I'll have to admit when I watched Gooden pitch in his first five seasons, I thought I was watching a player that was a lock for the HOF. When he posted a 1.53 ERA as a 20-year old pitcher for the Mets, I watched in awe. Unfortunately for Gooden, personal problems and injuries derailed his career. I don't think Gooden has a chance for election due to how poorly he finished his career. However, he does have the five year dominating peak and he still finished with decent career numbers. I've always thought Gooden was going to be a quick "no" vote for me. After I looked back over his numbers, I paused momentarily before deciding to remain with that no vote. His later years were just that bad.