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Mets legend says New York ‘deserves’ the 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 as both teams have now reached baseball’s Final Four.

“I think New York deserves that,” Gooden told TMZ Sports. “It could happen. No one saw that coming this season.”

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

The Yankees advanced to the American League Championship Series for the 19th time thanks to Thursday’s 3-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals in Game 4 of the Division Series. Gerrit Cole threw seven strong innings and struckout four.

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

The Mets advance to the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres, who will play a decisive Game 5 on Friday evening in LA (8:08 PM, FOX).

Gooden was at Citi Field on Wednesday when Francisco Lindor hit a go-ahead Grand Slam to help the Mets put the series on ice, 4-1, in Game 4.

What was he thinking when Lindor stepped up to the plate?

“You’re just thinking, just make contact,” Gooden said. “Just don’t hit him on the ground. The thing is, a few pitches before the home run, he was so late with the fastball that you were hoping he would just make good contact.”

Gooden’s thoughts on the meaning of the Slam?

“This couldn’t happen to a better man,” he said. “This guy has been solid. I know he had personal problems when he first came to New York. So to see what he’s done all year, he’s leading by example.”

Does Gooden think the Mets should name Lindor’s team captain?

“This guy plays every day,” he said. “And he plays a demanding position at shortstop. From my perspective and what I’ve seen, I know him personally, even when he was in Cleveland. I say he certainly deserves it. But obviously it’s not my decision, but from the outside looking in, I’m definitely saying he’s the guy.

Expect to see Gooden take root in the New York teams, and in the 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 at ZAGSBLOG.com.