Cancer Concern Is Real for Strawberry

Darryl Strawberry, who overcame a drug problem and a shattered career to find success and happiness with the New York Yankees, was diagnosed Thursday with a cancerous tumor in his colon.

The 36-year-old outfielder will have surgery as early as Saturday.

“Because of the location of the tumor and Darryl’s otherwise excellent health, the prognosis for a full recovery is excellent,” Yankee spokesman Rick Cerrone said.

Strawberry learned Wednesday the stomach pain he’d been experiencing for more than month was likely related to something tests discovered in his colon. He visited the clubhouse briefly before the Yankees beat the Texas Rangers to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series, but left before the game.

As the team flew to Texas, Strawberry remained in New York to undergo a colonoscopy at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. After getting the bad news, he telephoned the clubhouse at The Ballpark in Arlington.

“He said he’d be fine, that he wants us to go out and win this thing,” said pitcher Andy Pettitte, who took the call.

Strawberry then spoke with Manager Joe Torre, who broke the news to the players during a clubhouse meeting before practice.

“There was complete silence, some sobbing, very sad people,” Torre said.

Strawberry also spoke Thursday with childhood friend Eric Davis, who returned from colon cancer surgery in 1997 to lead Baltimore to the AL playoffs.

“He’s upbeat about it and ready for the challenges that he’s going to have,” Davis said.

Strawberry mentioned his stomach pain to Davis when the Yankees and Orioles played last month. After Davis said that was his first symptom, Strawberry realized he needed medical help.

“He sort of put two and two together,” said Davis, adding the early detection will help Strawberry. “From what he told me it wasn’t in his lymph nodes and it wasn’t in his blood. I think his surgery will be a success like mine was.”

Davis told Strawberry he would be a phone call away if he wants company at the hospital. Strawberry told Davis he’d probably be there for two to three weeks.

Davis said Strawberry’s mental state will be key to his recovery.

“It’s just a gradual process,” Davis said. “It’s not something you do overnight, not something you do in one conversation. It’s a gradual process and I’m going to be there for him every step of the way.”

Pitcher David Cone, who also played with Strawberry a decade ago on the Mets, took Thursday’s news hard, especially coming one day after the death of former Kansas City teammate Dan Quisenberry.

“We’re all very worried, very concerned, but we’re also all optimistic that he can beat this,” said Cone, speaking with reddened eyes.

Cone said he will put Strawberry’s No. 39 on the back of his hat before starting Game 3 tonight.

“He has the strength to deal with this,” Cone said. “We’re all confident that there was early detection and he has the strength to beat it.”

Catcher Joe Girardi said Strawberry wouldn’t want the team to let his illness be a distraction.

“We know Darryl would want us to go out and wear his heart and determination on our sleeves,” Girardi said.

Strawberry was once the toast of New York as a young star with the Mets. Cocaine addiction and a tax conviction knocked him out of baseball for stretches, but he has fought back to become one of the top power hitters on the Yankees as they won an AL-record 114 games. He batted .247 with 24 homers and 57 RBIs in 295 at-bats, primarily as a designated hitter against right-handed pitchers.

“We’re all concerned about Darryl, but not afraid because we know how strong he is,” teammate Chili Davis said. “He’s handled adversity before.”

Torre said Strawberry did not mention whether he hopes to resume his career.

“He’s looking forward to getting this over with,” Torre said. “Once he gets past that step, he can plan his future.”