It was on this day in 1980 that the New York Mets selected outfielder Darryl Strawberry with the #1 overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft.  Darryl’s older brother, Michael, was also selected in the draft, by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 31st round.

Strawberry had a great start to his career, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1983.  Darryl was also a key figure on the 1986 New York Mets team that would defeat the Boston Red Sox to capture the franchise’s second World Series title.  In his later years, Strawberry would join the Yankees in a limited role, helping them win three World Series titles in 1996, 1998 and 1999.

As great as he was on the field, off the field was a different story for Darryl, as he battled drugs and other personal demons.  Throughout the 90′s and early 2000′s, Strawberry was arrested for cocaine possession, failure to pay child support and soliciting prostitution, just to name a few of his offenses.

Here is Bart Simpson heckling Strawberry during an episode of “The Simpsons.”  Daaaaaaaarryl! Daaaaaaaarryl!

Notable Birthdays

Carl Everett, MLB – Born June 3rd 1971 (age 40) in Tampa, Florida

Jose Molina, MLB – Born June 3rd 1975 (age 36) in Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Travis Hafner, MLB – Born June 3rd 1977 (age 34) in Jamestown, North Dakota