Former Major League Baseball star Lenny Dykstra finds himself in legal trouble once again. The 62-year-old ex-outfielder has been formally charged with misdemeanor possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop in Pennsylvania on New Year's Day.
The New Year's Day Traffic Stop
The incident occurred just after midnight on January 1, 2026. Pennsylvania State Police pulled over a 2015 GMC Sierra truck for a vehicle code violation on Route 507 in Greene Township, Pike County. This area is near Scranton, Pennsylvania, where Dykstra reportedly resides. Dykstra was a passenger in the vehicle.
During the stop, officers asked for identification. According to the police report, when Dykstra opened a pouch in the glove compartment to retrieve his ID, the troopers spotted a jar containing what they suspected was crack cocaine or methamphetamine. They also observed a glass smoking device with apparent drug residue. The substances were not tested at the scene, but officers deemed them to be suspected narcotics and paraphernalia.
Legal Response and Court Proceedings
Lenny Dykstra was not taken into custody at the scene. Instead, he was issued a summons and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 3, 2026, in Pike County court.
His attorney, Matthew Blit, has strongly contested the charges. In a statement, Blit emphasized that Dykstra did not own the vehicle and was merely a passenger. He also stated that his client was not under the influence of any substance during the stop. Blit expressed confidence, asserting that any charges against Dykstra will be cleared in court and the case will be resolved in his favor.
A Troubled Post-Baseball Career
Lenny Dykstra's 12-season MLB career was marked by significant success. He began with the New York Mets, playing a key role in their 1986 World Series championship win, before moving to the Philadelphia Phillies. Known for his aggressive, hard-nosed style, he retired after the 1996 season.
However, his life after baseball has been fraught with legal and financial difficulties. His past issues include:
- Serving time in federal prison for bankruptcy fraud and grand theft auto.
- Previous charges related to drug possession and other offenses, some of which were dropped or resolved.
This latest incident adds to the former athlete's long history of off-field troubles. While police and court officials have not released full evidence details, Dykstra's legal team remains adamant about his innocence. The case continues to draw attention to the tumultuous post-retirement life of the once-celebrated sports star.
