An ode to one of the last decade’s greats, Mark Buehrle
Thank you, Mark Buehrle, for bringing a World Series title home to the South Side of Chicago.
Thank you, Mark Buehrle, for your five All-Star Game appearances, four Gold Gloves, no-hitter and perfect game.
Thank you, Mark Buehrle, for teaching baseball fans that you don’t have to have throw 95-mph darts to be a successful pitcher.
Thank you, Mark Buehrle, for giving us the privilege and joy of watching you play the game of baseball.
The end of a brilliant career
Donning his playoff-bound Toronto Blue Jays uniform, Buehrle made his final scheduled start this season Friday against the Tamp Bay Rays, tossing 6.2 innings and earning his 15th win of the season. Manager John Gibbons turned to Buehrle again on just one day of rest in Sunday’s regular season finale in order to try and push him past the 200 innings pitched plateau. It didn’t work out well for Buehrle and the Jays and he was yanked after surrendering eight runs in 0.2 innings, giving him a total of 198.2 this year. It would have been his 15th consecutive season with over 200 innings logged for the man whose career has been defined by durability and consistency. No other active pitcher has more than nine straight years with that mark.
Oct 4, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (56) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
But with the end of the streak likely came the end of Buehrle’s playing career. The 36-year old announced after the game that he does not expect to be suiting up for the Jays in the postseason. If this is indeed the end, the last time we’ve seen Buehrle take his spot on the mound, it has been an outstanding career.
Becoming a legend in Chicago
The White Sox drafted Buehrle in the 38th round of the 1998 amateur draft. He made his debut in the big leagues on July 16, 2000 against the Brewers. The following year, he began his streak of 200-inning seasons, compiling a 16-8 record in the process. It was the beginning of a long relationship between Buehrle and the South Siders, at that point a team chasing its first World Series since 1917.
Buehrle would become an integral part of the club that ended that World Series drought four years later.
The 2005 White Sox were as dominant a postseason team as there has been in recent memory, losing just once in 12 games. Buehrle went 2-0 in the postseason, with wins in game two of the ALDS and ALCS. He picked up the save in one the most classic World Series games of all-time, a 14-inning, 7-5 Sox victory, putting Chicago one game away from ending the World Series drought.
A master of his craft
Buehrle went on to pitch a total of 12 seasons on the South Side, reaching double-digits in the win column every time. He ranks sixth all-time in franchise history with 161 wins, eighth among pitchers in games played (390) and seventh in innings pitched (2,476.2). But Buehrle’s career went far beyond the stat line or record books. Buehrle is renowned for his demeanor on the mound, his leadership in the clubhouse and his attitude and appreciation of the game.
Jun 20, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Mark Buehrle (56) gets ready to throw a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. The Baltimore Orioles won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Buehrle isn’t the type of dramatic, bombastic pitcher who shows emotion on the mound. He’s not the guy that’s going to pound his chest or stare down the opposition after recording a big out. He’s the guy that simply does his job and is a master of his craft. He leads by example. In baseball terminology, he is the definition of a “glue guy.”
27 up, 27 down
Buehrle tossed his first no-hitter against the Texas Rangers on April 18, 2007. Two seasons later, he would be one step better, pitching the 18th perfect game in baseball history against the Rays on July 23, 2009. It was saved by a sensational, bobbling grab at the wall by center fielder Dewayne Wise in the ninth inning. Legendary White Sox broadcaster Ken “The Hawk” Harrelson called it “one of the greatest catches I have ever seen in fifty years in this game.”
In typical Buehrle fashion, he took the ball back, went about his business and got the final two outs with ease. Then came the overflow of emotion as Buehrle put his hands on his head after recording the 27th out and with a grin from ear-to-ear on his face, was mobbed by his teammates.
Harrelson could be overheard on the broadcast saying, “Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! History!” as shortstop Alexei Ramirez fired the final out over to Josh Fields at first base.
Away from Chicago and away from the diamond
On December 7, 2011, the White Sox and Buehrle parted ways as the veteran southpaw agreed to a four-year, $58 million contract with the Miami Marlins. He was traded to Toronto the following year as part of a 12-player deal and was named to the All-Star team for a fifth time in his second season as a Blue Jay. His finesse, accuracy and tempo made him a viable starter in all three of his career destinations.
His actions away from the diamond are to be marveled at as well.
Growing up in St. Charles, Missouri, Buehrle had always been a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. In a feature written by Scott Merkin of MLB.com, Buehrle placed the winning bid at a charity event benefitting Albert Pujols’ foundation to be “Cardinals Manager for a Day” during a Spring Training game that year. The bid was $10,000, matched by longtime Cardinals manager Tony La Russa. Buehrle gave the prize to Mickey Cunningham, a girl with Down Syndrome, and her mother, Karen.
Buehrle is also a well-recognized animal rights activist, along with his wife and are owners of four dogs.
A final farewell
A true class act, a fan favorite and a master of the game, it was truly an honor to watch Mark Buehrle for the past 16 seasons on and off the diamond; his demeanor unmatched and his love for the game undeniable. From White Sox and baseball fans everywhere, thank you.