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Part 3: Dwight Gooden on Signing w/ Mets for $40K Out of High School, Contract Would Be $4M Today
Part 1: Dwight Gooden on His Mom Tracking Down & Shooting Sister's Shooter, Shot Dad for Cheating
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Baseball legend Dwight "Doc" Gooden shared insights from his storied career and provided a clear warning for young pitchers: avoid throwing curveballs too early. Despite his own early introduction to the curveball at age seven—a product of his father's unconventional coaching—Gooden now advises against it. "Ligaments are still developing. The bones are still developing," he cautions, emphasizing how early strain can lead to long-term injuries. He credits his father's focus on sound mechanics and proper grip with having helped him avoid such issues but believes most kids should wait until their bodies are more mature. Reflecting on his own path, which included playing with older kids and the support of family members, Gooden underscores the importance of developing a strong mechanical foundation over mastering complex pitches too soon.
