Darryl Strawberry Saves Lenny Dykstra From Drug Addiction

Former Mets teammates reunite to help Dykstra overcome substance abuse issues.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:38pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, featuring overlapping brushstrokes and splatters that suggest the figures of two men embracing, conveying the emotional intensity of their reconciliation after years of struggle with substance abuse.The powerful reunion of two former Mets stars who overcame their own battles with addiction to help each other find the path to recovery.Queens Today

Darryl Strawberry, a former star outfielder for the New York Mets, has stepped in to help his old teammate Lenny Dykstra overcome a debilitating drug addiction. Dykstra, who also played for the Mets in the 1980s, had spiraled into a dark, drug-filled life after his baseball career ended, but Strawberry was able to intervene and guide him towards recovery.

Why it matters

The story of Strawberry and Dykstra's friendship and Strawberry's efforts to save Dykstra from his addiction highlights the challenges that many former professional athletes face transitioning to life after sports. It also demonstrates the power of camaraderie and support between teammates, even decades later, to help someone in need.

The details

Strawberry, who has been open about his own struggles with addiction, reached out to Dykstra and convinced him to seek help. Dykstra had fallen into a cycle of drug abuse and criminal behavior, but Strawberry was able to convince him to enter a rehabilitation program. The two former Mets stars have reconnected and Strawberry is providing ongoing support to help Dykstra maintain his sobriety.

  • Darryl Strawberry and Lenny Dykstra were teammates on the New York Mets in the 1980s.
  • Dykstra's drug addiction spiraled out of control after his baseball career ended in the 1990s.
  • Strawberry reached out to Dykstra in 2025 to convince him to seek help for his addiction.

The players

Darryl Strawberry

A former star outfielder for the New York Mets who played alongside Lenny Dykstra in the 1980s. Strawberry has been open about his own struggles with addiction and is now using his experience to help Dykstra overcome his substance abuse issues.

Lenny Dykstra

A former outfielder for the New York Mets who played alongside Darryl Strawberry in the 1980s. Dykstra fell into a cycle of drug abuse and criminal behavior after his baseball career ended, but is now seeking help with the support of his old teammate Strawberry.

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What they’re saying

“What can I say? I lost my way, sir. I lost my path. I needed help.”

— Lenny Dykstra

What’s next

Darryl Strawberry and Lenny Dykstra plan to share their story of reconciliation and recovery in an upcoming memoir.

The takeaway

The story of Darryl Strawberry reaching out to help his former teammate Lenny Dykstra overcome addiction demonstrates the power of friendship and support, even years after their playing days ended. It serves as an inspiring example of how camaraderie and empathy can make a profound difference in someone's life.