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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Ex-Mets Star Gooden Returns To New York In Yankee Pinstripes

Compiled From Wire Services

Hoping Dwight Gooden can come back from the drug and physical problems that reduced a great pitcher to mediocrity, the New York Yankees agreed to a conditional three-year contract with the 30-year-old right-hander on Monday.

“I feel like I’ve been to hell andback,” the former Met said. “I’ve got a new life and I’m not going to blow this one. I’ve come a long way from where I was. I’ve come to grips with my life and learned about myself.”

The deal - which guarantees Gooden $850,000 in base salary for ‘96 and options for $2 million in ‘97 and $3 million in ‘98 - had to be first approved by the Players Association. Gooden also can earn $1 million in incentives, based on innings pitched.