Dwight Gooden hits the links for The Bridge 2023 Golf Outing

Former Yankees and Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden was among dozens of former athletes taking part in a charity golf tournament Monday in Roslyn Harbor.

A nonprofit called The Bridge hosted the event at the Engineers Country Club. The organization helps rehabilitate and house people struggling with mental illness and substance abuse.

Gooden says the cause hits "close to home" for him.

"I've been involved with recovery, addiction, as well as mental health," Gooden says. "I celebrated four years yesterday, so I understand what pain feels like, what pain looks like."

The Bridge has 24 buildings and nearly 500 apartments in New York City to assist vulnerable residents.

Tiffany Nicasio