"Doc" Gooden's Record - Tying Strikeout Ball

Mets pitcher, Dwight “Doc” Gooden set a major league rookie record in 1984 with 276 strikeouts in only 218 innings. On September 12, 1984, he struck out 16 Pittsburgh Pirates to reach 247 strikeouts, beating the old record of 245 by herb Score in 1955. This ball is the 245th, record-tying strikeout ball. Gooden’s teammate, Rusty Staub wrote on the ball: “Sept 12, 1984 Mets vs. Pirates Strike Out #14 of 16 for win #16 for Dwight Gooden.” Both Gooden, the Mets’s 19-year old ace and Staub – at the end of his notable career -- signed it.

Dwight “Doc” Gooden