Here’s an update on Dwight Gooden. He is focused, healthy, and making plans for his annual trip to Port St. Lucie next month. The Mets always welcome him, though he has not met Steve Cohen and is anxious to meet the new owner.

Tuesday afternoon, at a local restaurant in Hempstead, Doc and I talked baseball. He would not offer comment on the recent developments that led to the firing of GM Jared Porter. He said the Mets were in the right direction and thanked Mets fans for being in his corner the past year.

No need to go into specifics. Doc looks at those setbacks as moving forward. His goal is to direct others on the right path and that was specifically stated. His legal issues are over and Gooden is working on numerous endorsement opportunities.

In particular, Gooden will never shy away from helping a young and aspiring ballplayer. When the opportunity presents he is receptive with talking and providing tips to little league groups, high school, and college ballplayers.

And to see and hear tips from one of the all-time great hurlers is a Hall of Fame moment.

Months ago, I had the opportunity to meet 19-year old left handed pitcher Sebastian Vargas. The freshman, at Lackawanna College in Scranton Pennsylvania, met me with Sam Garnes, the former Giants and Jets safety. 

Of course, the journey to pitch in the big leagues is a goal.  Doc Gooden can relate to that. He, too, at one time had a goal and others were there for him that led to a 16-year pitching career with the Mets, Yankees, and four other teams.

So hearing advice from a four-time All-Star, three-time World Series champion, NL Rookie of The Year, wins/strikeout/ ERA leader, along with a no-hitter is a lifetime opportunity.

Sebastian listened. It was not about the autograph. It was not about taking a photo with a NY pitching legend and gloating about that on social media. No, this was all about pitching and achieving the goals. 

“Follow your goals, understand the volume of your true passion,” Gooden said. “What are you doing for yourself to get better? Stay humble. It’s hard work to play baseball. It’s a privilege. So many kids don’t make the big leagues. Look at that as a privilege.”

It was the advice that Doc Gooden received from his dad and others growing up in Tampa. When the opportunity is there, the “Good Doctor” has no hesitations to give back. He is not forced to do this.

Sebastian listened and Doc Gooden was throwing his best pitch There was someone always there for him. He relayed three principles for the success.

“Number one, have fun. Two, follow your dream. Always be with positive people that have the same dreams you have. And be positive in life. When you get those messages pass them on to somebody else. My dad always said when you get those messages pass them on to someone else.”

Finally, as Gooden said, there is that ethic of continuing to work hard and have fun without cheating on yourself.  

And then the baseball conversation commenced. The game has changed from the Doc Gooden era to now. And so has the strategy of pitching, as analytics are playing more of a role. 

“Fastball difference my day, it wasn’t so much about analytics,” he said. “You go with your best stuff. When a hitter hits you, then you make your adjustment. Then you go about attacking.”

The attack was finishing his career with 2,293 career strikeouts. Doc Gooden was always good at adjusting and that also made him special.

“My time was always attack,” he explained. “I like to see guys go back to attacking and making adjustments. Scouting reports also helped.”

And Sebastian listened. He will take that advice on his journey back to Scranton Friday morning for another semester of academics and the hopes for a safe and complete college baseball season.

The “Good Doctor” did the talking. This is Doc Gooden now and at peace with himself as he helps those aspiring ballplayers.