You touched on it, but it is a testament to how amazing Gooden's 1985 season was that those 1986 numbers (ones practically any pitcher at the time would have signed up for) felt like a bit of a disappointment. Being young and naïve then, I remember being shocked when the news about his rehab stint came out the next spring. Sometimes I would like to be that innocent again. Also, it seems unthinkable now to let a 20-year-old throw 276 innings.
Great piece about two special characters from the Mets. Doc was very good before he got lost in drugs. It's a shame someone with his arm and stuff let that happen to himself. Thanks Patrick!
Thank you, Ed! Personally, I think Prime Doc was as good a pitcher as I've ever seen, but we'll always have to wonder what could have been if he'd been able to get clean.
You touched on it, but it is a testament to how amazing Gooden's 1985 season was that those 1986 numbers (ones practically any pitcher at the time would have signed up for) felt like a bit of a disappointment. Being young and naïve then, I remember being shocked when the news about his rehab stint came out the next spring. Sometimes I would like to be that innocent again. Also, it seems unthinkable now to let a 20-year-old throw 276 innings.
Great piece about two special characters from the Mets. Doc was very good before he got lost in drugs. It's a shame someone with his arm and stuff let that happen to himself. Thanks Patrick!
Thank you, Ed! Personally, I think Prime Doc was as good a pitcher as I've ever seen, but we'll always have to wonder what could have been if he'd been able to get clean.