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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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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Lenny Dykstra settles in at Strawberry's restaurant

Lenny Dykstra, the much maligned center fielder for the 1986 New York Mets World Series championship team, appeared Saturday evening at Darryl Strawberry's Sports Grill in Queens. Click here to read about Dykstra's appearance and see photos from the event.

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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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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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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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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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