Former Mets, Yankees star recovering from heart attack
LAKE ST. LOUIS, Mo. –
Former New York Mets and Yankees star Darryl Strawberry is recovering from a heart attack and is at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital.
Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said Tuesday that Strawberry was stricken Monday, a day before the eight-time All-Star’s 62nd birthday.
Strawberry posted a photo of himself at the hospital on Instagram and wrote: “I am so happy and honoured to report that all is well.”
“So thankful for the medical team and staff at St. Joseph West in Lake St. Louis for responding so quickly and bringing me through a stent procedure that has brought my heart to total restoration!!!” Strawberry added.
Strawberry, who lives in O’Fallon, Missouri, is resting comfortably, Horwitz said.
The Mets will retire Strawberry’s No. 18 on June 1, after retiring Dwight Gooden’s No. 16 on April 14. The pair led the team to the 1986 World Series title.
“We are looking forward to Straw’s speedy recovery and welcoming him for his number retirement ceremony on June 1,” Mets owner Steven Cohen and wife Alex said in a statement.
Strawberry was a seven-time All-Star during his time with the Mets from 1983-90, winning NL Rookie of the Year in 1983.
He hit .259 with 335 homers, 1,000 RBIs and 221 stolen bases in 17 seasons that also included time with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1991-93), San Francisco Giants (1994) and New York Yankees (1995-99). He was a part of three World Series championship teams with the Yankees.
Strawberry’s career was derailed by drug and alcohol issues, and also by colon cancer treatment that caused him to miss the 1998 World Series.