The New Man Named Darryl Strawberry

In elementary school there was no bigger Darryl Strawberry fan than yours truly. His life size poster hung on my bedroom door. His jersey had a special place in my closet. I had mastered imitating his swing so I could impress my friends in our daily games of wiffle ball.

His talent, his swagger, his name. Practically everything about him drew me to this larger than life sports figure, not to mention he was on my favorite team.

And then it hit me. This guy was messed up. I tried to deny it. I tried to understand how a guy so talented and all-round awesome at the game of baseball could find himself in such a damaging lifestyle. But I was a kid and couldn't quite comprehend just how in trouble Darryl Strawberry really was.

Then he was traded. Killed me. Darryl? A Dodger? Then it got worse. Darryl? A Yankee? That feeling was worse than any break up could have ever felt, but unbelievably things could get worse.

Darryl Strawberry was in jail.

Thankfully Darryl Strawberry's life and story doesn't end there. After countless indiscretions and monumentally bad decisions, Darryl Strawberry is finally back on the right track. It's a travesty that man of his talent, and Doc Gooden's for that matter, could throw it all away. Two Mets hall of famers could be anticipating an induction in the coming years.

But life isn't about getting into the hall of fame. Strawberry has learned from his mistakes and his very candid book talks about the paths he chose and how he has found his way out of the destruction he so long lingered in.

Here's a video I was sent from RootZoo where Darryl Strawberry talks about his book, steroids, Pete Rose and pretty much anything else. For Strawberry his life is an open book and no Mets fan is happier to see him back from the proverbial dead than this Mets Lifer.

Good to see you found your way back, Straw. Enjoy the video.

Modell's Launches Mo's Zone Event featuring Doc Gooden

Looks like there's a pretty interesting event going on today. Modell's is launching their new "Mo's Zone" are of Citi Field and is having a kickoff event today from 3:30-4:45 p.m. that will take place at Modell¹s Sporting Goods In Times Square (42nd and 7th) with special guest Doc Gooden.

Ah the good Dr. K. Just heard him this morning with Boomer and Carton, and it's great to hear that his life is back on the right track. He is arguably the greatest pitcher I've personally seen throw a baseball and I think we as Mets fans forget what we had for those years he was with the Mets because of all the non-baseball stuff that was going on in his life.

I'd love to go to this event. Turns out the "Mo's Zone" is a section in right/right-center field at Citi Field, where there are two field-level sections of seating. The Mo¹s Zone area is led-off by a 72 foot span across the outfield  warning track where the traditional padded outfield wall is replaced by a chain link fence. Directly above this span of fence is the Mo¹s Zone fan section (specifically seating sections #101 & #102).

According to Modell's, within this area will sit  nearly 400 of the most passionate Mets fans known to mankind.  The area will be full of energy and is uniquely tucked beneath the porch overhead which
hangs 18 feet out and over the playing field. Beneath the Mo's Zone lives The Modell's Clubhouse.  The Modell's Clubhouse is set behind the chain link fence and will consist of  dugout-style benches backed by five full sized garage-style overhead doors. Those doors open up to a private fan hospitality area which can accommodate up to 70 fans.

The only thing that will separate fans in the Modell's Clubhouse from the playing field is the chain link fence. Fans attending a game inside the Modell's Clubhouse will be as close to the playing field  during the game as you can get without being one of the players!

If you're in midtown Manhattan this afternoon definitely stop in to the Modell's at Times Square to check out the kickoff event and to see Doc Gooden.

Gary Sheffield to Become a Met?

The Mets didn't get Manny Ramirez this offseason, but it looks like another attitude-prone outfielder may be headed their way by the name of Gary Sheffield according to the New York Post.

That's right, Doc Gooden's cousin may be headed to Queens and provide a much needed power bat to the lineup. That is of course if Sheffield can return to his old form which is still up for debate.

I don't think Sheffield would be inserted into the starting lineup, but may fill in as needed while becoming the power bat off the bench that the Mets lack at this point.

If Sheffield can be signed for an affordable amount, I like this move. He's a righty bat with a history of pop, but he's also such a wild card in the locker room. I'm curious to see how long he lasts as a bench player and if that will cause any issues, but if it doesn't he may very well be a contributor and be able to spell Delgado, Church and Murphy on days the need rest.