One of the last things that new hall of famer, CC Sabathia told me on his last day as a New York Yankees player was that he had to really thank Doc Gooden.
During CCs first days as a major leaguer, with the Cleveland Indians, Gooden was in his last seasons as a player.
Gooden never forgot how a veteran pitcher named Mike Torrez was there for him and gave him positive advice. He remembered how important it was and how it reinforced his confidence.
Well in the immortal words of Yogi Berra, it was déjà vu all over again.
Now Gooden took on the role of Torrez and without being pushy gave CC the positive advice that all young players need at that stage of their careers.
Gooden looked CC in the eyes and what was said will stay with them forever.
When I watched the Hall of Fame announcement, I became emotional, because even though it was CC Sabathia’s day, I also felt proud of the fact that Dwight Gooden and his wonderful playing career on the field has had an impact on so many players that have made it to the Major Leagues.
One example of that is when the great Japanese pitcher Hideo Nomo got to the Majors his first request was to be given uniform number 16 in honor of his favorite American player Doc Gooden.
I could go on and on, but this was CC Sabathia’s day. He is a new hall of famer always exemplifying his greatness both on and off the field.
- His loyalty to the people around him and in the clubhouse is unequalled.
- His loyalty and commitment to his wife , mother and family is just beautiful.
I also want to congratulate Billy Wagner and the great Ichiro Suzuki.
They have truly earned this honor. I don’t know Wagner but have only heard wonderful things. Ichiro is Ichiro, a baseball god . . . I love him because of his incredible off the field work with the youth both in Japan and America.
I just want to add that every time you walk into Citi Field and look to the top of the building and see the number 16 next to Willie Mays number 24 then you know that Doc Gooden has made a positive impact on the great game of baseball.
As Babe Ruth once said . . . Baseball is the greatest game in the world.
I absolutely second that!
Ray Negron is a sports executive with over 40 years of experience in baseball. His first job came from a chance encounter with George Steinbrenner as a youth. Mr. Negron is also an American film producer, a best-selling author, and philanthropist. His memoir is, "Yankee Miracles: Life with the Boss and the Bronx Bombers." Read Ray Negron's Reports — More Here.
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