Donald Trump Pardons Former MLB Star Turned Pastor

In a move that highlights President Donald J. Trump’s unwavering commitment to second chances and Christian values, former Major League Baseball icon Darryl Strawberry has received a full presidential pardon for his 1995 felony tax evasion conviction—a crime that once sent the slugger to jail at the height of his personal battles.

Now 63, Strawberry has turned his life around, dedicating the past decade to ministry, addiction recovery, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a touching tribute on Instagram, the former Mets and Yankees star called the pardon a moment of “freedom and faith,” praising Trump not as a politician—but as a “vessel God used to set me free forever.”

“Thank you, President @realdonaldtrump, for finalizing this part of my life,” Strawberry wrote. “I am truly free and clean from all of my past.”

According to the White House, the president personally called Strawberry on Thursday afternoon to deliver the news.

“He praised me as one of the greatest players of the ‘80s,” Strawberry recalled, “and then told me he was granting me a full pardon from my past.”

A White House official confirmed the pardon Friday, stating, “Mr. Strawberry has been sober for over a decade, committed to his Christian faith, and has helped thousands through his ministry and recovery center.”

The pardon marks yet another high-profile act of mercy from President Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to use the powers of the presidency to reward redemption—not punish the reformed.

Strawberry’s fall from grace in the 1990s was no secret. The former 8-time All-Star was suspended repeatedly for drug use and served nearly a year in a Florida jail after pleading guilty to tax evasion.

But what followed was nothing short of miraculous. Strawberry got clean, found God, and has spent the last 15 years helping others escape the same vices that nearly ruined him.

“This has nothing to do with politics,” he wrote. “It’s about a man, President Trump, caring deeply for a friend.”

His wife Tracy, recovering from surgery at the time, was by his side when the call came in. “You absolutely deserve this, honey!” she commented online. “I’m so humbled and grateful to the Lord our God and President Donald Trump for this incredible gift.”

Strawberry’s story is now one of full-circle redemption. He’s no longer just remembered for his towering home runs with the Mets, Dodgers, and Yankees—but as a man who clawed back from addiction, rebuilt his faith, and inspired others to do the same.

“This experience has deepened my faith and commitment to working for His Kingdom,” Strawberry wrote. “I thank God for helping me become a better man, husband, and father.”

Strawberry’s pardon comes just months after he suffered a heart attack earlier this year—a reminder, he says, that every day is a gift.

And now, thanks to President Trump, he’s been given another one: a clean slate.

While the legacy media continues to spin stories about division, this act is another reminder that Trump’s America is one where the righteous are rewarded, faith is honored, and no one is ever too far gone for grace.

Strawberry’s story is more than baseball. It’s a home run for redemption.