MLB Star Darryl Strawberry to Keynote Battle Creek Community Prayer Breakfast

Battle Creek, MI ... Former Major League Baseball star Darryl Strawberry will deliver the keynote address at the 44th annual Battle Creek Community Prayer Breakfast on May 5, 2026.

The event, themed "Out of the Dugout, Into the Light," will take place from 7:25 to 9:00 a.m. at Kellogg Arena in downtown Battle Creek.

About Darryl Strawberry

Strawberry is one of baseball's most recognizable figures from the 1980s and 90s. During his 17-year career, he hit 335 home runs, was selected to eight All-Star teams, and won three World Series championships ... one with the New York Mets in 1986 and two with the New York Yankees in 1996 and 1999.

But Strawberry's story extends far beyond the baseball diamond. He has spoken openly about his struggles with addiction and how his Christian faith helped him find peace and purpose. He has authored several books including "Another Life," "Turn Your Season Around," and "Straw: Finding My Way."

In 2024, the New York Mets retired Strawberry's number 18, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise's all-time greats.

Local Voice of Hope

Joining Strawberry will be Raul Maysonet, a youth mentor from Battle Creek who will deliver the "This I Believe" speech. Maysonet works with Hood Church and The Hope House Aftercare, and his story includes overcoming a difficult childhood, personal loss, mental illness, depression, and addiction.

"Prayer is the very lifeline that has carried me through the hardest moments of my life," Maysonet said.

Event Details

The Battle Creek Community Prayer Breakfast is modeled after the National Prayer Breakfast and typically draws more than 1,000 attendees, including several hundred students from Calhoun County schools.

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 7:25 AM - 9:00 AM
Location: Kellogg Arena, downtown Battle Creek
Tickets: $20

Program highlights include:

• Prelude music by the worship team from Victory Life Church
• Performance of "Amazing Grace" by Walter Williams
• Scripture readings by Robin Boltz, Dominic and Olivia Oo
• Prayers led by Doug Haywood, Lori Haywood-Mains, and Asia Graham
• Sign language interpreters available

Ticket Information

Tickets are available at bcprayerbreakfast.org or at the Battle Creek Community Foundation, 32 W. Michigan Avenue.

Those who donate $100 or more will receive an invitation for two to a meet-and-greet reception with Darryl Strawberry on May 4 at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

About the Event

The Battle Creek Community Prayer Breakfast began in 1982 when Dr. Russell Mawby, Dr. Paul Gieser, and Col. Ben Gomez expanded a Federal Center employee prayer breakfast to include the broader community.

The event is organized by volunteers and funded through donations. Contributions help cover costs and allow students to attend for free.

For more information, email prayerbreakfast@bccfoundation.org or call 269-962-2181.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Tickets cost $20 and are available online at bcprayerbreakfast.org or at the Battle Creek Community Foundation.

Q: Is there a special reception with Darryl Strawberry?
A: Yes. Donors of $100 or more receive an invitation for two to a meet-and-greet reception on May 4 at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Q: Are students welcome?
A: Yes. The event typically includes several hundred students from Calhoun County schools, and donations help students attend for free.