Booster Banquet

Former MLB All-Star Darryl Strawberry Highlights 57th Annual Boys Town Booster Banquet

Former Major League Baseball All-Star Darryl Strawberry encouraged Boys Town youth to take advantage of their opportunities at the 57th Annual Boys Town Booster Banquet, held at the Embassy Suites Convention Center in LaVista, Tuesday, April 30.

Strawberry, who was a superstar for the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees, told his story to the nearly 1,200 Boys Town boosters and youth in attendance. He and his wife, Tracy, also spent time with Boys Town kids during a special lunch.

It was an inspirational story about perseverance and overcoming obstacles along the way.

“Take advantage of the opportunity that you have here,” Strawberry said. “These are rare opportunities that people get. A lot of people don’t get these opportunities. All of you have a gift inside of you, it’s just a matter of… do you believe it?”

Strawberry's message resonated with the Boys Town youth, who often come from difficult backgrounds. Once here, Boys Town professionals work with these boys and girls to rebuild their trust and provide an opportunity for them to learn the life lessons many haven't yet learned or have taken for granted. Team sports are an integral part of this care.

Strawberry’s wife, Tracy, stressed that all the boys and girls should value the love and treatment they receive at Boys Town.

“You’re worth every bit of this. You’re worth loving,” she said. “The people here love you. You know why? Because you’re worth it.”

For many, Boys Town athletics is the first opportunity youth get to participate in any kind of organized sport. Boys Town coaches focus on the team sport experience to build character, not on the outcome of the game.

The annual Booster Banquet honors Boys Town student-athletes for their outstanding accomplishments throughout the season. Nyree Poteet-Brown was named Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year and Starr Mills was named Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year, respectively, for their tremendous commitment to Boys Town athletics. Lacey Schuur and Messiah Green received the Female and Male Competing with Character awards.

Four Boys Town alumni also were recognized for their athletic achievements with their induction into the Boys Town Sports Hall of Fame. Rufus Bragg (1976) was inducted posthumously, while Tom Heafey (1972), Barney Hill (1973) and Fred Anzures (1973) are living inductees.

The Boys Town Boosters were formed 57 years ago to ensure that any child at Boys Town has the opportunity to play sports. Every year, the Booster Banquet brings Boys Town and the Omaha community together to recognize Boys Town's student-athletes and raise funds for sports equipment, uniforms, and other necessities. This support of Boys Town athletics guarantees youth have an outlet where they can have fun and learn valuable life lessons.

Thank you to all who joined us and to our speaker, Darryl Strawberry. We look forward to seeing you at the next Booster Banquet in 2025.