STRAWBERRY TESTS POSITIVE FOR COCAINE AGAIN

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 22 - Darryl Strawberry has placed his baseball career in
jeopardy once more, having again tested positive for cocaine.

Strawberry, a multiple violator of baseball's aftercare program, failed a
drug test administered recently by the state of Florida in accordance with
the terms of his sentencing last spring on charges of drug possession and
solicitation of prostitution. Major League Baseball, which had maintained
contact with law enforcement officials here, was alerted to the results of
the test, according to a baseball official.

Strawberry faces trouble on three fronts.

Having been placed on probation for 18 months when sentenced last year, he
may face more legal action.

Strawberry is facing a third suspension by Major League Baseball. The
first, for 60 days, was imposed in February 1995 after he tested positive
for cocaine while with the Giants, who subsequently released him. The
second, from April 24 to Aug. 4 last season, came following his sentencing
in Tampa.

The probation report, obtained by the television station WLWT in Cincinnati
and made available to The Associated Press, recommended that Strawberry
"remain under supervision with enhanced treatment sanctions and continued
urine monitoring two to three times per week."

And Strawberry, who turns 38 next month, is again testing the patience of
the Yankees' principal owner, George Steinbrenner, who has repeatedly given
the slugger chances to renew his baseball career.

The behavioral clause contained in Strawberry's contract is worded so
strongly that club officials believe the deal could be voided and the ties
with the player severed once and for all.

The Yankees were maintaining an official silence on the issue of
Strawberry's drug test tonight.

Brian Cashman, the general manager, refused to comment on Strawberry's
status or future with the team. "Any question you ask me in regards to
Darryl Strawberry will result in a no comment," he said.

Strawberry's status is out of the Yankees' hands anyway, now that Major
League Baseball is involved in the case. But one person close to
Steinbrenner said of Strawberry: "He's blowing his whole life now. I think
George will say enough is enough."

Strawberry began his career with the Mets in 1983 and had eight tempestuous
years with the team, sometimes enjoying remarkable success on the field.

But he has since admitted to developing alcohol and drug problems,
contributing to legal and personal trouble.

Strawberry joined the Yankees in 1995, after Steinbrenner warned him never
to embarrass him, and he became a respected member of the team; shortstop
Derek Jeter has said he considers Strawberry to be something like an older
brother.

Strawberry hit 24 home runs in 1998, but his problems resumed at the end of
that season.

He underwent surgery for colon cancer, and in the spring of 1999 he
rejoined the team even while undergoing chemotherapy. The usually genial
Strawberry became moody, clashed with coaches occasionally and griped about
how he was being treated.

Later, Strawberry - who had long been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous -
said he became depressed at this time and resumed drinking.

Last April 14, Strawberry was arrested by the Tampa police on charges of
possessing .03 grams of cocaine and soliciting prostitution from an
undercover officer.

He pleaded no contest, was sentenced six weeks later to 18 months of
probation and 100 hours of community service and was ordered to pay court
fines.

Jack Espinosa Jr., the Florida Circuit Court judge who sentenced
Strawberry, spoke to him sternly at that time. "This isn't really about
baseball," Espinosa said. "It isn't about your job, but about you. When you
stop producing, nobody will care about you. If this is a picture of life
after baseball, it's not pretty.

This is only an opportunity. I hope you make the best of it."

After serving his baseball suspension, Strawberry rejoined the Yankees and,
incredibly, swung the bat as forcefully as anyone could remember, slugging
3 homers in 49 at-bats and intimidating pitchers into walking him 17 times.

Impressed by what they had seen, the Yankees kept him on the postseason
roster, exercised the $750,000 option on his contract for this season and
planned to use him as their left-handed designated hitter.

Strawberry played in the World Series as the Yankees swept Atlanta, and he
broke into tears on the podium at City Hall after the victory parade.

Manager Joe Torre was at his side, and Strawberry was unable to speak for
48 seconds.

Strawberry eventually lifted his head and said: "I'd just like to say to
Joe, thanks for caring for me. And I love you guys." Strawberry had been
working out at the Yankees' minor league complex that is about a mile from
Legends Field, taking batting practice with his teammates Jeter and Tino
Martinez, launching long drives.

Last Friday, he completed a workout by running through an obstacle course
of cones, moving well.

He is in great shape and appeared ready to begin the season.

He acknowledged recently that his wife, Charisse, was pregnant with the
couple's third child; Strawberry also has two other children.

When Bernie Williams arrived for the first time, Strawberry greeted the
center fielder happily, sharing a hug. But Strawberry did not work out
today -- when position players were to report, in preparation for
Wednesday's first full-squad workout -- and it would seem unlikely that he
will be at workouts in the foreseeable future.

The Yankees have counted on Strawberry to be their designated hitter
against right-handed pitching.

If Strawberry's legal troubles prevent him from playing during the 2000
season, the Yankees are not in a position to immediately replace what they
hoped for from Strawberry.

Jim Leyritz, who will most likely be the designated hitter against
left-handed pitching, hit just .232 against right-handers last year. Shane
Spencer, 28, has been an outfielder his entire career and has no experience
in the role of designated hitter.

The Yankees signed the 40-year-old Tim Raines to a minor league contract,
primarily to give him a chance to play in exhibitions and perhaps interest
another team. But they may now need Raines for themselves, even though he
would not provide the power they prefer from a d.h.

But for now, the Yankees are left to recover from another Strawberry fiasco.

The first week of training camp had been sedate.

Steinbrenner had strolled around cheerily, feeling confident about his
team. There were no controversies hanging over the team; everybody seemed
healthy.

"So far, it's the way we like it - quiet," the pitcher David Cone said this
morning.

He continued: "It won't last. It never does."