Dwight Gooden

One of the most talented pitchers of the 1980s and 90s is headed back to jail for violation of his probation. Former Met great Dwight "Doc" Gooden received a one year and one day jail sentence for abusing cocaine while on probation for speeding away from police at a drunk driving traffic stop. The terms of the probation prohibited Gooden from using alchohol and drugs. To monitor this he was subject to three random drug tests throughout the year. Gooden elected to serve his jailtime over a reinstatement of his probation which would have lead to a heavier jail sentence on the next violation. According to an article on ESPN.com, Gooden took responsibility for his actions:

"I have a problem, sir, with cocaine," Gooden, dressed in an orange jail outfit, told state Circuit Judge Daniel L. Perry. "I had a cocaine relapse."

This story comes at an interesting time in the baseball world. With the game heavily tainted by alleged steroid use, the fans have become accustom to hearing players pin their problems on others. Rafael Palmeiro went so far as to allege teammate Miguel Tejada was at fault for his failed steroid test, a claim with no substantitive evidence to support it. Although it is sad, it is almost refreshing that Gooden owned up to his actions. Last night on Barry Bonds' new reality show, Bonds on Bonds, he wept as he spoke of taking all the heat himself. If there's one thing I can give him credit for, he has elected not to bring anyone down with him.

It is hard for fans to accept when such amazing talents can self destruct. Unfortunately, the two bright young stars from the successful Mets teams of the mid 80's both followed the same path. Slugger Darryl Strawberry and fireballer Dwight Gooden both allowed cocaine to ruin their lives, and have struggled to kick the habit in their retired years. Doc Gooden exploded in to the pros at the young age of 19 with a tremendous fastball and knee-buckling curve. He made his debut on April 7,1984 and took home NL Rookie of the Year honors. At the age of 20, in just his second season, he won 24 games with an eye popping 1.53 ERA on his way to the 1985 NL Cy Young Award. He became the youngest player to win the award, an honor he holds to this day. After winning nearly 100 games in his first five seasons, injuries and drugs started to derail his career. Gooden ultimately made stops in Cleveland, Houston, Tampa Bay, and across town with the Yankees. His career totals were impressive despite his struggles, amassing 194 wins with a respectable 3.51 earned run average. With the Yankees he took home a World Series ring and pitched a no-hitter in May of 1996. As an adviser to the organization, he was largely responsible for persuading nephew Gary Sheffield to sign with the Yankees.

Despite the efforts of those around him, no one could save him from the demons that dimmed the lights on such a bright future. His story shows that anyone can be susceptible to addiction. Today's players can learn several things from him. First, the accountability he demonstrated in the courtroom should serve as an example for the alleged steroid users. I hope that when those who did abuse the substance are caught, they don't attempt to hide behind their trainers, teammates or anyone else they can manage to balme as several players have already chosen to do. Gooden stood in the courtroom and professed he had a problem, and did not look to blame anyone but himself. Next, Seattle phenom Felix Hernandez is drawing early comparisons to Doc Gooden with his dominating stuff at a comparable age. Hopefully phenomenal talent such as Hernandez can avoid the traps that some stars fall in to.

Growing up a huge fan of Gooden, his off the field actions have always troubled me. At several times since he left the game it seemed like he figured out how to turn his life around. Unfortunately he hasn't, and the great memories he conjured up for me as a kid continue to get scarred. Now I just hope that he can return from prison a rehabilitated man who will look to help a younger generation of stars avoid making the same mistakes he did.