According to a report from The Athletic’s Zach Powell and Matt Moret, “Dykstra, 62, was arrested … on suspicion of possessing narcotics and narcotic-related equipment but was not taken into custody. Dykstra was a passenger in a 2015 GMC Sierra truck that was pulled over due to a motor vehicle code violation in Pike County, according to state police records. The traffic stop took place about 25 miles east of Scranton, where Dykstra lives.”
This was not the first instance of legal issues for the controversial former outfielder, who has previously been sentenced to house arrest and faced charges including sexual assault, grand theft auto, identity theft, and drug possession. Following a brief court appearance related to this year’s traffic stop, Dykstra waived his right to a hearing, and his legal representatives have expressed confidence that the alleged drugs found in the vehicle did not belong to him.
As the three-time Philadelphia Phillies All-Star navigates his latest legal challenges, he has also expressed a desire to take on a more active role with the team. “As for his Phillies ties, Dykstra said he hopes to ‘reestablish’ his connection with the team and the fans,” Christian Red reported for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
According to Red, Dykstra has moved on from his earlier chaotic way of life and might be open to a guest instructor position with the team or some other role that would let him engage more formally with the many fans who still recall his prime playing days.
“Those are great fans in Philadelphia,” Dykstra told Red. “I played for the best fans in the world New York and Philadelphia. Love them all. Miss them. Hopefully I can work out something with the Phillies.”
Dykstra, who received three All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger Award, and MVP votes in two different seasons during his time with the Phillies, could become the latest former player to rejoin the franchise after retirement. However, he will likely need to first resolve his most recent legal issues.
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