Darryl Strawberry is best known for being a professional baseball player, however, he is also the founder of the “Darryl Strawberry Foundation”.  In 2006 he set out to ensure that individuals with Autism have quality of life through the development of programs that focus on special education, socialization, and independent skills training.

Recently Darryl and his wife, Tracy toured DDI’s Hollywood Drive campus.  He and his wife were so impressed with the hard work and dedication that both our staff and students put forth day in and day out, that Darryl personally contacted CRP’s Director, Linda Eisman-Cadel to invite our students to a Mets game at the new Citi Field stadium.

Students from residences A, B, and C attended.  Upon arrival to the stadium a friendly police officer escorted staff and students to the VIP parking area.  One student from Unit B in particularly was thrilled by this, since he loves anything to do with law enforcement.  As security escorted them to their box seats, they were announced as guests of Darryl Strawberry.  A buffet consisting of chicken fingers, French fries, hamburgers, and many other goodies was laid out and provided by Darryl.  Both Darryl and his brother stayed until the 6^th inning.  Darryl even furthered his generosity by encouraging staff and students to order “anything” on the menu.

Both students and staff had a wonderful time, not only enjoying the game but they enjoyed the company that came along with it.  Dylan Snaith, a student who resides in Unit C and his father were both in attendance.  Dylan not only loves the sport but also finds great pleasure in partaking in the sport, and does a fine job doing so.  Dylan and his father were not only thrilled to be at the game but absolutely enthused that they both got to meet Darryl on a personal level.

Darryl was very personable.  He was very interested in the many different communication modalities that our students utilize, especially the high-tech electronic devices with voice output that some of our students use as their primary mode of communication.   Overall, Darryl hit a grand slam when it comes to our children who reside at DDI’s Children’s Residential Program and we can not thank him and his family enough.