary
Strawberry remains one of the iconic power hitters of his era — especially in New York. Yet his legacy also carries the asterisk of “what might’ve been more” had injuries, behaviour and life-choices gone differently.
Controversies & Challenges
No article about Darryl Strawberry is complete without addressing his controversies — off-field troubles which impacted his career and life.
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Substance Abuse & Legal Issues
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He struggled with cocaine and alcohol addiction, which led to multiple arrests and rehab stints.
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In 1995 he pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion related to failing to report income from autograph shows and memorabilia sales.
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Financial/Contractual Problems
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His deferred annuity contract with the Mets became subject to IRS actions due to unpaid taxes; part of the annuity was auctioned off.
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His net worth shrinkage is in part the result of these financial and legal burdens.
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Behaviour on Field & Off Field
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During his playing days he was criticised for being late, missing workouts, and having clubhouse altercations.
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He himself admitted to sex-addiction and other excesses.
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Health & Redemption
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In more recent years, he has become a born-again Christian and opened up about his transformation.
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In 2025, he disclosed that his wife was facing health issues, adding a new dimension of personal challenge.
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Why important: The controversies provide important context for his career arc — rising star → troubled superstar → redemption story. They also serve as cautionary tales for athletes and public figures about managing success and private life.
Summary
Darryl Strawberry’s story is one of brilliance on the baseball field, marital ups and downs, financial highs and lows, and ultimately personal redemption. From his power-hitting peak with the Mets and Yankees to his current net worth of around $1.5 million, from marrying Tracy Boulware after earlier relationship turbulence, to his ongoing ministry work after battling addictions — his life covers a spectrum of human experience. Though not yet inducted into the Hall of Fame, his number 18 retirement by the Mets and his 335 home runs reflect a legacy that remains potent. At the same time, his tax evasion plea, annuity auction, and personal challenges remind us that fame does not shield one from consequence.
