For decades, Darryl Strawberry was a familiar villain to St. Louis baseball fans. Next month, the former Mets star will take on a very different role, headlining a Jewish community event in St. Charles with a message centered on Israel, faith and personal resilience.

Strawberry will deliver the keynote address at the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County’s second annual Gratitude Breakfast on Thursday, Feb. 12, at Bogey Hills Country Club.

The eight-time All-Star and his wife, Tracy, now live in O’Fallon, Mo. and are deeply involved with Journey Church, a congregation they’ve said they were “called to” after first connecting there more than a decade ago. Strawberry’s keynote address is titled “My love of Israel and overcoming hardship.”

Honoring civic and community leaders

Before Strawberry takes the stage, the morning will also spotlight several civic and community leaders.

St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano will receive the Civic Award. St. Louis philanthropist Michael Staenberg will be honored with the Philanthropic Award. Denise Leibel will receive the Community Service Award, and Dafna Revah and David Palatnik will be presented with the Defender of Israel Award.

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A pro-Israel voice shaped by experience

While Strawberry’s baseball résumé is well known, his connection to Israel and to Jewish communities may surprise many St. Louisans.

In recent years, Strawberry has become an outspoken supporter of Israel through his work as an evangelical minister and public speaker. He first visited Israel in 2018 and has since spoken frequently about the experience and its impact on him.

He has described his advocacy as personal rather than political, rooted in seeing the country firsthand and connecting biblical history with modern Israel. That message has made him a sought-after speaker at pro-Israel programs around the country, including events organized by Jewish National Fund-USA and other Jewish organizations.

Marking six years of a growing community

The Gratitude Breakfast also marks six years since the founding of the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County, which serves a growing Jewish population west of the Missouri River.

Organizers say the event is designed both to honor community partners and to highlight voices who have publicly stood with the Jewish people at a time of rising antisemitism.

A gourmet breakfast begins at 8 a.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 9 a.m. The cost is $54, and business casual attire is recommended.

For more information or to RSVP, visit JewishStCharles.org/Gala.