Strawberry Not Rushing His Comeback

Trying to return to the New York Yankee roster does not worry Darryl Strawberry.

Nor is he consumed with the larger battle, his struggle with colon cancer.

“My goal is to help others suffering with this disease,” he said in the Yankee clubhouse. “By being on the field, I can send a message of hope and faith. Believe in yourself and don’t give up. No matter what you have to deal with, you still have to move forward. I draw my own support from the comfort I give others.”

At a robust 6-feet-6 and 220 pounds, the 36-year-old outfielder shows no signs of having had two operations in the last six months--for removal of a malignant tumor in October and to break up adhesions in January--or that he is in a six-month cycle of weekly chemotherapy that will extend into mid-May.

On this day, however, Strawberry is not feeling well. His chemo treatment the previous day has left him too weak to participate in the Yankee workout, and he has been cautioned to stay out of the sun on the day after a treatment.

The cancer was discovered as the Yankees were starting the 1998 playoffs. Strawberry’s 24 homers had loomed large in their league-record 114 regular-season victories.

“As much as I wanted to be part of the championship, I knew that what I faced was more important,” Strawberry said.

Ruby Strawberry, his mother, died of breast cancer three years ago.

Eric Davis, his pal from the South Central sandlots, had also been stricken with colon cancer and staged an inspiring comeback with the Baltimore Orioles.

“Eric and I grew up together,” he said. “We’re brothers forever. He helped educate and prepare me [for the surgery and ensuing treatment].

“He made it easier for me to accept and deal with it, but it’s still the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Strawberry has been able to call on a spirituality--”the No. 1 source in my life”--that has been tested by bad times, including alcohol and substance abuse.

“I have a peace in my heart,” he said. “The Bible has taught me to accept everything with joy. I know the Lord won’t give me more than I can handle.”

He has called Andres Galarraga, the Atlanta Braves’ first baseman now beginning chemotherapy for cancer in his spine, and Kim Perrot of the WNBA’s Houston Comets, who is battling brain cancer. He has heard from former Dodger teammate Brett Butler, who resumed his career after throat cancer, and thousands of others.

“I have no idea what’s ahead, but I don’t feel as if I’m fighting for a job,” he said of his situation with the Yankees. “I’m probably not going to be able to play during the first few weeks [of exhibition games], but I’m not losing any sleep over it. I want to be able to explode when I do start to play, and I’m confident I can. It’s hard to overlook the talent I bring to the table.”

Strawberry isn’t on the Yankees’ 40-man roster, but owner George Steinbrenner has guaranteed his $2.5-million contract. Where he fits in is difficult to say, particularly because an arthritic left knee complicates his situation. Chad Curtis, Shane Spencer and Ricky Ledee are vying for the left-field job, and Chili Davis, who sat out much of the 1998 season because of an ankle injury, is sound and the high-salaried designated hitter.

However, Manager Joe Torre makes it seem as if Strawberry will be part of the team.

“I’ve told him he has to be the doctor, that when he’s ready to play, come tell us,” Torre said. “I don’t think he needs any rehearsal. He’s still a presence. He still can do a lot of things other people can’t do.”

And he is providing inspiration.

“Those typical bumps and bruises are a lot less important,” Torre said. “There’s no room for people to feel sorry for themselves.”