SPORTS WATCH : Not Out at Home

Darryl Strawberry has always wanted to play for the home team, but 10 years ago the Mets drafted him off the campus at Crenshaw High in Southwest Los Angeles. Finally, the local slugger has the chance to bring his hot bat to Dodger Stadium.

And what a bat! He had 37 home runs and 108 runs batted in--a club record--last season. During a red-hot 18-game hitting streak, he hit six home runs and 12 RBIs. When Strawberry was hot, the Mets were a pennant contender.

In Dodger Blue, Strawberry is expected to play center field. That’s the position he wanted to play while he was a Crenshaw Cougar, but a talented player already held that job. The Straw took right field. He also played quarterback for the football team during his sophomore year. He played basketball as well, and was a starting forward on the team that won the city championship in 1980. He was talented, hard-working and young--very young.

He got into trouble. He threatened his wife. He hit a teammate. He played erratically. He struggled with alcohol. He went through rehabilitation last year and says he has conquered his problems.

His comeback off the field no doubt has attracted the attention of the ball players growing up in his old Crenshaw neighborhood. Strawberry hasn’t forgotten those roots. He has donated a pitching machine to his alma mater and supported the basketball team so that the players can take trips. He also attends some games--providing a thrill for youngsters who know their Crenshaw High guy is finally coming home.