Who is Lenny Dykstra? Former MLB star charged with drug possession after New Year’s Day traffic stop in Pennsylvania

Lenny Dykstra, the 62-year-old former Major League Baseball star, has been formally charged with misdemeanor possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop in Pike County, Pennsylvania, just after midnight on January 1, 2026.

The Pennsylvania State Police said the retired Phillies and Mets outfielder was a passenger in a truck stopped for a vehicle code violation when officers found narcotics and related equipment in his possession. Lenny Dykstra was not taken into custody at the scene, and police did not say what kind of drugs were allegedly involved. His lawyer, Matthew Blit, said in a statement that Dykstra did not own the vehicle and was not under the influence at the time of the stop.

Blit added that any charges against Dykstra will be cleared in court.

Lenny Dykstra Charged With Drug and Paraphernalia Possession in Pike County

According to police, the traffic stop happened just after midnight on New Year’s Day, around Route 507 in Greene Township, near where Dykstra lives in Scranton, Pennsylvania. State troopers pulled over the 2015 GMC Sierra truck because of a motor vehicle code violation and asked for identification. The police report says that when Dykstra opened a pouch in the glove compartment to show his ID, officers saw a jar with suspected crack cocaine or methamphetamine and a glass smoking device with what appeared to be drug residue.

The substances were not tested at the scene, but officers determined they were suspected narcotics and paraphernalia. Lenny Dykstra was given a summons and will have a preliminary hearing on February 3, 2026, in Pike County court. Lawyers for Dykstra have already said they expect the case to be resolved in his favor.

Lenny Dykstra’s attorney, Matthew Blit, told reporters that Dykstra was simply a passenger and that the vehicle was not his. Blit stressed that his client was not accused of being under the influence of any substance at the time of the stop and that charges will be cleared quickly. Lenny Dykstra played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball, starting with the New York Mets and then spending several years with the Philadelphia Phillies before retiring after the 1996 season. He was part of the Mets team that won the 1986 World Series and was known for his hard-nosed playing style.

Since retiring from baseball, Dykstra has faced several legal and financial problems. He served time in federal prison for bankruptcy fraud and grand theft auto, and he has been charged in the past with drug possession and other offenses, although some were dropped or resolved. Dykstra’s past issues and this latest charge continue a long history of trouble off the field. Police and court officials have not yet released full details of the evidence or the case, but Dykstra’s lawyer remains confident the charges will not stick. Also Read: Who Is Trey Yesavage’s Fiancée? Taylor Frick Shares Sunny Beach Photo As Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Enjoys Tropical Break