PALMYRA TWP., PIKE COUNTY — Former Major League Baseball star Lenny Dykstra of the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies waived a preliminary hearing Tuesday on misdemeanor charges of possessing narcotics and a drug pipe during a traffic stop on New Year’s Day on Route 507 in Greene Twp., Pike County.
A resident of Scranton for the past few years, Dykstra was charged on New Year’s Day with possession of a controlled substance and of drug paraphernalia after Pennsylvania State Police stopped a vehicle in which he was the front-seat passenger, near Lake Wallenpaupack.
A police affidavit said Dykstra immediately turned over to police a small pouch containing a small amount of narcotics, either crack cocaine or meth. Dykstra told troopers Kevin Zelna, the driver of the vehicle, put the items in the pouch, according to a criminal complaint. Zelna, 37, faces seven misdemeanor charges and 10 summary counts, which include driving under the influence of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and possessing forged documents.
The charges against Zelna were forwarded to Pike County Court after his preliminary hearing on Feb. 17.
In January, Dykstra’s attorney, Thomas Mincer, expressed confidence that Dykstra, who continues to recover from a stroke, would successfully fight the charges. Dykstra was not knowingly in possession of or under the influence of any narcotics, had none on his person and was not taken into custody at the scene of the traffic stop, Mincer had said in an email.
For Dykstra’s proceeding Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Randy Schmalzle in Palmyra Township, Dykstra wore a dark suit, button-down shirt and a tie.
Mincer asked Dykstra various procedural questions regarding the waiving of the preliminary hearing, including: that they have “discussed various negotiations so far;” the waiver means the case now gets sent to Pike County Court; Dykstra would be released on his own recognizance without having to post bail, and he would have to attend any court hearings and remain in contact with his attorneys. Dykstra answered yes, that he understood.
“Don’t get in any trouble,” while the case remains pending, Mincer told Dykstra.
After the hearing, Dykstra and his attorneys did not make any statements to members of the media. The attorneys said they expected to release a statement later.
Dykstra, 63, a native of Garden Grove, California, joined the Mets in 1985 and helped the team win the World Series championship in 1986.
Nicknamed “Nails” for his tough, gritty style of play and persona, the left-handed center-fielder was traded in 1989 to the Phillies and in 1990 posted a 23-game hitting streak. He played his final game with the Phillies and as a MLB player in 1996.
After falling on hard times and suffering a stroke, Dykstra a few years ago landed in an apartment in West Scranton. In a 2024 interview with The Times-Tribune, Dykstra acknowledged struggles with drug use. Now, after being charged with the misdemeanors, Dykstra has since undergone rehabilitation.
In March, Dykstra was baptized at Steamtown Church in Scranton, where he has found fellowship and support from Pastor Dennis D’Augostine and the congregation there. In recent weeks, two of his former Mets teammates, Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry, also came to Scranton to visit with and support Dykstra.
D’Augostine, who attended Tuesday’s proceeding with Dykstra, afterward said Dykstra has made positive changes in his life in the past three months.
“God is good,” D’Augostine said. “I’m proud of him (Dykstra). He’s taken some big steps.”
Former Major League Baseball player Lenny Dykstra talks about his time in the Scranton area where he lives now, hoping to create a variety show for people who have suffered strokes. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)
Former Major League Baseball player Lenny Dykstra talks about his time in the Scranton area where he lives now, hoping to create a variety show for people who have suffered strokes. C(HAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)
Lenny Dykstra, former center fielder for the Mets and Phillies, throws out the first pitch a at a 2016 Railriders game. (TIMES-TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO)
Former Major League Baseball star Lenny Dykstra and Steamtown Church Pastor Dennis D’Augostine share a moment on Sunday during Dykstra’s baptism. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Former baseball star Lenny Dykstra and Steamtown Church Pastor Dennis D’Augostine watch a video made of Dykstra sharing the details of his faith on Sunday, March 8, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Former Major League Baseball star Lenny Dykstra signs an autograph for Claire Rowlands, Clarks Summit, at Steamtown Church, Scranton, on March 8, 2026. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Dennis D’Augostine, lead pastor of Steamtown Church, and former professional baseball player Lenny Dykstra sit at a table in Cooper’s Seafood House in Scranton Friday, March 27, 2026. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Lenny Dykstra and Darryl Strawberry during a livestream at Steamtown Church on March 27, 2026. (SUBMITTED)
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Former Major League Baseball player Lenny Dykstra talks about his time in the Scranton area where he lives now, hoping to create a variety show for people who have suffered strokes. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)