In August 1985, the New York Mets pitcher, Dwight "Doc" Gooden, became the youngest pitcher to win 20 games in one Major League Baseball season. Gooden was 20 years, nine months and nine days old when he led his Mets to a win over the San Diego Padres (9-3). Doc Gooden was a month younger than “Bullet” Bob Feller, who racked up his 20th game win in the 1939 season.

Even with all of his major accomplishments, Gooden's star burned out quickly. Many reasons have been offered for his decline. They include early overuse, cocaine addiction, the league's hitters catching on to some of his pitches (notably a fastball that rose out of the strike zone, which hitters increasingly avoided), or the influence of Mets pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, who convinced Gooden to change his pitching motion in the hopes of prolonging his career.

Dwight “Doc” Gooden burst into U.S. Major League Baseball in 1984; he retired after the 2000 season. He played for 16 seasons. He ended his career with a record of 194–112. More than half of his wins came before he reached the age of 25.

More Info: www.nationalpastime.com