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Chosen as the first overall pick in the 1980 draft, Darryl Strawberry arrived to professional baseball with high expectations. After cruising through three minor league seasons, Strawberry made his MLB debut in early May, 1983.

In 122 games, Strawberry slugged 26 homers and drove in 74 to earn the Rookie of the Year Award. From there he reeled off eight straight All Star seasons.

The outfielder helped make the Mets a strong contender. Strawberry combined with Keith Hernandez to provide left-handed pop. Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter sparked the team from the right side. With a pitching staff anchored by ace Dwight Gooden, the Mets won the 1986 World Series title.

From his rookie year in ’83 through the 1991 campaign, Strawberry averaged 31 homers and 92 RBI with an OPS+ of 144.

Behind the scenes, he was battling demons.

In 1990 he entered a rehab program after a physical altercation with his wife. Five years later he tested positive for cocaine and was suspended from the game.

His path to Cooperstown was forever derailed. From 1992 until his final season in 1999 Strawberry was a part-time player. During that time he totaled 55 homers and 168 RBI.

Strawberry finished his career with 335 homers and 1,000 RBI. He earned three World Series rings, one with the Mets in ’86 and two with the Yankees in ’96 and ’99.

The outfielder with Hall of Fame talent appeared on the ballot just once. He received 1.2% of the vote in 2005.

In the collection is this 8×10 photo signed by Strawberry during the 1986 season.

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Advance scouts stay one step ahead of the teams that employ them, scouting their next opponent. They take a snapshot of how the opposing team is doing in the games before their teams plays them.

Shown here is a Dodgers advance scouting report on Darryl Strawberry dated May 21, 1987. The scout watched Strawberry and the Mets in a three-game set against the Padres.

During the series Straw went 3-for-7 with a double, homer, five walks, three runs scored, and three RBI. The scout observes, “Has good power – Likes ball over – Bust him inside and change on him. Does not like ball in close to him.”

The scout also implied that pitching around Strawberry might be a good idea as he adds, “(Gary) Carter + (Barry) Lyons not hitting in order behind him”.

In the next series against the Dodgers Strawberry went 1-for-9 with two walks. He struck out twice against Fernando Valenzuela. His only hit was a solo homer off of the Dodger lefty.

Strawberry had his finest season in ’87, slugging a career-high 39 homers and driving in 104 runs. With a career-best 36 stolen bases, Straw joined the 30-homer/30-steal club.

His .284 average, .398 on -base percentage, and .583 slugging mark were all career bests outside of his 24-game 1999 season. Strawberry’s 6.4 WAR was the highest in his 17 seasons, and 9th-best in the NL in ’87.

For his work, Darryl was named to the fourth of his eight consecutive All Star teams. He also finished 6th in MVP balloting.

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The Mets of the mid-1980s were a talented and hard-partying group. The ’86 champions were led by dynamic youngsters Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden.

By the time New York hosted the championship parade, the two Rookies of the Year combined for six All Star appearances. Gooden’s trophy case also featured a Cy Young Award.

The pair captured the attention of the baseball world and appeared well on their way to Cooperstown. Their rise in the Big Apple was swift; their downfall spectacular.

Drug and alcohol abuse sapped their potential and relegated them both to diminished roles. Each was one-and-done in Hall of Fame balloting.

Shown here is an 8×10 of Mets heroes Strawberry and Gooden. The Rookies of the Year have signed it in silver marker. Near Strawberry’s neck you can see an additional autograph in blue pen hidden in the background.