What is Lenny Dykstra’s Net Worth and Career Earnings?

Lenny Dykstra, a retired American professional baseball player, has a net worth of -$25 million due to financial and legal troubles since his retirement. He has faced bankruptcy and jail time as a result of these issues.

Dykstra is most well-known for his time playing for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball. During his career, he won a World Series with the Mets and was selected as an All-Star three times.

Lenny Dykstra’s Career

Lenny Dykstra began his career in 1981 after being signed by the Mets. He quickly became known for his fearless style of play, earning him the nickname “Nails” and a reputation for having “no concept of failure.” In 1986, Dykstra led the Mets to a World Series Championship with a staggering number of home runs.

After a trade to the Philadelphia Phillies and a drunk driving incident, Dykstra struggled with injuries throughout the rest of his career. He did have a highlight in 1993 when he led the Majors in walks, but it was later revealed that he had paid a private team of investigators to dig up dirt on umpires in order to achieve a better strike zone during games. Lenny retired in the late 90s.

Lenny Dykstra’s Steroid Use Confirmed in Mitchell Report

In 2007, the Mitchell Report revealed that Lenny Dykstra was among the many players who had used steroids in the past. Multiple sources confirmed his steroid use, and it is alleged that even the Commissioner of Baseball was aware of Dykstra’s prolonged steroid use for years.

Despite never agreeing to meet with investigators or confirm these allegations, Dykstra privately admitted to using steroids because he felt he was in danger of being replaced on the field.

Lenny Dykstra’s Financial Troubles

After retiring from baseball, Lenny Dykstra launched several unsuccessful businesses, including a jet charter company and magazines. By 2009, he faced allegations of credit card and check fraud, unpaid rent, and several lawsuits.

In 2009, Dykstra filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy, revealing he had only $50,000 in assets and between $10 million and $50 million in debts. He claimed to be a victim of mortgage fraud.

Dykstra was effectively homeless, living out of his car and hotel lobbies. He struggled to sell his properties due to issues such as toxic mold and water damage.

In an effort to pay his debts, Dykstra auctioned off his World Series ring for $56,750 in 2009.

The Downfall of Lenny Dykstra

In 2009, Lenny Dykstra filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy but was accused of lying under oath and hiding assets. He faced legal issues in 2011 after being arrested for attempting to buy a stolen car and possessing illicit drugs. Prosecutors claimed Dykstra had destroyed or hidden over $400,000 worth of assets and he faced 13 charges, which could have resulted in an 80-year sentence. In 2012, he pleaded guilty to bankruptcy fraud, concealment of assets, and money laundering, resulting in a 6.5-month prison sentence, $200,000 restitution, and 500 hours of community service.

Throughout his career, Dykstra has had several legal issues. In 1991, he crashed into a tree while driving drunk. In 1999, he was arrested for sexual harassment but charges were later dropped. In 2010, he was accused of writing a worthless check to a female escort, and in 2011, he was charged with indecent exposure and sentenced to nine months. In 2018, he was arrested for drug possession and threatening an Uber driver with a gun.

Lenny Dykstra’s Family

Lenny Dykstra and his wife Terri were married from 1985 to 2009 and have three children.

Their son Cutter Dykstra has been married to “The Sopranos” actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler since 2016.

Cutter and Jamie-Lynn have produced two grandsons for Lenny and Terri.

Lenny Dykstra’s Mansion Hits the Housing Market

In 2010, Lenny Dykstra put his southern California mansion up for sale with a price tag of $14.9 million. The six-bedroom residence was in seriously bad shape, with a history of vandalization, including beer bottles scattered throughout the yard and sewage openly spewing into the air. Dykstra declared bankruptcy just six months prior to listing the property.

The home was previously owned by hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who sold the 6.7-acre property to Dykstra for $17.5 million in 2007. However, there were about $14.28 million worth of liens against the property, including a sum of $12.9 million owed to JP Morgan & Chase.

In 2018, Gretzky bought back the home for $13.5 million, making a $5 million profit and keeping the house that he had once sold to Dykstra.

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