Thanks to Steve and Alex, Doc Gooden Is Back

Kenny Loggins has an all time favorite song of mine, “Forever,” from his 1985 “Vox Humana” album (Columbia).

When I looked at the top of Citi Field and saw the number 16 which will hang forever next to the number 24 which was once worn by one of baseballs top three players ever, Willie Mays I thought that was truly amazing, incredible, unbelievable . . . and, forever.

Forever’s lyrics say . . .

“Forever in my heart forever we will be . . .

“Even when I’m gone . . .

“You will be with me. . . Forever!”

So beautiful, appropriate, and wonderful for Doc Gooden who has been to the top of the mountain and fallen off but climbed up again because a tough man (George Steinbrenner) with a good heart and soul gave him a second chance.

Then he fell off again and another tough man and his wife (Steve and Alex Cohen) with good a heart and soul gave him another second chance.

Isn’t that what life is all about.

Life is about second chances especially when you are talking about a person who has contributed so much in so many ways.

Most people have no idea what this man has sacrificed to help others.

Yes we all know his greatness as a baseball player.

We all know what could have been.

We all know that he could have been in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

However most don’t realize that this man could be down to his last dollar and he would give it up to help someone who he felt needed it more.

I would not say this if I didn’t witness such humanity myself — on many occasions.

He would always help family, friends and crazy as it sounds complete strangers.

Yes he suffers from the disease of addiction however with the help of a lady named Adele Smithers from the famed Smithers Foundation and George Steinbrenner he was able to get from first to second base.

Unfortunately they have painfully died.

When Doc was at the podium yesterday at Citi Field and it started to rain I know he was thinking about his mom and dad, however I also know he was thinking about The Boss and Adele.

The rain truly represented tears of joy from Heaven!

The Boss and Adele are proud and I must add that Mel Stotlemyer and Gary Carter are as well.

Doc is now standing on third base thanks to Steve and Alex and their wonderful gift of another second chance.

Of understanding what Doc Gooden means to Mets fans everywhere, but more importantly what Doc means to people who have also fallen from that mountain and are begging for a second chance to.

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 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.