Terry Leach delivers for austim awareness at Darryl Strawberry's Douglaston Community Day

Terry Leach’s unmistakable sidearm delivery proved to be an effective weapon for Davey Johnson’s bullpen in the 1980s. Whether it was getting the Mets out of tough jams or filling in for an injured starter, Leach often delivered in tight situations. He returned to Queens this weekend bringing the same kind of aid he did to the Mets pitching staff to the Douglaston Community Day at Strawberry’s Sports Grill.

Terry Leach (r.) with teammate Barry Lyons at Douglaston Community Day in 2011 / N. Diunte

Leach, displaying his southern charm, was prideful when discussing his involvement the day’s efforts to fundraise for autism awareness.

“It’s a great thing coming to help any charity," Leach said. "Autism is a big deal and something that needs to be worked on a lot more. It’s fun coming back to New York. When I was here I was a much younger man. [Now] I can come and sit back and appreciate it a little bit more.”

Even though Leach spent the majority of the 1986 season in the minor leagues, looking back he saw the development of that championship team building from prior years.

“I was younger then,"he said. "Actually I was the oldest one on the team, but I was younger in my eyes. That team was good because they built up from within basically. They added a few key parts and it came together just right. One of the best teams ever.”

Leach developed a special chemistry with catcher Gary Carter, who is currently battling brain cancer. He described how Carter made it easy for him to just go out there and pitch.

“Gary was very good," he said. "He and I thought a lot alike. I very seldom had to shake him off. He knew what the hitters were or were not hitting. I just kind of followed his lead and he lead me some good places every once in awhile.”

Now 57 years old, the Stuart, Florida resident has transitioned from baseball to a new career, interior design.

“I work in West Palm Beach with my company," he said. "We work with interior designers, building houses in Palm Beach. We do their installations. We hang the art, the mirrors; we make the places look really good.”


Terry Leach at Douglaston Community Day from Dee on Vimeo.

* Note - This article was originally published for Examiner.com on August 24, 2011.

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Filmaker Quinlan takes a deeper look at the 1986 New York Mets

Documentarian Heather Quinlan is digging deep to find the untold stories of the 1986 New York Mets championship season. She has recruited a wide cross section of the community to further unfold the tale of the last championship team from Flushing.

Her subjects range from the controversial: Lenny Dykstra, Dwight Gooden, Kevin Mitchell and Darryl Strawberry; to the infamous: Bill Buckner and Mookie Wilson; to the political: Chuck Schumer and Rudy Giuliani.

Signed Mookie Wilson / Bill Buckner photo - Author's Collection

A preview of the behind the scenes work on the documentary was recently featured in the Times-Ledger newspapers.

To help make the documentary a reality, Quinlan has formed a Kickstarter campaign to raise funding for MLB licensing, promotion and further interviews. With two-and-a-half weeks to go, Quinlan has raised $35,000 of her $50,000 goal.

Below is a preview clip of an interview with Buckner and Wilson from the movie.

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A look back at the Mets 50th anniversary season

The 2012 season marked the 50th anniversary of the New York Mets franchise. While the Mets season commenced with the trade of Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey to the Toronto Blue Jays in December, the past 12 months provided many opportunities to catch up with former Mets as they talked about their experiences in Flushing in celebration of the team's 50 years in baseball. Below are links to exclusive interviews with players, some more familiar than others that might have went under your radar in 2012.

For Choo Choo Coleman, It's a Homecoming Long Delayed - Jan 21, 2012

Mets and Yankees Legends Uphold the Spirit of Joe DiMaggio at Legends Game  Feb 4, 2012

Gooden Deeply Saddened by the Loss of Batterymate Carter Feb 25, 2012

Killeen Was a Cut Away From Making the Mets in 1962 Feb 28, 2012

Former Met Alfonzo Open to a Return to Professional Baseball Apr 12, 2012

Catalanotto Reveals the Other Side of the Game in New Book Heart and Hustle May 5, 2012

R.A. Dickey Chronicles a Capricious Journey in Wherever I Wind Up May 17, 2012

Torres Continues to Battle His Demons in New Documentary Gigante May 31, 2012

Shamsky Shares the Spirit of 69 in Queens with Mets Fans June 20, 2012

Ed Kranepool Disappointed with David Wright's All-Star Starting Snub, July 4, 2012

Mets Heroes Millan and Staub Looking for the Team to Return to its Winning Ways Jul 25, 2012

Harrelson Preaches the Values of the Long Island Ducks at Hofstra University, 2012

Franco Continues to Carry the Torch for New York Baseball August 7, 2012

Dickey Teaches the Life Lessons of the Knuckleball at Citi Field Kids Program August 8, 2012

Former New York Mets Pitcher Myrick Passes Away at 59 August 25, 2012

Harry Parker, Member of 1973 New York Mets Dies at 64 August 31, 2012

Shea Stadium Will Always be Home for Mookie Wilson September, 18, 2012

Howard Johnson Leads the Swing at the Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Golf Classic October 10, 2012

Darryl Strawberry's Restaurant in Queens to Unexpectedly Close October 14, 2012

Former Met Steve Springer Now Preaches Quality At-Bats in His Teachings October 14, 2012

Hicks' Heroics Helped the Mets to Slay the Giants at the Polo Grounds in 1963 October 30, 2012

Joe Ginsberg, 86, Catcher for the 1962 New York Mets November 5, 2012

 

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Darryl Strawberry's restaurant in Douglaston to close

In Douglaston, N.Y., the straw will no longer stir the drink. Strawberry's Sports Grill, which bears the name of the former Mets and Yankees slugger Darryl Strawberry, will unexpectedly shut down this Sunday evening. The news came as a complete surprise to the staff.

“It came out of nowhere,” said Michael Strawberry, Darryl’s older brother, to the Queens Courier.

The elder Strawberry who was involved in the restaurant's operations, did not have a say in the decisions that led to its demise.

"I am very sad," he said. "Rest assured it had nothing to do with my brother and me."

The restaurant opened in August, 2010, with much fanfare, attracting celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Miss USA Rima Fakih, as well as Yankee baseball legends Whitey Ford, and Bernie Williams. Packed crowds ensued for the following year, some hoping to catch a meeting with Darryl in-person, others to take in the great food and spirits while watching a variety of sporting events.

Darryl Strawberry interviewed at the opening of his restaurant / N. Diunte

Strawberry's continued to build its affinity through a strong presence in social media, as well as holding many baseball-themed events. Their wildly successful Community Day that featured appearances by Strawberry's former teammates Kevin Mitchell, Terry Leach, and Barry Lyons, as well as a well-attended 25th-anniversary reunion for the 1986 Mets later that fall made Strawberry's Restaurant feel like it would be in the community for years to come.

As the establishment attempted to move past its honeymoon phase, 2012 was weathered by instability; a seemingly endless rotation of managers, changes to the sports-themed staff uniforms, and an overhaul of their menu that disenchanted the loyal customer base they initially attracted.

"They had the neighborhood crowd in their back pocket and lost it," said Darrin Meenan, the owner of the The 7 Line, who was a frequent collaborator with the restaurant.

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Former Yankee All-Stars Come Together To Help The Jason Krause Kick Cancer Scholarship Fund

Graig Nettles (far left), Darryl Strawberry (c.) and Mickey Rivers (r.) with the volunteer staff.

New York baseball legends Dwight Gooden, Graig Nettles, Mickey Rivers, and Darryl Strawberry were all on hand this Saturday to help benefit the Jason Krause Kick Cancer Scholarship Fund at Kennelly’s Grille House in Congers, N.Y. The benefit, which is now in its third year, had a record turnout this weekend, due in part to the generosity of the aforementioned superstars.

The fund was launched in memory of Krause, who was a star soccer player at Clarkstown North High School who succumbed to brain cancer at the age of 33 in 2008. The grassroots support was overwhelming, with close to 300 people turning out in the small town of 8,500. A tremendous array of prizes was raffled off for supporters including a trip to the, "Big Game in New Orleans in February" and a complete run of playoff tickets for the New York Yankees. All proceeds went to fund a soccer scholarship for a Clarkstown North soccer player in Krause’s honor, as well as the “Jason K: A Matter of Hope Fund” at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

The baseball legends spiced up the event, fortuitously signing autographs and taking photos with a seemingly never ending line of requests. Strawberry, a cancer survivor himself, was more than proud to oblige.

“Any event where I can give back, and raise awareness, I’m glad to do it,” Strawberry said. 

Gooden, a hero for both the Mets and Yankees, relished the memory of another brain cancer victim, his former battery mate, Gary Carter. 

“My best memory of Gary Carter was in the 1984 All-Star Game,” Gooden said. “I struck out three batters in a row, and on our way back to the dugout he said, ‘Wouldn’t this be nice to do every fifth day?’ Little did I know that he would be with us next year.” 

For more information on the Jason Krause Kick Cancer Scholarship Fund, visit - http://www.facebook.com/JasonKrauseKickCancerScholarship

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New York Mets celebrate the 25th anniversary of World Series victory at Strawberry's Sports Grill

Strawberry’s Sports Grill in Douglaston was the site of a glorious reunion of the 1986 New York Mets World Series Championship team Friday evening. Over 25 members showed up on the silver anniversary of their title run, as part of a weekend series of events and appearances for the crew.

Fans paid upwards of $500 to mingle with the entire team at this private event and enjoy a wonderful open bar and seemingly endless buffet of food served by Strawberry’s staff. Darryl Strawberry himself was the consummate host, posing for photos and signing autographs at every turn of the corner, while catching up with teammates who came from far and wide for the reunion.

Rafael Santana (r.) toasts the Mets 1986 victory / N. Diunte

One such player was shortstop Kevin Elster, who was a baby-faced 22-year-old rookie shortstop in 1986. Coming from Huntington Beach, California, Elster relished the opportunity to see his teammates once again.

“I was just a baby,” said Elster. “I love coming back here. It’s great to be around all of the guys. You couldn’t pick a better group.”

The list of those in attendance ranged from the stars such as Strawberry and Keith Hernandez, to lesser known members like John Gibbons and Bruce Berenyi, both who played in 1986, but didn’t make the World Series roster. On this evening, these designations didn’t matter; the Mets alumni were just ecstatic to be in each other’s company.

“I always look forward to any chance I can get to see all the guys again," Berenyi said. "I don’t get to see hardly anybody anymore. I’m not involved in baseball so it’s kind of tough. Not being part of the actual series is kind of a mixed emotion thing for me, but everyone always makes me feel like I was a big part of it.”

Game Six of the 1986 World Series played on the big screen televisions at the restaurant and many, including the players, watched and cheered like it was unfolding before their eyes. One could hear a player's name beckoned any time they were at the plate or made a play in the field. Most whose names were called stopped their mingling to fixate themselves on the TV screens when they had the spotlight.

“I never watched myself playing in this actual game until right now,” said Elster as he watched his at-bat against Roger Clemens in the seventh inning. “I don’t remember the details, but I remember that I flew out.” 

Right on cue, Elster lofted a fly ball to Dave Henderson that ended the inning, to which Elster remarked, “I battled pretty good, didn’t I?”

As both the game and the party went to the later innings, everyone in attendance cheered whenever a Met got a hit or scored a run. Kevin Mitchell was seen with a wide grin when he scored on Bob Stanley’s wild pitch. The cheering grew louder with each pitch that Mookie Wilson fouled off until he bounced one to first base that slipped under the glove of Bill Buckner. As Ray Knight came around to score, Jesse Orosco high fived Rick Aguilera to congratulate him on his win.

For a small fraction of time, one had the feeling that they were in the clubhouse with the Mets as they tasted the spoils of victory. A celebratory toast was in order and everyone raised their glasses to the Mets. Once again, the Mets triumph reigned supreme in Queens.

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Barry Lyons shares how B.A.T. sheltered him from Hurricane Katrina's destruction

Barry Lyons knows a thing or two about survival after seeing his home and personal possessions washed away by Hurricane Katrina. Lyons lost his home and his 1986 World Series ring when Katrina tore through his backyard. He has bounced back from the devastation that he faced becoming the athletics coordinator at the newly minted Ray and Joan Kroc Center in his hometown of Biloxi, Miss. Lyons’ road to recovery wasn’t done alone, as the baseball community stepped in to give him much needed support in the wake of Katrina’s path of destruction.

Barry Lyons / N. Diunte

The 51-year-old former New York Mets catcher was in Queens this past weekend as part of Darryl Strawberry’s Community Day in Douglaston, which benefited Strawberry’s Autism Foundation as well as local youth groups. Lyons shared how the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) rushed to his aid after Katrina turned his world upside down.

“The Baseball Assistance Team has been very helpful to many people over the years and it is a great organization for a great cause," Lyons said. "I was involved in the B.A.T. dinner in years previous to the Hurricane Katrina situation that I went through. When I suffered what I suffered, David Cone and Andrew Levy, two of my friends, contacted B.A.T. and [former president] Jim Martin. He was the one that contacted me and helped me right away, immediately for about a year after the hurricane. It really helped me out tremendously.”

The support that B.A.T. was able to provide Lyons so quickly after the impact of Katrina helped to stabilize a life-altering tragedy.

“It was awesome," he said. "I was really devastated and my family was devastated. It was tough on all of us down there that suffered the losses that we [experienced]. It’s very heartwarming and comforting to know that B.A.T. was there for me and in my corner [to] help support me through the toughest part of that time which was the first few months after [it happened].”

For those less familiar with B.A.T., Lyons explained that anyone in the baseball family (players, coaches, trainers, office staff, etc.) is eligible for help when tragedy strikes.

“They support helping people involved in baseball, not just players, but families of players," he said. “Anyone that really falls on hard times that has a connection to baseball will be helped through B.A.T. if they just go through the proper channels. B.A.T. is a well organized, wonderful organization that does tremendous things for a lot of people.”

Lyons returns to New York every winter for the annual B.A.T. dinner, which is a major fundraiser for their efforts. He feels his appearance is the least that he can do to help the organization that stepped in for him when Mother Nature turned his world upside down.

“Every year, I come back to the B.A.T. dinner and do what I can to help out and raise money so that B.A.T. can help others that fall on hard times,” he said.

For more information on the Baseball Assistance Team, visit their website - www.baseballassistanceteam.com

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Darryl Strawberry brings Mets magic to Douglaston for Community Day

Darryl Strawberry was able to make a little more Mets magic happen in Queens, only this time it wasn't at the ballpark, but at his restaurant Strawberry's Sports Grill in Douglaston. This weekend saw Strawberry's former teammates Terry Leach, Barry Lyons and Kevin Mitchell as well as 1986 Mets coach Bud Harrelson, and ex-New York Giants punter Sean Landeta appear to raise money for Strawberry's Foundation for Autism Awareness.

Hundreds of supporters came to the small enclave near the Long Island Rail Road to see their Mets alums, participate in the many events and partake in the excellent cuisine of Strawberry's restaurant. Below are articles featuring video and interviews with the aforementioned members of the 1986 World Series Championship Mets team.

Kevin Mitchell returns to his baseball roots at Douglaston Community Day

Terry Leach delivers for autism awarness at Douglaston Community Day

Barry Lyons shares how B.A.T. sheltered him from Hurricane Katrina's destruction

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Kevin Mitchell returns to his baseball roots at Douglaston Community Day

The image of Kevin Mitchell ripping a single to center field following Gary Carter in the tenth inning of Game Six of the 1986 World Series is as bright for Mets fans as the sun shining off of his gold teeth while he joyfully signed autographs and posed for pictures with seemingly everyone in the enclave of Douglaston, N.Y. earlier this Saturday.

Mitchell was on hand to lend support to the Douglaston Community Day, which was a fundraiser to benefit Darryl Strawberry’s Foundation, which benefits autism research, as well the local little league and other community groups.

Kevin Mitchell / N. Diunte

During a break from his autograph session in front of Strawberry’s Sports Grill, Mitchell discussed his excitement about being a participant in the day’s events.

“It’s always a good thing when you can come back especially for a charitable event, doing something for one of your old teammates, Darryl Strawberry,” said Mitchell, who slugged 47 home runs en route to winning 1989 National League Most Valuable Player award. "It’s an honor that I am here and that there are still fans that want autographs from us. It’s been a decade [since I last played], you know, but I feel good about it.”

Mitchell was signed by the Mets in 1980 after being seen playing softball in the rough section of San Diego. He made his debut in 1984 and played a valuable utility role for the 1986 World Championship team. He was traded after the 1986 season to the San Diego Padres for outfielder Kevin McReynolds. Even though he only spent one full season with the Mets [1986], Mitchell had great memories of playing in the Big Apple.

“My [most] memorable thing is just New York period,” he said. "The fans here are great. This is where I first got drafted by the Mets. I was able to come and play with New York. Once I got traded from New York, I was able to play anywhere. By coming here as a rookie, everything else was a piece of cake because of the fans. If you ain’t out there giving it 100%, they’re going to let you know.”

As for now, Mitchell is working with children in San Diego, sharing some of the knowledge he learned after 13 seasons in the majors.

“I’m coaching travel baseball, I’ve got my own travel team called the Gorillas. I’ve got 8-16 [year olds]. The kids that won the Little League World Series, Parkview, those were my kids. They’re high school kids [now], but I’m still working with them.”

Speaking with conviction, Mitchell remains enthused to help the next generation succeed.

“That’s my passion. I love working with the kids. I could have a job working somewhere in the big leagues, but this is my passion. I want to see the kids progress and keep going,” said Mitchell.

He is trying to get them to avoid some of the pitfalls that derailed his potential Hall of Fame career.

“I try to teach them about education, alcohol - the main things they have to survive with. You can do it without doing all this other stuff to punish your body.”

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Doc and Straw share their thoughts on the 25th anniversary of the 1986 Mets World Series team

Twenty-five years ago, two of the New York Mets youngest and brightest stars shone brightly atop the pinnacle of baseball’s biggest stage, the 1986 World Series. Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry, both were in their early twenties and had captured the attention of baseball fans not only in New York, but nationwide.

A quarter of a century later, their careers have taken many twists and turns which included multiple run-ins with the law for drug offenses that derailed their once potential Hall of Fame careers. Despite their transgressions, they remain beloved figures in New York sports history.

Click here to read both Gooden and Strawberry's thoughts about the 25th anniversary of the 1986 World Series.

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New York Mets legends Doc Gooden and Darryl Strawberry Headline Box NYC Premier Event

Anthony Mason (l) and Dwight Gooden (r) pose with a fan at BOX NYC

New York baseball heroes Darryl Strawberry and Dwight “Doc” Gooden were two of over 1,500 supporters who appeared at “Box NYC” at the Roseland Ballroom Thursday evening. The event which was put together by WCMG Events and Salita Promotions offered a mix of celebrity, charity, fine dining and boxing at one of Manhattan’s premier venues.

Dmitry Salita, the former WBA light welterweight champion, has now assumed the double duty as an active boxer and promoter. He discussed his outlook for the evening's proceedings.

“WCMG events did a fantastic job, making it a black-tie high class boxing event. Boxing is entertainment so it is very important to incorporate different kinds of entertainment into the boxing match. In addition to the boxing, we have sports celebrities, music and poker; it’s going to be a great night.”

Gooden, who is working on opening a baseball facility in New Jersey, was excited about a night filled with boxing.

“It's great to come out to watch boxing and hang out with the fans. My oldest son boxes in Golden Gloves in Florida, he loves the sport.

Strawberry, who now owns Strawberry's Bar and Grill in Douglaston, Queens, lent himself to the fundraising efforts for the Sophie Voice Foundation, a charity that assists children suffering from spina bifida. The foundation was founded by actor Boris Kodjoe and his wife, actrees Nicole Ari Parker, both of whom also helped to sponsor the event.

"We're not here for ourselves. We're here to show our support for a worthy cause," Strawberry said. "I think it's important to put your celebrity to good use.”

Former New York Knick John Starks piggybacked on Strawberry's statements about the charitable nature of the evening.

“It means a lot whenever you can use your celebrity status to help raise funds for Sophie Voice Foundation; it’s a great cause. I have a foundation of my own. It’s a natural thing as an athlete to give your time and efforts in order to help others,” said Starks, who works for the Knicks in their alumni relations department. “You have some great boxing and we’re going to raise a lot of money. That’s an important thing. I’ve been coming here for the last few years and we’ve received a good turnout."

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Former Yankees benefit the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation

Franco Harris, David Cone, Darryl Strawberry, Roy White and Mickey Rivers

The Yankees might have been away in Toronto Monday evening, but the stadium was filled with spirit, the spirit of giving. The Delta 360 Club inside Yankee Stadium played hosted to the Ultimate Yankee Stadium Experience which benefited the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation. The Franciscan Sisters tirelessly devote their lives to help the poor and less fortunate. Supporters that evening were treated to a fabulous tour of Yankee Stadium and the opportunity to mingle with Yankee heroes such as David Cone, Mickey Rivers, Darryl Strawberry, Roy White, Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris and New York Knicks announcer John Andariese. 

The former athletes were more than eager to lend their support to work of the foundation. David Cone expressed his gratitude for being involved with the evening's events. 

“I'm honored to be here, I know they do great work. Any celebrity we can lend that can help sell tickets or raise a little more money is great.” 

Darryl Strawberry shared similar sentiments. 

“I'm excited to be here. I do a lot of charity work myself and I know the importance of what they do. It's for a good cause. Any time you come out it's a blessing to be able to help.” 

John Andariese, the famed Knicks announcer, who is on the board of the foundation, explained how the work of the Sisters with his aunt brought him into the fold. 

“I've had a long relationship with them that goes back about 20 years. My aunt became indigent many years ago. I was desperate to get her settled in a place where she would be comfortable to finish her life out. I started working hard at finding a place where she could live with dignity. I succeeded in doing that, finding a home and hospital in Westchester. She didn't have money, and yet they took care of her on her social security for the last two years of her life. I stayed with the organization after she passed and I am so respectful for these nuns who give their lives to those who have nothing. Today there are 150 nuns around the world giving their lives to this. I am able to get help in the sports world; people like sports and it gathers crowds and helps people to spend some money to do some charity work. That's why we're here tonight.” 

Monday's event was more than an opportunity to tour Yankee Stadium with the legends they watched play on the hallowed grounds, it was an opportunity to assist those who have given their lives to help people in need all around the world. Linda Christian who is the head of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation illuminated the work of the nuns. 

“I hope after tonight people learn about the foundation and the incredible work that the sisters do. The sisters don't sit back here in New York and decide what's good for someone in Senegal or wherever they're at. They go and live amongst the poor and discuss solutions to their problems.” 

With the current economic climate, Christian wanted to assure donors that the foundation prides itself on having transparency with their efforts. 

“If you give me a dollar today as a donation and ask what I did with that dollar, I can tell you what country I sent it to, what program I sent it to and if you give me a week or two, I can call the sister and found out the individual who benefited from that dollar. I think that's very important to philanthropic givers to provide that information. One hundred percent of your donation goes to the programs.” 

Donations to the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation can be made by visiting their website, http://www.franciscanfoundation.org/. Christian wanted to leave the supporters with an important message.

“It's beyond religion, we believe in these incredible women working to help the poor, one person at a time.”

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Darryl Strawberry's Sports Grill grand opening a star studded affair

Wednesday night marked the opening of Darryl Strawberry's Sports Grill in Douglaston, a short cry from the stadium where he built his legend. Situated next to the LIRR stop in Douglaston, the establishment is easily accessible via public transportation and both the Long Island Expressway and Grand Central Parkway.

Justin Timberlake (center) with Darryl Strawberry (r.) / Nick Diunte

Partnered with Eytan Sugarman who owns Southern Hospitality BBQ and Justin Timberlake, the two have created an enclave in Queens where families and baseball fans can enjoy great food and New York baseball memorabilia. Omnipresent when you enter are Strawberry's locker from Shea Stadium and two adjacent stadium seats from his former Mets home.

The menu sampling was impressive which included zesty pork sliders, crawfish and cheddar hushpuppies, buffalo shrimp, BBQ chicken and ribs, as well as what they call their "championship chili," which had the right blend of sweet and spicy.

Equally impressive was the mix of sports stars and celebrities for the celebration. Hall of Famer Whitey Ford, Doc Gooden, Tino Martinez, Bernie Williams, Mickey Rivers, Bobby Valentine and current Yankees Nick Swisher and David Robertson were there to lend support to Strawberry's endeavor, as well as former New York Knick John Starks, Miss USA Rima Fakih, the aforementioned Timberlake, Ali Fedotowsky of the Bachlorette, and Karina Smirnoff from Dancing with the Stars.

Tino Martinez, Darryl Strawberry, and Bernie Williams (N. Diunte)

The event began rather innocently with Strawberry making the rounds while the guests sampled the generous food and drink for the evening. Things started to get a little hairy as the celebrities and debutantes entered the building. A free flowing event took the aura of a crowded Manhattan nightclub, with the clientele to match. The crowd of press, family, and friends was forced into the bar area to accommodate the VIP section, blocking off the narrow conduit between the bar and the main bathrooms. A bit of chaos ensued as people tried to jockey for position to take photographs of Timberlake and attempt to travel to the other side of the restaurant.

Aside of the glitz and glamour of the opening night crowd, Strawberry's Grill served up a robust menu of American fare and memorabilia that will please a wide variety of palates and the most sentimental of baseball enthusiasts.

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30th annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner to benefit AHRC-NYC Foundation

Champions past and present will be honored at the 30th Anniversary Thurman Munson Awards Dinner, remembering the late, great New York Yankees catcher and captain on Tuesday night, February 2, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. New York Yankees 2009 World Champion pitcher Joba Chamberlain; Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella, Thurman’s teammate on the Bronx Bombers' 1977 and ’78 World Series title teams; 1986 New York Mets World Champion and Yankees 1996, ’98 and ‘99 champion outfielder Darryl Strawberry; Knicks starting point guard Chris Duhon, a member of Duke’s 2001 NCAA championship squad; and Yonkers Raceway’s two-time champion driver Jason Bartlett will be the recipients of Munson Awards from the AHRC-New York City Foundation.

Piniella, a previous Munson Award recipient, will receive the “Legend Award” for his long and meritorious service to baseball. Lynn Pike, the president of Capital One Bank, will receive the “Corporate Hero Award.”

Diana Munson, Thurman’s widow, has been involved in the benefit since its inception, raising nearly $9 million to assist children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Len Berman of NBC Sports will once again serve as the master of ceremonies. For tickets and information on the Munson Awards Dinner contact 212-249-6188. The honorees will be cited for their accomplishments on the field of play and philanthropic efforts.

The AHRC New York City Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports programs enabling children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead richer, more productive lives, including programs of AHRC New York City. AHRC New York City is one of the largest organizations of its kind, serving 11,000 children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.

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