Dwight “Doc” Gooden aka Dr. K turns 48 today. Doc Gooden was a dominating pitcher in the mid 1980’s. When you look at his all time win -loss record of 194-112 it looks impressive but Doc Gooden should have been one of the greatest pitchers in the past quarter century, a sure Hall of Famer.

He broke into the majors in spectacular fashion as a 19 year old with the Mets. We had a 98 MPH fastball and a sweeping curve. His best seasons would be at age 19 and 20. He would make 4 All-Star teams, 3 of them would be in his first 3 seasons. He led the league in strikeouts his first two seasons. He was the NL Rookie of the year in 1984 with a 17-9 record and a  2.60 ERA. His second season was even more impressive. He was 24-4 with an incredible 1.53 ERA. That would be the only 20 win season in his career. He had a fine season in 1986 as the Mets won the World Series but he didn’t look like the same pitcher. At age 20 in his second season he had led the league in innings pitched. I am one who thinks starting pitchers are babied and should be pushed to do more but not age age 20. Gooden would have some more good seasons in his career but he was never great again. He would battle alcohol, drug and injury problems the rest of his career. He would never be as feared again. His career would be over in 2000 at the age of 35. Along with his teammate Darryl Strawberry you have to shake your head and wonder…what if? In the end both men were their own worst enemy. These are not a case of a guy like say Gale Sayers who had injuries derail a great career. They did themselves in. They will be remembered as stars who had some great seasons. Who at their best were among the best but neither are All-Time greats as they should have been. Sadly, Gooden had continued to battle his demons in the past dozen years since his career ended.