Trump Pardons Mets Legend Darryl Strawberry Over 1995 Tax Evasion Conviction
President Donald Trump has officially pardoned former New York Mets star and “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant Darryl Strawberry, clearing the MLB legend’s 1995 federal conviction for tax evasion.
Strawberry, a three-time World Series champion and eight-time All-Star, pleaded guilty three decades ago to failing to report more than $500,000 in income. He paid $350,000 in back taxes and penalties, served six months under house arrest, and was placed on probation. Now, with the stroke of a pen, Trump has expunged that conviction.
A White House official confirmed the pardon Friday, citing Strawberry’s efforts at redemption: “Following his career, Mr. Strawberry found faith in Christianity and has been sober for over a decade — he has become active in ministry and started a recovery center which still operates today.”
Trump and Strawberry’s personal connection dates back to season three of The Celebrity Apprentice. This latest move makes Strawberry the second contestant from that season to receive clemency from Trump, following the 2020 pardon of disgraced former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.
Strawberry’s baseball career was as electrifying as it was troubled. After being named 1983 National League Rookie of the Year, he hit 335 career home runs and notched exactly 1,000 RBIs. But his off-the-field issues — primarily centered around drug abuse — derailed what many once assumed would be a Hall of Fame career.
In addition to his federal tax case, Strawberry also racked up state-level convictions, including cocaine possession, solicitation, and probation violations. Trump’s pardon only applies to the federal conviction and does not erase the rest of Strawberry’s criminal record.
Still, the pardon marks a symbolic second chance for a once-towering figure in baseball. “It’s a story of redemption,” a Trump aide said, “and the president wanted to recognize the progress he’s made.”
Strawberry, now 63, continues to advocate for addiction recovery and faith-based ministry.