The Yankees clinched on the earliest date in their history since the advent of division play in 1969.
The 1941 Yankees clinched the fastest, in their 136th game.
He had no hits in his last 27 at-bats, dating to the night the Yankees clinched the division.
Last night the Yankees clinched the Series in the fifth game, winning 4-2.
After the Yankees clinched, Gooden said 1986 did not seem so far away.
But the series, as an event, has lost its essential lure; the Yankees have clinched the series, even if they lose tonight.
"Everyone would have to play to the end of the season," he said, "unlike having the Yankees clinching with three weeks to go."
White said he had been more relaxed since the Yankees clinched the division.
Therefore, the Yankees had clinched, faster than any other team under any alignment in the 20th century.
The Yankees did not clinch until their 161st game last season, but now they have 10 games to let Giambi and others get ready.