30 years ago, Dwight Gooden broke the rookie record for strikeouts in a season

Yes, Bugs. 30 years ago today in Shea Stadium, there was. His name was Doc Gooden.

The Mets rookie was nearing the end of an incredible season in which he would go 17-9 with a 2.60 ERA. He would also win the NL Rookie of the Year award, finish second in the Cy Young vote and place 15th in the MVP race. He was 19 years old.

But perhaps his greatest strength was his propensity for striking hitters out. In his final nine starts (76 innings), Gooden K'd 95 batters. And on September 12, 1984, he set the rookie record for punchouts in a season -- breaking Herb Score's mark with his 246th of the year:

He finished the game with 16 total and an amazing 276 by season's end.