Strike Three; Strawberry's Out

After failing a cocaine test in January, Darryl Strawberry awaits a suspension from Major League Baseball. It will be the third time in his career that he has been suspended for substance abuse issues. Strawberry has received his third strike; he ought to be banned from baseball for life.

The Yankee outfielder's career has been a roller-coaster ride of stunning successes on the field and dismal failures off of it. Winner of the 1983 Rookie of the Year award, World Series champion in 1986 with the New York Mets, and National League home run leader two years later with 39, Strawberry was hailed as an excellent hitter. He was once believed to be a future candidate for the Hall of Fame. He was considered a positive force in last year's Yankee clubhouse and was expected to contribute more this year with the retirement of designated hitter Chili Davis.

Strawberry's story gets even more tragic. As he valiantly battled colon cancer in 1998, his teammates dedicated the postseason to him. They won the World Series that year, and last year Strawberry beat the odds again and returned to help the hated Yanks squeak by the surging Red Sox and ultimately win yet another championship.

However, Strawberry's past has always been checkered. In 1995, he was suspended for failing a similar drug test. Last year, he was suspended for 120 days after being arrested for cocaine possession and solicitation charges.

With this recent relapse, Strawberry has betrayed the trust of his team, his fans and Major League Baseball. He betrayed the trust of Yankee dictator George Steinbrenner, who gave him another chance when no one else would. Strawberry has had a second--and a third chance--to change his life and rejoin baseball. He has failed.

Strawberry has disgraced the sport and does not deserve to return to the field. There appears little likelihood that he has the will and self-determination to actually change his life for the better. Most people in life don't get second chances, and Strawberry has had one too many. By allowing him to remain a part of the game, Major League Baseball is implicitly condoning his conduct. It is hardly an example that America's favorite pastime should set.

When Strawberry appeared at training camp after failing the test, he said that he did not want to hide from anything. It is about time that he stop hiding from his responsibilities and the consequences of his actions. Major League Baseball has dealt decisively with players who gamble or spout racist rhetoric. It is now time to send a message that baseball does not tolerate the use of drugs either.