Strawberry's words of wisdom

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The former All-Star shared his dramatic story and urged players at the American Association All-Star Game to not give up on their dreams.

By BRIAN STENSAAS, Star Tribune

Last update: July 22, 2008 - 11:04 PM

Bill Murray signed baseballs and cracked jokes. Owners Mike Veeck and Marv Goldklang worked the room. Wayne Terwilliger had a smile and a wave for seemingly everybody.

Fun as was to see all these faces back in St. Paul for the American Association All-Star Game luncheon on Tuesday afternoon, however, perhaps none was more important than Darryl Strawberry.

A Saints player for 29 games in 1996 after being suspended by Major League Baseball the year before, Strawberry said prior to speaking at the day's luncheon that he agreed to return to St. Paul as an honorary captain for the North team to say thank you.

"It was a chance to enjoy baseball again," Strawberry said of his short stint with the Saints. "It was really fun. They were very warm people and they have a special place in my heart. I finally got the opportunity to come back and do something for them."

The game itself Tuesday was just an exhibition, an 11-4 victory for the South in which Fort Worth outfielder Brian Fryer hit a pair of doubles and a home run en route to four RBI. But a real lesson was given when Strawberry delivered a message of never losing hope.

"It's about [saying], 'You can,'" he said. "No matter what we go through, we can get through it."

Strawberry battled legal problems, including drug abuse and tax troubles, during his playing career. He also has beaten colon cancer twice.

Players appreciated his openness and honesty Tuesday. "He's been through it all," Saints outfielder Brent Krause said. "It's kind of motivating that he kept going. He hit home on a lot of subjects."

Coaches took note, too.

"The things that he said were excellent," said Saints manager George Tsamis, who also ran the North All-Stars Tuesday. "It's too bad that everybody who plays couldn't have [heard] that. The things he said really make you think. This is a star who went through so many problems. And then he goes and wins [two] World Series [with the Yankees] after he's here in St. Paul. That says it all."

Added Terwilliger, a Saints coach from 1995 to 2002: "I really liked what he said. It really makes you stop and think."

The day wasn't all serious.

Murray, the Oscar-nominated comedian, Saints co-owner and noted Chicago Cubs fan, loudly urged everyone to stand up and cheer when at the luncheon Strawberry predicted the Cubs will win this year's World Series.

But in the end, it was Strawberry's encouragement that stole the show.

Whether he knew more than a half-dozen Major League Baseball representatives -- including former Twins General Manager Terry Ryan -- would later be in the stands or not, Strawberry said all players should hang on to their dreams.

"There's a lot of people who can come out here and get a big break and an opportunity to play," Strawberry said of playing independent baseball. "I always tell people: 'Continue to do it. It's your gift. Don't give up on it just because everyone else wants you to.'"

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