Three-time World Series champion Darryl Strawberry suffered a massive heart attack in March and said his heart rate was at 40% at the time of his hospitalization.
Strawberry credited his wife Tracy for encouraging him to go to the emergency room after experiencing chest pains.
“You never know. If it wasn't for my lovely wife taking me to the hospital, I could be on the other side right now,” Strawberry told TMZ.
Shortly after arriving at the hospital, doctors used a stent that he said brought his heart to a “full restoration.” The New York Mets will soon retire Strawberry's number 18.
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Former New York Met Darryl Strawberry attends spring training on February 27, 2024 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
The MLB great, who spent his 62nd birthday in a hospital bed, spoke about his harrowing experience and said his recovery was progressing well.
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“I'm recovering well. I thank God for that. You never know. I'm in great shape, I'm 62 years old and I have a massive heart attack. I'm here this weekend, celebrating the fact that my number is being retired, but your health is the most important thing,” Strawberry told TMZ.
Strawberry will be honored when the Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 1.
Former New York Met Darryl Strawberry throws out a ceremonial first pitch at Citi Field on July 26, 2022, in New York City. (Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
When Strawberry revealed his health problem, he expressed gratitude to the medical team at the St. Louis hospital where he was treated. He also thanked those who prayed for him.
“Praising God for His amazing grace and loving mercy in saving my life tonight from a heart attack,” Strawberry wrote in a social media post in March. “I am very happy and honored to report that everything is fine. I am very grateful to the medical team and staff at St. Joseph West in Lake St. Louis for responding so quickly and helping me get through a stent procedure that has made me my heart races. total restoration!!!
“Your prayers are absolutely appreciated as I continue to recover, in Jesus Name!”
Darryl Strawberry of the New York Mets during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium in 1987 in Pittsburgh. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Strawberry said his condition surprised medical staff, but he is now “back to health.”
“The doctor said, 'I don't even know how you're alive.' There wasn't much blood flowing through my heart, and three months later, I'm healthy again.”
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Strawberry began his major league career with the Mets. He later went on to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees.
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