MLB Legend Darryl Strawberry Reveals That He Almost Died Earlier This Year

Enigmatic. Talented. These are two ways to describe MLB legend Darryl Strawberry during what was an up-and-down 17-year career for the former New York Mets phenom.

Those of the 1980s and 1990s remember Strawberry full well. He was the first overall pick of the Mets in the 1980 MLB Draft out of Crenshaw High School in Southern California.

Strawberry went on to enjoy a ton of on-field success while dealing with his demons off the field.

Now 62 years old, the eight-time All-Star finds himself in the news.

Strawberry tells TMZ Sports that he suffered a heart attack back in March and nearly died.

“Your prayers are so absolutely appreciated as I continue to recover,” Strawberry wrote on Instagram at the time.

Strawberry did not get into too much detail outside of posting a photo of him in the hospital with his wife Tracy Boulware and one of his daughters.

Strawberry is set to turn 62 next week. He’s also going to have his jersey retired by the Mets on June 1.

Related: New York Government Honors Yankees Arch-Enemy David Ortiz With Stunning Resolution

Darryl Strawberry: Prolific Career, Off-Field Demons

During his 17 seasons in the majors, Strawberry hit 335 homers with 1,000 RBI while boasting a .259 average. He earned eight All-Star appearanes, the National League Rookie of the Year award and three World Series title.

The outfielder played a huge role in New York’s shocking run to the World Series title in 1986. That season saw him hit 27 homers with 93 RBI.

Of course, Strawberry’s life has also been defined by his own demons. That includes admitting to having struggled with sex addiction during his playing days. He even noted post-retirement that he would have sex in between innings of games.

He’s been arrested several times on charges of failure to pay child support, soliciting sex from a policewoman, possession of drugs and filing a false police report.

Road To Recovery for Darryl Strawberry

Now that this health scare is behind him, Strawberry is opening up about what happened. To say that it’s eye-opening woud be an understatement.

“My heart was pumping at 40 percent,” Strawberry said. “So, there was a lot going on. There was not a lot of blood flowing through my heart at that particular time.” Doctors had told him at the time that they couldn’t believe he survived.

Our best wishes go out to Strawberry and his family. Enjoy your big day on Saturday.