Strawberry Finally Joins Yanks Thanks ‘Mr. Steinberg’ For Giving Him Fresh Start

Darryl Strawberry’s long-rumored return to the majors became a reality Friday night when the Yankees promoted him from the minors and put him into the starting lineup against Detroit.

He batted sixth as the designated hitter and went 1 for 4, singling in his first at-bat, popping out to second in the fourth, flying out to center in the sixth and striking out swinging against lefty Kevin Wickander in the eighth during a 4-1 victory over Detroit.

“I just want to take full advantage of the opportunity and play baseball and not be a distraction to the New York Yankees,” he said at Tiger Stadium.

But Strawberry, who brings a history of cocaine abuse and tax evasion along with his 294 career home runs, already was creating mixed emotions even before his first game.

To make room for Strawberry, the Yankees designated leadoff hitter Luis Polonia for assignment. That means they have 10 days to trade or make another move with Polonia, a left fielder and one of the few Yankees with speed.

“We knew Darryl was coming, but the bad part of it is we lose somebody that’s been a part of the club for two or three years,” Yankees captain Don Mattingly said.

“He has a chance to help this club,” Mattingly added. “He has power, and that’s what we’re looking for him to give us.”

The Yankees began play Friday 4-1/2 games behind A.L. East-leading Boston.

“It’s a great opportunity for myself being able to be back in the big leagues,” Strawberry, 33, said. “It’s been a very difficult ride, but I’m very grateful Mr. Steinberg has given me the opportunity.”

Actually, he meant Steinbrenner, as in owner George Steinbrenner, who was the one who most wanted to bring the former New York Mets star back to town. Since becoming the Mets’ career home run leader, Strawberry has struggled with both the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.

Bothered by back problems and beset by a suspension for using cocaine, he’s hit just 14 home runs in the majors in the last three years. Strawberry, in fact, is still under house arrest for a federal income tax evasion conviction.

“I made some bad choices and I paid the price for it,” Strawberry said. “I take full responsibility for what happened. I did it to myself and I can’t blame anyone else. I feel good about the way it’s going now. In the past I achieved a lot and failed a lot. Hopefully now I’ll achieve more than I fail.”

Strawberry hit .301 with seven homers and 29 RBIs in 22 games with Triple-A Columbus. He earlier played for the Yankees’ rookie and Class A teams in Florida.