Darryl Strawberry, one of the most popular figures in New York sports history, is sure to be a hit in the Spa City next month.

The former slugger for the New York Mets and New York Yankees will be appearing at the 19th annual Saratoga Bridges Gala at the Hall of Springs on May 3.

“We’re extremely excited to have Darryl come,” Margie Rotchford, of the Saratoga Bridges Foundation, said. “The magnitude of having someone like him come will be huge for the gala and Saratoga Bridges. It will reverberate over the years.”

Throughout his 17-year career, Strawberry, 46, was one of the most feared sluggers in the game and played on four World Series winning teams with the Mets (1986) and Yankees (1996, 1998 and 1999). Strawberry was voted to the All-Star Game eight straight times from 1984-1991.

On a trip to New York City, Rotchford read an article about Strawberry in the Daily News that talked about the work he’s been doing for children with autism along with his wife Tracy. She was touched and started making phone calls.

“Darryl’s life story is very inspirational. He’s a two-time cancer survivor,” Rotchford said. “We’re just ecstatic he’s coming.”

Strawberry’s appearance is sponsored by Friends of Saratoga Bridges.

Strawberry has overcome substance abuse and off-the-field problems. Retired since the conclusion of the 1999 season, he currently works for the New York Mets.

As one of the largest non-profit organizations in the county, Saratoga Bridges has been providing programs for people with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 50 years.

Throughout the organization’s history, family members, staff and volunteers have been committed to ensuring that those they serve are able to realize their goals, hopes and dreams. They remain steadfast in their ability to offer the highest level of lifetime services to 775 individuals, by promoting their abilities, contributions and achievements in every aspect of community life. 

The festivities begin at the Hall of Springs on May 3 with a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby on a large screen. Guests will enjoy a complimentary cocktail hour and champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and a sumptuous gourmet dinner designed especially for the event. There is dancing to a live orchestra and a Silent & Live Auction. The Hall of Springs will be lavishly decorated and each guest will receive a souvenir program.

The cost for the black-tie affair is $150 per person and $125 for juniors (under 30). The live auction will include (2) tickets to the Dave Matthews Band at SPAC with backstage passes (June 20 and 21) and several guitars from Saratoga Guitar. For more information, call Heather Varney at Saratoga Bridges (587-0723) and check out the Web site at www.saratogabridges.org.