Thursday, October 1, 2026
Woodward Children’s Center welcomed retired Major League All-Star pitcher Dwight “Doc” Gooden last week for a special visit with the Freeport special needs school’s students and community members. Gooden, who had his best years with the Mets, and also played for the Yankees late in his career, answered questions about baseball, mental health, his personal life and his path to overcoming years of drug abuse.
Gooden, who recently moved to Long Beach, was greeted by a crowd on July 7 that included community leaders such as Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé and Freeport village Trustee Evette Sanchez. He spoke glowingly of Long Island’s South Shore and credited the fans of both New York baseball teams for helping to propel him to success.
“You guys inspired me more than I inspired you guys,” Gooden said of the Woodward community and metropolitan area baseball fans. “What I mean by that is, I struggled with mental health, I struggled with addiction. And when I come here and see the smiles on you guys’ faces, I see how you go about your day, all the counselors and teachers and everybody that’s playing a part in these kids’ lives. That’s what it’s all about — giving back.”
During a question-and-answer session, Gooden spoke about growing up in Tampa, Fla., and developing his pitching talent with the support of his father, Dan. Gary Sheffield, Gooden’s nephew and a fellow Major League All-Star, was also trained by Gooden’s father.
Gooden won the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1984 and the National League Cy Young Award the following year, but fell prey to drug addiction. He eventually suffered from depression as well, and the substance abuse derailed what could have been a longer and more productive career.
Gooden infamously missed the Mets’ 1986 World Series parade because he was high on cocaine, although he claimed at the time that he overslept. After a decade of continued drug abuse and missing the entire 1995 season, he began the long road to recovery from addiction and was able to finish his career, while also serving as an inspiration for others dealing with similar issues.
“[During] the time I was out, I never lost hope,” Gooden said. “I never lost faith, always believed in myself and waited for that right opportunity. So when the opportunity presented itself [to continue my career], I just made sure I mentally felt ready to go.”
Gooden also spoke about his most memorable game, which came while he was a Yankee, although he promised that he is forever “a Met at heart.” On May 14, 1996, less than three months after joining the Yankees, he threw a no-hit shutout against the Seattle Mariners.
“My dad taught me everything I know about baseball, taught me about being a man,” he told the Woodward Center crowd. “The day that I pitched my no-hitter, my dad was in the hospital … His health was deteriorating, and he was going to have open-heart surgery the next day.”
Although then Yankees Manager Joe Torre told Gooden to go be with his father in Florida, Gooden fought to be able to pitch the game against the Mariners, and ended up throwing the only no-hitter of his career. After the game, Gooden flew to Florida and gave his father one of the game balls while he was on life support. It would be the last game Dan Gooden would ever see his son pitch before his death the following year.
Gooden had some thoughts on this year’s Mets team, which has fallen far short of preseason expectations. He noted that two of the team’s rookies, Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing, offer fans reasons to be optimistic despite the departures of franchise stars like Pete Alonso and the team’s current problems.
“You have to be mentality tough to play in New York, because of the expectations,” Gooden explained. “So I like going a little deeper than just hiring a guy because of their numbers, and look within the guy. Where is he from? Is he going to be mentally tough to fit in New York?”
Gooden also mentioned that he would want to see the Mets organization invite some of its former players to be more involved in providing counsel, and said he would be willing to do so if asked.
Before and after the questions and answers, Gooden signed baseballs and other items for the attendees. Mulé was among the fortunate fans who got to meet him. “To see him here, and to hear him talk about his ups and downs and how he overcame his struggles, I think, is very inspirational,” she said, “and something that young people need to hear.”
Gregory Ingino, Woodward’s executive director, expressed his appreciation for Gooden’s coming to speak with the students and share some of his time with the community.
“He’s a living legend, and he took time out of his schedule to come here and meet with our students and share that if you work hard at anything, you can succeed and live your dream,” Ingino told the Herald. “I think that the students kind of can relate [to Gooden], that in order to be successful, you have struggles, and you have to work hard to overcome those struggles.”
