Darryl Strawberry is mostly remembered for winning four World Series’ as a player with the Mets and Yankees, as well as the 1983 National League Rookie of the Year. But, it is what he has done off the field that has been his finest achievement and should be thought of above all of his MLB achievements.

Strawberry, whose foundation, The Darryl Strawberry Foundation helps kids with autism, talked to Victor Green and Jared Ginsberg of Class Act Sports at the Pairing Party for his fifth annual golf outing benefitting his foundation in September 2011.

“Well what I am doing here is raising money for autism. My foundation is the Darryl Strawberry Foundation Fight For Autism. You can go to www.DarylStrawberry.com. We raise money- not awareness- to keep the doors open. It’s such a neat forum because they don’t really get government funding like they should, and some programs are not allowed to even stay open because of no funding, so I put on a golf outing every year to raise money and we got some other things coming up to raise more money,” Strawberry said at the event.

Strawberry and his wife Tracey don’t have kids who suffer from autism, but it is still an issue that is near-and-dear to them.

“It’s wonderful. Someone has to stand up for the families and help them. And if I had a child that was affected, I would want someone to help me. It is amazing to see all the athletes give up their time. None of them get paid, they sacrifice their time. They have a great tie together and it’s just an amazing event to come together and do something great,” Tracey Strawberry told Class Act Sports.

During his 17-year career with four teams (Mets, Yankees, Giants and Dodgers), Strawberry hit 335 home runs and had 1,000 RBIs. The eight-time All Star won the World Series with the Mets in 1986, as well as with the Yankees in 1996, 1998 and 1999.

Numerous athletes showed up to support Strawberry and his foundation.

“I want to thank Daryl Strawberry for starting this foundation. It is such a good cause. It’s something that I have always enjoyed doing, helping to give back to the community,” former Cowboy defensive end Ed “Too Tall” Jones told Class Act Sports.

Another NFLer, former Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, expressed how important it is to support other athletes as well as how the game of golf plays into all of this.

“Anytime an athlete has a foundation that they put their heart and soul into, I am willing to support that and when you utilize golf tournaments, it’s a great vehicle to raise money because everybody enjoys golf,” Ogden said.

But it was not just athletes who were at the Pairing Party for the tournament as several Class Act celebrities were in attendance like Anthony Anderson, Mykelti Williamson and Flex Alexander, all of whom had nothing but positives to say about Strawberry.

“Well the first thing, just what he has done with his life, I think he is an example that the media needs to talk more hold of because they always find the negative stories. And I know with your [site], you are finding all the positive things they do, and I think they need to shine more light on that because he has done such an amazing thing in his life. I think that needs to be shown and talked about more,” Alexander said to Class Act Sports.

Every athlete strives to be the best that they can on the field. And while they sometimes compete against each other for jobs on the same team, off the field, players often put aside their differences for worthy causes.

Take Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero, who, prior to the 2011 season was in a battle for a spot in the starting rotation with Jesse Litch. He was more than happy to help out at Litch’s second annual Jesse Litsch and Bechtel Financial Celebrity Golf Tournament in Florida in February of 2011.

“It goes beyond competition. Friendship comes first. We’re really good friends. We are a close family as a rotation and as a team. We come out here and it’s for the kids.” Romero told Jared Ginsberg of Class Act Sports.

The money raised in the golf outing was used to purchase toys and bicycles for underprivileged children.

“It’s actually a really really fun event that [Litch] puts together, and we’re all pulling for him and hopefully he is able to join the rotation,” Romero said.

Litsch did make the starting rotation, making eight starts before being moved to the bullpen. Romero also made the rotation, and posted a 15-11 record with 178 strikeouts and four complete games. He also flirted with a no-hitter earlier in his career in 2010, allowing the only hit in the eighth inning, while striking our a career-high 12 batters in a 4-2 win over the White Sox.

“You try not to think about it to much. You just try and go out there and make your pitches and it was one of those nights where you just have everything going and one mistake during that game cost me the no-hitter. The most important thing that happened that night is we won. Ultimately that is the goal every time you go out there,” Romero said.

Last season, the Blue Jays finished the season in fourth place in the American League Eastern Division with an 81-81 record.  The team brings back a lot of its core from last year, and should contend for a playoff spot.

“It was good. It tells you that if you keep working hard, anything is possible and that’s what we’ve been doing as a team as a rotation. Everyone is excited for this year,” he told Class Act Sports.

As good as a player as Darryl Strawberry was on the field, he’s made it a point to be an even better man off of it.

Speaking exclusively to Class Act Sports in September at Eisenhower golf course in East Meadow, New York, Strawberry didn’t want any attention for his help with Joe Namath’s Charity Golf Classic, partnering with the March of Dimes Foundation.

Strawberry, the former New York Met and Yankee said,

“It’s not about us, it’s not about being important, it’s about helping and bringing people together. When you have an opportunity to bring people together playing golf, you’re going to raise some good money because people know its a fun day.”

A fun day that also has it’s rewards.

“It’s a great outing, the March of Dimes for babies. Raising a lot of money and just doing great things to help. Joe [Namath] is into his 7th year and its an excellent golf tournament to come out to and be a part of,” Strawberry said.

The March of Dimes aims to help mothers have the best, healthiest pregnancies possible, as well as aiding infants who suffer from illnesses.

“It’s all about giving back. New York legends are all about the fans and the people and helping others. We understand the importance of being successful and achieving great things in this city and we just want to be a part of communities all over the part that help.”

The 1983 NL Rookie of the Year, and four-time World Series Champion, Strawberry also helps with his own charity, the Darryl Strawberry Foundation which helps kids with autism. Strawberry said he enjoys it more than broadcasting because he is “helping children and families [raise] money.”

The stars were out and smiling in steamy Frisco, Texas, as they gathered for Reebok’s 10th annual Heroes Celebrity Baseball game at the Dr. Pepper Ballpark. Benefiting The Heroes Foundation and The Mike Modano Foundation, the event featured over a dozen celebrities and athletes pairing up with amateur ball players to raise money for two worthy organizations benefiting children in the local community. The Class Act Sports team was on hand to learn more.

One of the main attractions featured the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy, allowing fans to take pictures while capturing the success of the Mavericks victory over the Heat in 2011. Mavs owner Mark Cuban was also in attendance and still reeling from his team’s championship season.

“Oh my God, you know, the Larry O’ Brien Trophy – it’s like my new best friend. [I’m just] proud of the guys, proud of everything we’ve been able to accomplish, just amazed at the reception the Dallas, Fort Worth, North Texas has given us,” said Cuban.

The Pittsburgh-born billionaire has remained heavily involved in the Heroes Foundation over the years, helping founder Charlie McKinney build a baseball diamond and basketball center for local youths to benefit from.

“There’s always been organizations that try to use athletics…We really wanted to connect to kids through sports, but put the focus on academics,” he said.

McKinney and longtime Dallas Stars center Mike Modano teamed to form his foundation, which raises money to assist underprivileged children throughout the greater Dallas area.

“Mike and I are great friends, have been for years and we do business together. Ten years ago, I asked Mike, you know, the biggest name in Dallas if he would lend his name to this event and he said ‘Absolutely,’” said McKinney.

A number of Dallas Cowboys players were also in attendance, including linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Bradie James, tight end Martellus Bennett, and wide receiver Dez Bryant.

“No matter what the cause is, as long as it’s a good cause, I’m there to support. If I’m available, I’m there… Come on, let’s play!” said Bennett.

Topping off the already impressive roster were actors Donald Faison, Michael Clarke Duncan, Geoff Stults and Dave Annable. Fans were also treated to a fireworks finale following the festivities, along with a performance of “God Bless America” by David Archuleta during the seventh-inning stretch.

The Heroes Foundation has served more than 25,000 children throughout the Dallas area and raised over $4.5 million since 2001 while preparing them for school, college and a professional career.

Ryan Klesko was one of the best lefty hitting first baseman of his generation. In 13 seasons, he bashed 278 home runs and drove in 987 runs. But now that his career is over, he has decided to give back.

“Well this is dear to my heart,” Klesko said exclusively to Class Act Sports, speaking at former teammate Brian Jordan’s charity golf tournament back in November.

“This is a great organization. I learned a lot from what he is doing. I am just proud of him. There’s a lot of guys who have great careers and filter off and don’t give back, and Brian is one of those guys who has always given back. It’s an inspiration to all of us. I think it kind of pointed me in the right direction.”

Jordan’s foundation, The Brian Jordan Foundation, helps under-privileged children and their families, to gain healthier lifestyles. And Klesko looked to his former teammate and friend when creating his charity.

“We started Blue Ryno foundation to work with sick children several years ago and we do several events in different states. We just enjoy giving back. One night I just decided to do something for less-than-fortunate people.” Klesko said, of his charity.

The Blue Ryno Foundation provides financial and medical assistance to terminally ill children, which greatly helps them and their families during the most difficult time. To Klesko, the decision to help others was a no-brainer.

“We were blessed enough to play a game and make a lot of money. To do something to give back is just fun,” he said.

Playing in charity golf tournaments is one way to raise money, and Klesko participates, although his baseball swing is much better than his golf swing.

“I haven’t picked up the clubs in a month, but [the golf game has] been good.” Klesko also reminisced on his baseball career, having many found memories. But the best one was easy to recall.

“Winning the World Series, which we did in 1995. We went to the playoffs a lot of years but the one year we did win it was in 1995, so that was a great year.”

He also is the only player to ever hit a home run in three consecutive World Series games on the road, a feat which he accomplished in 1995 in Cleveland as a member of the Braves. But Klesko was modest about the achievement.

“I’m surprised with the small ball parks that someone hasn’t done that yet, but one of these days, it’ll probably be broken.”

Tony Womack was a speedster on the basepaths, and now that he has retired, he hasn’t slowed down a bit. The 15-year veteran and former all-star still finds time to help out those in need.

Womack said exclusively to Class Act Sports, speaking at Brian Jordan’s Celebrity Golf Classic in Atlanta, Georgia in October,

“We’re brothers. We both have a heart for kids. For me, I’d do anything for him and his kids whether it’s his personally or his organization. It’s a big thing for me.”

Jordan’s Foundation, ‘The Brian Jordan Foundation’ aims to help children grow and be successful by doing things the right way. And Womack also has his own foundation, ‘The Stealing Hearts Foundation’. Established by Tony and his wife in 2009, it helps to educate children and teach them to read. Giving back is something Womack feels inclined to do.

“Growing up, I had no one like me to teach me the ropes or how to be a professional or get an education. I think it’s very important to do that because it’s time for me to give back to these kids. There’s more to life than sports. If I can help one kid out of 25, I think I am here for a reason.”

Despite not playing since the 2006 season, Womack still watches the game and was rooting for one of his former teams in the 2011 World Series.

“I’m pulling for the Cardinals because I played for them. We lost in 2004. Boston beat us in four straight. Albert [Pujols] and Tony [Larussa] were good to me.”

Womack, a second baseman, played for seven different teams in his 15-year career and had 363 stolen bases- including a career-high and Major League best 72 in 1999. He had many memorable moments during his career, but told Class Act Sports his top three.

“Number one is Fathers Day 2001. I hit a grand slam. I lost my dad April 2001- three days after his birthday. Number two was the World Series [winning it in 2001 after beating the Yankees in seven games] for me. And number three was when I signed with the Pirates because I was told I’m not big enough and strong enough to play and I played 15 years. Not necessarily in that order but those are the three moments because it changed me. I made a lot of people eat their words,” Womack said.

When he’s not helping out with charity work, Womack likes to relax with his family, and get on the links.

“Being at home with my wife and kids. And working out on my golf game,” he said.