clarinews@clarinet.com (02/04/90)
NEW YORK (UPI) -- New York Mets outfielder Darryl Strawberry, arrested eight days ago for assaulting his wife and threatening her with a gun, has admitted himself into an alcohol treatment center, the team announced Saturday. Strawberry entered the Smithers Institute in Manhattan, the same clinic that treated Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden for drug addiction in 1987. Dr. Allan Lans, who handled Gooden's case and traveled with the Mets last season, will oversee Strawberry's recovery. Mets General Manager Frank Cashen told United Press International that Lans flew to Los Angeles Wednesday to accompany the 27-year-old right fielder to New York. ``He's been with Darryl until they came back to Kennedy (Airport) last night,'' Cashen said. ``Darryl spent the night in Dr. Lans's home in New Jersey and was admitted to Smithers 11 a.m. this morning. Our first concern is Darryl's well-being and welfare.'' The Mets did not say how long Strawberry would be in Smithers. Gooden spent 30 days in rehabilitation. ``As a friend and adviser, I want the best for Darryl,'' said Eric Goldschmidt, Strawberry's agent. ``I want to stress that this is an alcohol-related problem. It is not drugs. I feel things will work out for Darryl.'' Word of Strawberry's alcoholism comes at a time when he has been outspoken over his wish for a new contract and his displeasure with the Mets. He earned $1.44 million last season and is seeking to join the exclusive $3 million-a-year club despite statistics last season of 29 home runs, 77 RBI and a .225 average. ``My heart goes out to Darryl,'' Mets Manager Davey Johnson said from his Florida home. ``I'm not even thinking about baseball now, just his well-being.'' Strawberrry was arrested Jan. 26 at his home in Encino, Calif., after a domestic dispute with his wife, Lisa, from whom he was once separated. Police said Strawberry hit his wife in the face and she retaliated by striking him in the ribs and wrist with a curtain rod. Lisa Strawberry claims her husband then theatened her with a .25-caliber pistol. The Los Angeles City Attorney's office is deciding whether to file misdemeanor charges against Strawberry. That episode came two days after blood tests confirmed Strawberry fathered the child of a St. Louis woman.