WASHINGTON — Former New York Mets star Darryl Strawberry has received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump for his 1995 conviction for tax fraud. Strawberry, who is celebrated for his incredible career in Major League Baseball as a three-time World Series champion and eight-time All-Star, had served 11 months in a Florida state prison related to drug offenses and later pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.
The announcement was made by a White House official, who stated that Strawberry had indeed paid his dues after serving time and repaying a substantial amount in back taxes. Specifically, following his guilty plea, Strawberry was sentenced to three years of probation and was required to pay $350,000 in back taxes.
Since leaving the sport, Strawberry has made significant changes in his life. Embracing his Christian faith, he has been sober for over a decade and has taken an active role in ministry. Notably, Strawberry has established a recovery center that continues to offer support to those in need.
It is important to note that while the pardon addresses his tax fraud conviction, it does not erase the drug-related charges from his past, as those were prosecuted at the state level rather than federally. Strawberry’s journey reflects not only personal redemption but also a commitment to giving back to the community through his faith and recovery efforts.