ORLANDO, Fla. - Former Major League Baseball star Darryl Strawberry is expressing gratitude for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, but says he found freedom long before the call came.

The backstory:

Strawberry, who appeared on Trump’s reality show The Apprentice in 2010, told FOX 35 Orlando that the former president has long been a mentor and friend.

"I was already free because of my faith," Strawberry said in an exclusive interview. "The pardon is just another blessing."

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The eight-time All-Star pleaded guilty to tax evasion in 1994, a charge that came amid struggles with addiction. Since then, he has become a minister and recovery advocate, working to help others overcome substance abuse.

"I’m thankful for what God has done in my life,"

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