Doc Gooden Retires
T A M P A, Fla., March 30, 2001 -- Faced with the likelihood of not making theopening day roster, New York Yankees pitcher Dwight Gooden retiredtoday.
Gooden, who signed a minor league contract in December,struggled this spring, going 0-1 with a 7.90 ERA in six games. Hefinished his career with a 194-112 record and a 3.51 ERA, strikingout 2,293 in 2,800 2-3 innings.
"It's a sad and enjoyable day for myself," Gooden said. "I'veenjoyed a great career. It's been a joyous ride."
Numerous Awards, Success for Right-Hander
The 36-year-old right-hander ends his career six wins short of200 victories, a goal Gooden set at the start of spring training.
The Yankees appeared poised to fill their open bullpen spotswith Darrell Einertson, Todd Williams and Brian Boehringer, sendingall three for medical tests to make sure they were healthy.
"I said last year this would be the last uniform I wouldwear," said Gooden, who had on a Yankees' batting practice shirtwith the No. 17 on the back. "I'm looking forward to starting mysecond career: spending time with my kids."
Gooden will remain in the Yankees' organization in anundetermined role.
Gooden seemed headed for greatness after going 17-9 and winningthe NL Rookie of the Year award in 1984 with the New York Mets. Thefollowing year he became the youngest player — at 20 — to win the Cy Young Award after going 24-4 with a 1.53 ERA.
After reaching 100 wins at the third-youngest age — 24 years, 7months, 3 days — in the modern era June 19, 1989, Gooden's careerwent downhill.
He hurt his shoulder in 1989 and made trips to the disabled listthree times in a four-year period. He also was suspended for the1995 season because of drug problems.
Finished Career With World Series Win
"Probably two things I'll remember," said Mel Stottlemyre, whowas Gooden's pitching coach with both the Mets and Yankees. "Thegreat years we had over there. You have to remember thatorganization was struggling. The other thing I'll remember, likeeverybody else, what might have been.
"I feel sadness. One of the great things about Doc, heapproached this spring like his first spring."
Gooden signed with the Yankees last June 11 after being releasedby the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in late May. He went 4-2 in 18 games,including a 4-2 victory over the Mets at Shea Stadium July 8 in theopening game of a day-night, two-ballpark doubleheader.
"What a way to finish last year, getting another ring." Goodensaid.
He helped the Yankees win the World Series in 1996 and 2000, andwon a ring with the Mets in 1986. His only no-hitter was for theYankees against Seattle on May 14, 1996.