Mets legend says New York “deserves” Subway Series as Yankees reach ALCS

Doc Gooden, who won the World Series with both the Mets and Yankees, says New York City “deserves” a Subway Series now that both teams have reached baseball's Final Four.

“I think New York deserves this,” Gooden said, according to TMZ Sports. “It could happen. Nobody expected this next season.”

Gooden, 59, won the World Series with the Mets in 1986 and then with the Yankees in 2000, when they beat the Amazins in the last Subway Series.

With Thursday's 3-1 win over the Kansas City Royals in Game 4 of the Division Series, the Yankees advanced to the American League Championship Series for the 19th time. Gerrit Cole pitched seven strong innings, recording four strikeouts.

They face the winner between the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers, who meet in a crucial Game 5 on Saturday in Cleveland (8:08 p.m., TBS). Game 1 of the ALCS is scheduled for Monday in the Bronx.

The Mets advanced to the NLCS against either the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres, who will play a crucial Game 5 on Friday night in LA (8:08 p.m., FOX).

Gooden was at Citi Field on Wednesday when Francisco Lindor hit a grand slam to help the Mets win the series 4-1 in Game 4.

What did he think when Lindor came to the table?

“You just think, just reach out,” Gooden said. “Just don’t drop it on the floor. The thing about it is he was so late on the fastball a few pitches before the home run that you just hope to make good contact.”

Gooden's thoughts on the meaning of the slam?

“Couldn’t happen to a better man,” he said. “This guy was solid. I know he had his personal problems when he first came to New York. To see what he’s done all year, he leads by example.”

Does Gooden think the Mets should name Lindor team captain?

“This guy plays every day,” he said. “And he plays a challenging position as shortstop. From my perspective, I know him personally, even when he was in Cleveland. I say he definitely deserves it. But of course it’s not my decision, but from the outside looking in, I definitely say he’s the right one.”

Expect Gooden to be excited by the New York teams and in-house if there is a Subway series.

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Adam Zagoria is a freelance reporter covering Seton Hall and NJ college basketball for NJ Advance Media. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamZagoria and check out his website ZAGSBLOG.com.