STRAWBERRY ARREST ADDS BLEAK NOTE TO YANKEES

He Faces Possession, Solicitation Charges

NEW YORK, April 15The New York Yankees expressed disappointment and sadness
today after learning that troubled outfielder Darryl Strawberry had been
charged with cocaine possession and soliciting a prostitute near the team's
spring training complex in Tampa.

Strawberry, 37, was arrested late Wednesday after offering an undercover
officer $50 for sex, according to police reports. When officers searched his
Ford Explorer, they found 0.3 grams of cocaine wrapped in a $20 bill inside
his wallet. Police said the cocaine had a street value of about $20.

"You don't want to believe it," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said. "I still
don't want to believe it. He's like a big brother to me. It's unfair for me
to say more because I don't know all the details."

This has been a difficult spring for the defending World Series champions.
Manager Joe Torre had surgery for prostate cancer midway through spring
training, and with Torre scheduled to return early next month, the Yankees
have another distraction.

"It's awful news," Yankees pitcher David Cone said. "There's no way around it."

Strawberry was booked at 12:22 a.m. at the Hillsborough County jail and
released on $6,000 bond. Cocaine possession in Florida is a third-degree
felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Solicitation is a
misdemeanor that carries a 60-day jail term for first-time offenders.

Strawberry, who has had substance abuse problems in the past, told police
the cocaine didn't belong to him. He said his wife's uncle had used his
truck and may have left the folded $20 bill in the glove compartment. He
denied intending to have sex with the officer, telling police officers he
was joking and did not intend to meet her at a nearby motel.

"During this interview, Strawberry continually apologized and was very
remorseful for what he had done," police Sgt. Marc J. Hamlin wrote in an
investigative report. "He asked several times, if there was anything that we
could do to change this situation, because this was going to ruin his career."

Strawberry, who underwent successful surgery for colon cancer last fall, was
in Tampa to rehabilitate a leg injury and take part in the Yankees' extended
spring training program. He was hoping to return to the major leagues next
month after a rehabilitation stint with Class AAA Columbus.

However, his return is uncertain. Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who has
been Strawberry's most staunch supporter in the organization, declined to
comment. General Manager Brian Cashman attempted to reach Strawberry, but
declined to say whether they had spoken.

"We're going to wait for all the facts to come in," Cashman said. "Beyond
that, we're not going to comment. We're going to let the legal process take
its course."

Strawberry became a spiritual leader for the Yankees last season after
doctors diagnosed colon cancer early in the playoffs. After the Yankees won
the World Series, New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani praised him "for the
comeback he's made as a baseball player and the comeback he's making in life."

Strawberry was in New York last weekend to receive his World Series ring,
then returned to Tampa to continue working his way back to the big leagues.
Teammates said he seemed typically upbeat and was looking forward to returning.

"I love the guy," Cone said. "I'm the least objective guy to talk about
Darryl. I heard the news last night and couldn't sleep. I'm devastated. It's
awful for him and his family."

Strawberry's arrest is the latest in a series of drug and financial problems
that have plagued the eight-time all-star. He admitted to a drinking problem
in 1990 and admitted himself to Smithers Center for rehabilitation. In 1994,
he underwent counseling for cocaine addiction. In 1995, Major League
Baseball suspended him for 60 days
after he tested positive for cocaine. In April 1995, a federal court ordered
him to repay $350,000 in back taxes and sentenced him to six months of home
confinement. He has been tested for drugs by the league twice a week since 1995.

His career started much differently. He was the No. 1 overall pick of the
1980 draft and was hailed as a great player before he joined the New York
Mets three years later. He was the National League's rookie of the year in
1983 and helped the Mets win the 1986 World Series.

After eight seasons with the Mets, he returned to his home town of Los
Angeles, where he spent two seasons with the Dodgers. He played briefly for
the San Francisco Giants before signing with the Yankees in 1995. Strawberry
had his best season in seven years in 1998, hitting .247 with 24 home runs
and 57 RBI in 295 at-bats.

"Sure I was shocked to hear the news," Yankees interim manager Don Zimmer
said. "This is as good a man as I've been around the last two and a half
years. He treated everybody outstanding."