NYM@HOU: First inning of Dwight Gooden's MLB debut

1:34 Doc mentioned in an interview that when he pitched his very first MLB strike .... he knew he belonged. Right then and there he knew that he had it in him. What a pitcher ... a natural

One of the most beautiful deliveries, ever. So fluid, yet powerful. His fastball seemed to rise, and that curveball had optical beauty.

I just happened to be at this game in the Astrodome as a teenager. I remember how the pop of the ball hitting the catcher's mitt would just echo through the stadium. He impressed me.

My heart breaks for him. Unlimited potential, and a really good guy. But that damn coke. Good luck, Doc.

Was a bicycle messenger in NYC back in the eighties. Ran into Doc at Park Ave and around 50 something street. He at the time was going through some personal issues but he was cool when I said what's up?.

He was amazing. Wishing you, Mr Gooden all the best. Thanks for the good memories.

That curve ball at 3:18. Masterful. Just froze the batter. I'm a Cub's fan but Dwight Gooden will always be my all time favorite pitcher. Best delivery/motion in baseball. Thank you Dwight

the pop in the glove on that last pitch.....wow!

What a season that was! The kid was unbelievable!

One of the most beautiful wind-ups & deliveries in the history of baseball, PERIOD.

The first inning of what should have been the greatest career any pitcher could have had. Doc was THAT good. SIGH.

Was such an exciting time with these up and coming stars making the Mets a contender back in the 80s

Billy Doran, Terry Puhl, and Dickie Thon! Brings back memories of my youth when I started following the Stros. Gooden was destined for greatness. If not for substance abuse, he would be in Cooperstown. Sad story on Thon. On this day, he was still a rising young All Star Shortstop. A day later, he was drilled in the head by a Mike Torres fastball. After that, his vision impaired his hitting ability and would only a shell of himself for the rest of his career.

One of 276 strikeouts in 1984-plus-I love those Mets pull over blue jerseys. I know they brought back a blue top this season, but would love to see the team rock a button less jersey.

A year before this he was pitching for his high school time. That must have been fun.

I saw an interview with Pedro Martinez that was recorded the weekend of his HOF induction. Pedro described in great detail how Dwight Gooden was his idol as he was growing into the pitcher he was working hard to become. He spoke about how his older brother Ramon introduced him to Doc later that summer in 1984 and Pedro was star struck and Dwight could not have been more nice and gracious which Pedro never forgot. Pedro also described how he patterned his pitching mindset after Doc Gooden. That was a great interview and speaks volumes about how great Doc Gooden was in those early years.

What a season. Maybe the best season ever

Met him at gas station near Vet, Philly. So friendly and nice to me. I thought he would not sign anything at the station. I was helluva nervous to say hello Doc. He looked at me then immediately I told I´m from Finland, your my hero. He smiled at me and came to me. I was godammit nervous but he took my pen and signed my Mets jersey. Even shook hand with me. He said are you going to a game at Vet. I said yes I am. Gave me paper to me..I said what is it..he said free access to Vet a way before other . I showed that card to ticket office and they opened door to me at Vet. They were just about 2000 fans at Vet. I had great time to see Mets players. Got a lot of autographs like Backman, Dykstra, Magadan, Viola, Cone, Myers, Whitehurst, McReynolds, even pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre who asked me wher´s my seat..When I showed my ticket he said too far you come here sit behind third base..3 rows up. he yelled at usher this kid will sit here at third row. I was soooo stunned really! So I sat on third row behind third base. Mel Stottlemyre made it happen true. He also signed my hat. He asked is there someone who you like to meet. I said Doc gave me this paper ( free access by Mets) and also let him know I´m from Finland. We had chat about 20 minutes. Doc came and said this kid is far away from here . He said what was country? Finland. This was my favourite summer. I met them in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, St Louis and Houston. Best was St Louis I slept in same hotel with Mets players. In lobby bar we had a few beers together. Mel, Doc and Sasser we talked into wee hours. My best baseball summer ever!

at 8 years old his father began to teach him how to play baseball !!!! what an amazing player that listened at a young age and became a 19 year old first draft pick. hard work and his mom said in an "interview" " he did not get to be a kid" for all its worth- i thank this baseball legend for being an inspiration to kids.

He jumped from Single A to the bigs in a single day is impressive,