Dwight ‘Doc’ Gooden to kick off “Last Dance” World Series Tournament with ceremonial pitch
It’s been 20 years since the illustrious Dwight ‘Doc’ Gooden last took the mound. It’s been one year since competitive baseball last took place in New Jersey. On Tuesday, both will return, respectively.
Alas, the 2020 Last Dance High School World Series is set to commence with over 200 varsity clubs taking the diamond throughout over 50 sites in the Garden State. And, the game will be fittingly welcomed back to the community with a ceremonial toss from one of the few players to ever clinch World Series titles amongst both the Mets and Yankees.
“I think it’s a great thing. I can’t imagine what the kids are going through—at all levels. I’m a fan of baseball at all levels. I just figured I could come out for a little bit and share my time and appreciation for everyone, not just for the players,” said Gooden. “I’m very humble and very grateful that I had the opportunity to do it. There’s no hesitation on my part. I’m very ready to take part in this.”
Gooden will be assuming the hill at Snyder Park in Berkeley Heights as Governor Livingston squares off with Oratory Prep in their first game of pool play at 7 p.m. The fabled ace served as a mentor to the Governor Livingston seniors back in the spring when uncertainty loomed on their high school career finales due to COVID-19.
“The Berkeley Heights baseball team (Governor Livingston) and I talked a little bit about life and things happening with baseball,” said Gooden. “And, I thought it was a great thing just to show them that I do care—I do care about this season—I care about them individually. I want them to understand that it’s a privilege to go out there. A lot of kids may not get to have this opportunity and they get to have closure.”
Tuesday will mark the first of three pool play days before the single elimination rounds of 16 begin on July 21, which will require winning Thursday’s play-in game for a bid. While the tournament grants compensation for the cancelled Spring season, teams will be facing the possibility of going three-and-out after the prolonged hiatus.
“I think the main thing is to go out there and try and cherish every moment. I would say, number one: have fun, and number two: play hard, because you never know who is in the stands watching you. There can be a scout from college or professional, so play hard. Don’t cheat yourself, don’t cheat your teammates, and cherish this moment by giving it all you got,” said Gooden. “Even though it might be three games or what have you, they get the opportunity to go back in time and give their all. Or, try to make up for it if they felt like they didn’t hustle every play.”
Of course, bringing this tournament to life has taken everyone surrounding the players and teams to come together statewide and revive the game with their efforts.
“I’m just playing a small part between these coaches and everybody that put this thing together. All the hours they dedicated their time for, I think they get all the credit.”
With high school baseball in New Jersey nonexistent since last year, the cancellation of amateur seasons, and no big leagues on TV since October, even the likes of Mets Hall of Famers have been thirsty for their fix.
“It’s been tough. I’ll tell you what, without baseball I never knew how much I loved sports. I’ve been watching the sports talk shows and reading the Post and the Daily News every day to try and get something,” said Gooden. “I started watching Korean baseball—I’m up at five in the morning. It’s been very tough for myself as a fan, but I’m glad it’s coming back. I wish it was longer, but I’ll take this right now. It’s going to be very interesting to see what happens, so I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
Gooden’s pregame cast across the dish will be a unique opportunity for him to engage with the local baseball scene.
“I’ll definitely have to play catch to get my arm loose because when you’re the guy throwing the first pitch, you got all the eyes on you and one thing you don’t want to do is bounce the ball,” joked the former Cy Young winner.
Having grown up in Tampa, Florida and serving a couple years with the Cleveland Indians plus several other clubs in his career, it’s easy for Gooden to discern the difference in baseball pride amongst the Greater New York area.
“[It’s] totally different [here]. I’m not just throwing smoke, but I think it’s the media here and the fans—[they’re both] very knowledgeable about sports, especially baseball. They live and die by baseball and their teams, whether it’s a Met fan or a Yankee fan. I noticed that right away. I went to Cleveland in 98’ and 99’ and it was the total opposite. I mean they had to sell out crowds. And, nothing against Cleveland, it’s a great town, but the passion was totally different. The crowds were totally different. It wasn’t as rowdy. To me, it was a lot kinder if you had a bad game. When you play in New York, it brings out the best in you. If you had a bad performance and they write about you or the fans are booing you, they’re booing your performance, not necessarily you as a person. I think in the New York area, as long as they know you go out and give 100 percent, that’s the bottom line.”
100 percent—it will be all the high school baseball players of New Jersey can give this week, and onward. For their efforts will not only be a testament to the possible ‘last dances’ of their career, but the role that baseball—and sports—plays in a community.
“New Jersey and New York—I’ve lived in both. People have been very supportive even through my ups and downs. They’ve always been there and have been supportive of me, so I’m looking forward to getting back out there in the community and seeing the fans who have supported me and also supporting these kids.”