Ep 1. Doc & Darryl

On the season 4 premiere of 30 For 30, the focus turns to two of the most talented and controversial players in New York Mets history: Dwight "Doc" Gooden and Darryl Strawberry.

Doc and Darryl burst onto the scene in the 1980s as young phenoms who seemed destined for baseball greatness. Gooden, a dominant pitcher with a blazing fastball and devastating curveball, won the NL Rookie of the Year award in 1984 at the age of 19. Strawberry, a power-hitting outfielder with a swing that could produce tape-measure home runs, followed suit in 1983, earning NL Rookie of the Year honors himself.

For a time, it looked as though Gooden and Strawberry were going to be the cornerstone of a dynasty in Queens. The Mets won the World Series in 1986, with both Gooden and Strawberry playing pivotal roles. For many Mets fans, that team represented a golden age of New York baseball, and Doc and Darryl were at the center of it all.

But behind the scenes, both players were struggling with personal demons that threatened to derail their careers. Gooden, in particular, had a well-documented battle with drug addiction that landed him in rehab multiple times. Strawberry, meanwhile, struggled with his own addiction issues and faced legal trouble for tax evasion.

In "Doc & Darryl," filmmakers Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio explore the intertwined stories of Gooden and Strawberry, detailing their rise to stardom, their struggles with addiction, and their attempts to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of their playing careers. The film features extensive interviews with both players, as well as with their former teammates, coaches, and family members.

Through these interviews, we get a vivid portrait of the incredible potential that both Gooden and Strawberry had as ballplayers. We also see how the stresses of fame, expectations, and the relentless pressure of the New York media took a toll on their mental health. For Gooden, the pressure of being a teenage sensation with the weight of a city on his shoulders was too much to bear. For Strawberry, the demands of constant media attention and the need to be an ambassador for his sport were a constant burden.

As the film progresses, we see how Gooden and Strawberry's addiction issues impacted their careers on the field. Gooden's multiple stints in rehab often led to long stretches without pitching, while Strawberry's struggles with addiction led to him being traded away from the Mets in 1990. Despite their personal issues, both players found success with other teams, with Gooden winning a World Series with the Yankees in 1996 and Strawberry winning three with the Yankees and one with the Mets.

Ultimately, "Doc & Darryl" is a story of redemption, as both players work to rebuild their lives after their playing days are over. Gooden, who has been sober since 2011, admits that he wasted much of his potential due to his addiction issues, but is now focused on helping others who struggle with addiction through his work with the Dr. K Foundation. Strawberry, who also battled cancer in addition to his addictions, is now an ordained minister who travels the country speaking to audiences about the dangers of drug use and the importance of faith in his life.

"Doc & Darryl" is a moving and powerful portrait of two of the most talented players in baseball history, and a reminder that even those who seem to have everything can struggle with addiction and mental health issues. Through their honesty and openness in this film, Gooden and Strawberry offer hope and inspiration to anyone who may be struggling with similar issues.