Tyler Kepner/Bryan Hoch:
Chien-Ming Wang earned his 50th career victory on Tuesday in Chicago. It was his 85th career start. The last pitcher to win 50 in so few starts was Dwight Gooden, who reached the milestone in his 82nd start back in 1986.
Wang also became the quickest Yankee to 50 wins since friend and former pitching coach Ron Guidry did it in his 82nd start on Aug. 13, 1979, at Texas.
"That's pretty good company," Yankee manager Joe Girardi said. "Obviously, Wang has been very good since he got here. When you look at his numbers, they don't always jump out at you, because he doesn't have the strikeouts. But he's a winner."
When we spoke with Wang after the game, I asked if he had ever heard of Dwight Gooden. He shook his head and said no. Joba Chamberlain, leaning in from his locker, howled.
As the interview broke up, we mentioned Gooden again, and someone referred to him as “Doc.” Wang’s face lit up in recognition. Doc Gooden, now that’s name he knew.
“He does know!!” Chamberlain cried to the reporters who had left. “Edit! Edit! You need me to translate?”
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