Lenny Dykstra is an American former professional baseball center fielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1985 to 1996. He was an integral part of the 1986 World Series Champion New York Mets and 1993 National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies. Dykstra was a three-time All-Star and won the MLB Player of the Year Award in 1993. Since his playing days, Dykstra has had a tumultuous post-career, from financial struggles to legal issues.
Early Life
Lenny Dykstra was born on February 10, 1963, in Santa Ana, California. He grew up playing baseball in the streets of Anaheim, California. Dykstra was a standout player at Garden Grove High School, and he was drafted by the New York Mets in the 13th round of the 1981 MLB Draft. Dykstra decided to attend college instead of signing with the Mets, and he attended California State University, Fullerton. He was again drafted by the Mets in the 4th round of the 1984 MLB Draft, this time signing with the team.
Career Highlights
Dykstra made his MLB debut with the Mets in 1985. He was an integral part of the 1986 World Series Champion Mets, and he was selected to the All-Star team in 1990 and 1993. In 1993, Dykstra won the MLB Player of the Year Award. He was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1989 and was part of the 1993 National League Champion Phillies. He retired from baseball in 1996 after a 12-year career.
Post-Baseball Life
Since his retirement from baseball, Dykstra has had a tumultuous post-career. He has had financial struggles, which have led to numerous legal issues. In 2012, he was sentenced to three years in prison for bankruptcy fraud, concealment of assets, and money laundering. He was released from prison in 2013 and has since been involved in various business ventures.
Lenny Dykstra is an American former professional baseball center fielder who had an impressive 12-year career in Major League Baseball. He was a three-time All-Star, won the MLB Player of the Year Award in 1993, and was a part of two championship teams. Since his retirement, Dykstra has had a turbulent post-career, with financial struggles and legal issues.
