Yankees: Dwight Gooden Talks About Tim Tebow

Dwight Gooden, who spent three seasons with the Yankees during the late 90s–early 2000s, recently spoke about New York’s newest media darling, Tim Tebow.

The 1984 NL Rookie of the Year, Doc Gooden has recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons, as his battle with drugs and alcohol has apparently worsened since ESPN first aired the 30 for 30 special, ‘Doc & Darryl,’ back in July.

For anyone, that watched the documentary–and remembers the 1986 Amazin’ Mets or the 1996 World Series Champion Yankees, it’s clear to see that Gooden is a shell of his former self.

This is not the same man that won the 1985 NL Cy Young Award or went to four All-Star Games or threw a no-hitter in ’96.

Whether or not Gooden wants to admit that he does indeed have a problem, is clearly up to him, as his ex-teammate and fellow Yankee Darryl Strawberry has vehemently spoken about through the media–much to Gooden’s chagrin.

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Whether you side with Doc or Darryl, the one thing you can’t take away from the former flamethrower is just how electric his stuff was–once upon a time. In 1985, just his second season in the big leagues, Gooden went 24-4, with a 1.53 ERA, and led the majors with 268 strikeouts.

So even today, when the 51-year-old Gooden sits down to talk baseball, especially anything pitching related–you have to stop and take a listen.

While speaking with Dr. K at Miami Mike’s Sports Zone in New Jersey on Wednesday night, Gooden praised Tebow for hitting a home run in his first at-bat as a member of the Mets’ instructional league team.

“You gotta love his desire and his heart. He’ll be an inspiration to other kids, trying to dream–whether they make it or not,” Gooden said. “He’s not afraid of failing–you never know what can happen.”

When asked how Tebow would fare up at bat against Gooden in his prime:

“I’m a Tim Tebow fan, don’t get me wrong, but he wouldn’t have a chance. In my prime, I think I would eaten him alive.”

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It’s hard to argue with 7.369 strikeouts per 9 IP, ranking Gooden 94th all-time. Just imagine the type of career Doc might have put together–had it not been for his demons.