Jim Baumbach - Newsday brings up an interesting, yet ageless proposition: The Mets to honor their ‘two greatest’ homegrown talents – Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden.
Having lived through that era, I am a bit torn. I loved Strawberry, but am one of those left thinking, ‘what if’.
As for Gooden, I was never a huge fan, but was always in awe of his raw talent. He was the best pitcher I ever saw over a five-year period (1984 – 1988). He dominated like so few. Sandy Koufax was slightly before my time, but I imagine Gooden at his best was similar to the Koufax’s domination. I don’t want Dodger fans screaming that I am saying Gooden was better, he wasn’t. In fact, I am one who believes that Sandy Koufax was the most dominant pitcher over an eight period that no one in the history of this game can compare. Period. But, Gooden was electric.
I am on the fence if either man should have his number retired. I still feel that the Mets cannot retire another player’s number until #17 (Keith Hernandez) is on display in Left Field. After that, then we can start discussing the retirement of #31 (Piazza), #16 (Dwight Gooden) and #18 (Darryl Strawberry).
Met fans, myself included, believe that both players robbed us as fans. The potential each young man showed in the early through mid 1980’s was tremendous. But, like with many young men with money, a life of drugs and alcohol took control of not only their better judgment, but of their lives.
In spite of this, Baumbach still feels that they should be enshrined in Mets history as great Mets.
Obviously the belief is entirely subjective. How do you feel? Should either man have their number retired?
I’ll go on the record as saying NO. It is a gut-wrenching decision, but I don’t believe they did enough to have their number retired. That does not mean they weren’t great Mets, it just means they weren’t elite.
Leave your vote in the comment section, and be sure to vote on our poll to the right.
4 comments:
I think I am on the fence about Gooden. His early numbers were lights out. Straw I do not think he is worthy.
I think they should BOTH be in the Mets Hall of Fame, which really has some catching up to do.
But limit retiring numbers to the very, very best. Mike Piazza is one who should be up there.
Great blog, by the way. A fun read, every day.
hey the mets need some history. Doc & Straw should be retired for their on field contributions only. however it shouldn't be like the other NY team who now see fit to retire every # possible. It needs to be a special club.
Gary Carter's number 8 was retired by the Montreal Expos in 2003. Next up Mike Piazza. Then Doc and Straw. Then all's well in Flushing.
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