Mark Buehrle
Encyclopedia
Mark Alan Buehrle is a Major League Baseball
(MLB) left-handed
pitcher
. He has pitched his entire baseball career for the Chicago White Sox
, starting the opening game every season from 2002 to 2006 and again from 2008 to 2011.
Buehrle pitched a no-hitter
against the Texas Rangers
on April 18, 2007, surrendering just one walk to Sammy Sosa
who was then picked off at first base. Two seasons later, Buehrle pitched the eighteenth perfect game in baseball history
against the Tampa Bay Rays
on July 23, 2009.
In White Sox pitching history, Buehrle is currently fifth all-time in strikeouts, sixth in games started, and eighth in wins and innings pitched. He has pitched over 200 innings for the nine seasons since becoming a starter in 2001.
On September 26, 2011, Mark Buehrle received a standing ovation from White Sox fans as he walked off the field after throwing 7 innings of shut out baseball. It was potentially the last time that Buehrle would be wearing a White Sox uniform.
in St. Charles, Missouri. In his sophomore year Buehrle was cut from the school's baseball team. After High School Buehrle attended Jefferson College
in Hillsboro, Missouri
. He was later selected in the 38th round of the 1998 draft
by the Chicago White Sox
organization.
He began his professional career in 1999 with then White Sox Single-A Burlington Bees
. He went 7–4 with a 4.10 ERA that included a complete game shutout. He followed this up with an excellent year in 2000, going 8–4 with a 2.28 ERA for the Double-A affiliate Birmingham Barons
in Hoover, Alabama, giving up only 17 walks in 119 innings. He would be named the Southern League's Most Outstanding Pitcher that season and was the winning pitcher in the Futures Game
, then rated as the No. 8 prospect in the White Sox organization.
Buehrle made a total of 36 appearances in the minor leagues before joining the White Sox roster.
and allowing a run. Three days later he started against Minnesota, allowing six hits and two runs in seven innings while earning a win.
In 2001
, Buehrle's first year as a major league starter, he went 16–8 with a 3.29 ERA. He threw 24⅔ consecutive scoreless innings from May 26 to June 7, the most by a White Sox pitcher since Tommy John
threw 25 scoreless innings in 1967
. Buehrle recorded his first complete game
on May 26 against the Detroit Tigers
and later pitched two consecutive complete games on August 3 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
(a one-hitter) and on August 8 against the Anaheim Angels
.
In 2002
, Buehrle posted a 19–12 record and ranked among the American League leaders in innings pitched
(2nd, 239.0), games started
(tied 2nd, 34), complete games (tied 2nd, 5), shutouts (tied 2nd, 2), wins (tied 4th, 19) and quality starts (tied 5th, 23). Buehrle pitched at least 6.0 innings 30 times and at least 8.0 innings nine times. FSN (FOX Sports Net) Chicago honored him as the White Sox Player of the Year. He was selected as a member of the Major League All-Star Team that played in Japan in November. In his one start, he allowed four runs on five hits over 3.0 IP, before leaving with a bruised left shoulder sustained when he was hit with a line drive off the bat of Hideki Matsui
.
Buehrle set a career high with 35 starts in 2003
. He ranked among the American League leaders in starts (tied 2nd), quality starts (3rd, 24) and innings pitched (5th).
In 2004
, Buehrle led the American League in innings pitched with 245⅓, in games started with 35, and in complete games with 5. He ranked among the AL leaders in quality starts (3rd, 23), walks per 9.0 innings (5th, 1.87), wins (tied 6th, 16), strikeout to-walk ratio (7th, 3.24), ERA (8th, 3.89) and strikeouts (9th). Buehrle lasted at least 6.0 innings in each of his last 28 starts. On July 21 in Cleveland, he faced the minimum 27 batters in a two-hit shutout of the Indians.
, Buehrle began the season with a 10–3 record, a 2.58 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP and was selected to the American League All-Star Team. He was named the 2005 MLB all star starting pitcher after Roy Halladay
could not to play due to a broken leg and pitched two innings, allowing no runs and striking out 3 batters while earning a win. Buehrle's streak of 49 consecutive starts of 6 or more innings ended on August 1, 2005 after he was ejected for hitting Baltimore Orioles
outfielder B.J. Surhoff
. During the White Sox playoff run
, Buehrle pitched a complete game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
in Game 2 of the ALCS
, the first of four consecutive complete games for White Sox starters. He earned a no-decision in Game 2 and his first career save in Game 3 of the 2005 World Series
, which the Sox swept from the Houston Astros
, winning their first world championship since 1917.
Early in 2006, Buehrle was ordered by General Manager Kenny Williams to stop sliding around on the tarp during rain delays. Buehrle previously had entertained fans by running around and sliding into large puddles of water.
On October 30, 2006, the White Sox exercised their $9.5 million option for Buehrle's 2007 season. Buehrle finished the 2006 season 12–13 with a 4.99 ERA, his first losing season in seven major league seasons.
On April 18, 2007, Buehrle threw a no-hitter
versus the Texas Rangers
at U.S. Cellular Field
. It was the first no-hitter
in the stadium's history. It was the sixteenth such game in team history and the first since Wilson Alvarez
no-hit the Baltimore Orioles
on August 11, 1991. He fell short of a perfect game that evening by walking Sammy Sosa
in the 5th inning, but by picking him off at first base for an out, he actually registered the minimum number of batters (27). Buehrle struck out eight Rangers during the game, throwing an efficient 106 pitches. Thanks to Buehrle's gem, the American League
narrowly avoided, by mere days, five years without a no-hitter.
On July 8, 2007, Buehrle signed a four-year contract extension worth a reported $56 million with a player option worth $19 million if he gets traded.
Buehrle finished the 2008 season
with a 15–12 record and 3.79 ERA, pitching at least 200 innings for the eighth straight season. He induced more double play
s (34) and gave up more infield hits (38) than any other pitcher in the majors, while tying for the major league lead in bunt hits allowed (9).
On July 5, 2009, Buehrle was selected to represent Chicago at the 2009 All-Star Game
, where he pitched a perfect third inning.
On July 23, 2009, Buehrle threw a perfect game
against the Tampa Bay Rays at U.S. Cellular Field. It was the eighteenth perfect game in MLB history and Buehrle's second career no-hitter. With the perfect game, Buehrle became the 24th pitcher to throw multiple no-hitters in a career, and the sixth perfect game pitcher who had also thrown another no-hitter, joining Cy Young
, Addie Joss
, Jim Bunning
, Sandy Koufax
and Randy Johnson
. (Roy Halladay
would join them by pitching two no-hitters in 2010: a perfect game on May 29, and a second no-hitter on October 6, in the NLDS
.) Coincidentally, the home plate umpire for both of Buehrle's no-hitters was Eric Cooper
(who, coincidentally, shares Buehrle's number 56). He recorded the final out against Jason Bartlett on a ground ball to shortstop Alexei Ramírez
. Earlier in the 9th inning, teammate DeWayne Wise
, a defensive replacement, made a spectacular catch to rob Gabe Kapler
of a home run and preserve the perfect game. Like his previous no-hitter, the game was completed in exactly two hours, three minutes. On July 28, his next appearance, Buehrle retired the first 17 batters he faced before finally allowing a baserunner in the sixth inning, setting the MLB record for consecutive outs at 45.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn
declared July 30, 2009 "Mark Buehrle Day". Prior to the game against the New York Yankees
, Buehrle was given a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
In September 2009, the July 23 perfect game received the Sporting News Performance of the Decade award.
In November 2009, Buehrle was selected with his first career Gold Glove Award
. He also was honored with a Fielding Bible Award
for his statistically-based defensive excellence during the year.
On April 5, 2010, Buehrle made his eighth career opening day start, setting a franchise record. In that game he threw 7 and 1/3 shutout innings against the Cleveland Indians and also made an incredible play which involved him flipping the ball to first base between his legs with his glove. After this play, Web Gems on Baseball Tonight
added the "Buehrle-Meter", in which they compare the day's best play to the degree of difficulty of Buehrle's. The "Buehrle-Meter" is used daily on Baseball Tonight
and was proposed as an idea by Baseball Tonight
's John Kruk
.
In November 2010, Buehrle was selected with his second career Gold Glove Award. He is the only pitcher in MLB history to throw multiple no-hitters and win multiple Gold Gloves. He also won his second consecutive Fielding Bible Award. He followed up with his third Fielding Bible and Gold Glove Awards in 2011.
, curveball
, changeup
, slider
, and cut fastball. Buehrle is a command pitcher, relying more on finesse and accuracy than velocity. He is also known for being a contact pitcher; rather than striking out multiple batters Buehrle often forces line outs, ground outs, and fly outs, with occasional strikeouts. Because of his contact pitching style, his two no-hitters (including a perfect game) are even more impressive. He is considered an efficient pitcher, pitching quickly and keeping his pitch count
low.
in only 1 hour and 39 minutes, giving up only 1 run and 3 hits (all to Ichiro Suzuki
), and backed by only two White Sox runs, both homers by Paul Konerko
. In the game, he threw just 106 pitches. Subtracting the time spent between innings, the game took only 63½ minutes to play.
On October 25, 2005, Buehrle became the first pitcher in World Series history to start and save consecutive games.
On May 14, 2006, Buehrle became the first major-league starting pitcher in over a century to allow seven runs in the first inning but then win the game. The previous time had been on September 29, 1900, when Jack Powell of the St. Louis Cardinals
pitched such a game against the Chicago Orphans.
On April 18, 2007, Buehrle threw a no-hitter versus the Texas Rangers at U.S. Cellular Field. (See "2005–2008" section, above.)
On June 14, 2009, Buehrle hit his first major league home run
, off Milwaukee Brewers
starting pitcher Braden Looper
, becoming the first White Sox pitcher to hit a home run in a game since Jon Garland
on June 18, 2006, at Cincinnati.
On July 23, 2009, Buehrle threw a perfect game at U.S. Cellular Field against the Tampa Bay Rays. (See "2009–present" section, above.) Had it not been for a walk of Sammy Sosa
in his 2007 no-hitter, Buehrle would have become the first pitcher in MLB history to throw two perfect games.
On July 28, 2009, Buehrle established a major league record for number of consecutive hitters retired, breaking the previous record of 41 set by Jim Barr
(starter) and teammate Bobby Jenks
(reliever), by retiring Minnesota Twin and former teammate Joe Crede
; he went on to retire the next three batters to set the record at 45 consecutive batters retired. The streak ended with a walk to Alexi Casilla
, foiling another perfect game after 5 2/3 innings.
On August 3, 2010, Buehrle won his tenth game of the season against the Detroit Tigers
pitching 7 2/3 innings allowing 2 earned runs on seven hits and striking out one batter in a 12–2 blowout. The win marks 10 consecutive seasons of at least 10 wins. Buehrle is the third active starting pitcher, joining CC Sabathia and Javier Vazquez, to accomplish this feat.
Buehrle grew up following the St. Louis Cardinals
. On December 5, 2009 Buehrle attended an Albert Pujols
charity fundraiser. He, along with Tony LaRussa, bid and won an opportunity to manage the Cardinals for a day at 2010 Spring Training. Buehrle then gave the prize to Mickey Cunningham, a girl who has Down's Syndrome.
Buehrle's wife had Orange County Choppers make a surprise bike for Mark to celebrate his perfect game.
Buehrle and his wife are known animal rights activists, owning four dogs and have as a result criticized NFL quarterback Michael Vick
who was convicted of running a dog fighting ring. Buehrle generated controversy when he said he had, at points during the 2010 season, hoped the Philadelphia Eagles
quarterback would get injured.
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
(MLB) left-handed
Left-handed
Left-handedness is the preference for the left hand over the right for everyday activities such as writing. In ancient times it was seen as a sign of the devil, and was abhorred in many cultures...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
. He has pitched his entire baseball career for the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
, starting the opening game every season from 2002 to 2006 and again from 2008 to 2011.
Buehrle pitched a no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
against the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
on April 18, 2007, surrendering just one walk to Sammy Sosa
Sammy Sosa
Samuel Peralta "Sammy" Sosa is a Dominican former professional baseball right fielder. Sosa played with four Major League Baseball teams over his career which spanned from 1989-2007....
who was then picked off at first base. Two seasons later, Buehrle pitched the eighteenth perfect game in baseball history
Mark Buehrle's perfect game
Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox pitched a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays by retiring all 27 batters he faced on Thursday, July 23, 2009. This event took place in U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois in front of 28,036 fans in attendance...
against the Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
on July 23, 2009.
In White Sox pitching history, Buehrle is currently fifth all-time in strikeouts, sixth in games started, and eighth in wins and innings pitched. He has pitched over 200 innings for the nine seasons since becoming a starter in 2001.
On September 26, 2011, Mark Buehrle received a standing ovation from White Sox fans as he walked off the field after throwing 7 innings of shut out baseball. It was potentially the last time that Buehrle would be wearing a White Sox uniform.
High school, college and the minor leagues
Buehrle was born in St. Charles, Missouri, and attended Francis Howell North High SchoolFrancis Howell North High School
Francis Howell North High School is a secondary school located in St. Peters, Missouri. The school's mascot is the knight.-Notable alumni:* Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox* Rob Wort-Washington Nationals-Athletics and activities:...
in St. Charles, Missouri. In his sophomore year Buehrle was cut from the school's baseball team. After High School Buehrle attended Jefferson College
Jefferson College
Jefferson College is a public, two-year community college located in Hillsboro, Missouri. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Jefferson College was founded in 1963. It is coeducational and has a semester-based academic calendar. It was granted a Phi Theta Kappa chapter in 1965...
in Hillsboro, Missouri
Hillsboro, Missouri
Hillsboro is a city in Jefferson County, Missouri, United States. The estimated population as of 2008 is 2,062. The population was 1,675 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Jefferson County.- Origin of name :...
. He was later selected in the 38th round of the 1998 draft
1998 Major League Baseball Draft
The 1998 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft of high school and college baseball players, was held on June 2 and 3, 1998...
by the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
organization.
He began his professional career in 1999 with then White Sox Single-A Burlington Bees
Burlington Bees
The Burlington Bees are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the Oakland Athletics, that plays in the Midwest League. Their home is in Burlington, Iowa.-History:...
. He went 7–4 with a 4.10 ERA that included a complete game shutout. He followed this up with an excellent year in 2000, going 8–4 with a 2.28 ERA for the Double-A affiliate Birmingham Barons
Birmingham Barons
The Birmingham Barons are a minor league baseball team based in Birmingham, Alabama. The team, which plays in the Southern League, is the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox major-league club....
in Hoover, Alabama, giving up only 17 walks in 119 innings. He would be named the Southern League's Most Outstanding Pitcher that season and was the winning pitcher in the Futures Game
All-Star Futures Game
The All-Star Futures Game is an annual baseball exhibition game between a team of top minor league prospects from the United States and a team of prospects from other parts of the World...
, then rated as the No. 8 prospect in the White Sox organization.
Buehrle made a total of 36 appearances in the minor leagues before joining the White Sox roster.
Early career: 2000–04
Buehrle made his major league debut on July 16, 2000, pitching one inning of relief against the Milwaukee Brewers2000 Milwaukee Brewers season
The Milwaukee Brewers' 2000 season involved the Brewers' finishing 3rd in the National League Central with a record of 73 wins and 89 losses.-Offseason:* November 19, 1999: Jason Bere was signed as a free agent by the Brewers....
and allowing a run. Three days later he started against Minnesota, allowing six hits and two runs in seven innings while earning a win.
In 2001
2001 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*Regular Season Champions*World Series Champion - Arizona Diamondbacks*Postseason - October 9 to November 4Click on any series score to link to that series' page....
, Buehrle's first year as a major league starter, he went 16–8 with a 3.29 ERA. He threw 24⅔ consecutive scoreless innings from May 26 to June 7, the most by a White Sox pitcher since Tommy John
Tommy John
Thomas Edward John Jr. is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball whose 288 career victories rank as the seventh highest total among left-handers in major league history...
threw 25 scoreless innings in 1967
1967 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*World Series: St. Louis Cardinals over Boston Red Sox ; Bob Gibson, MVP*All-Star Game, July 11 at Anaheim Stadium: National League, 2-1 ; Tony Pérez, MVP-Other champions:*College World Series: Arizona State...
. Buehrle recorded his first complete game
Complete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...
on May 26 against the Detroit Tigers
2001 Detroit Tigers season
The Detroit Tigers' 2001 season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Detroit Tigers attempting to win the AL Central.-Opening Day lineup:Roger Cedeño, rfDamion Easley, 2bBobby Higginson, lfTony Clark, 1bBilly McMillon, dh...
and later pitched two consecutive complete games on August 3 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
2001 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season
The 2001 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season was their 4th since the franchise was created. This season, they finished last in the AL East division, and managed to finish the season with a record of 62-100...
(a one-hitter) and on August 8 against the Anaheim Angels
2001 Anaheim Angels season
The Anaheim Angels 2001 season involved the Angels finishing third in the American League west with a record of 75 wins and 87 losses.-Offseason:*December 7, 2000: Tim Belcher was signed as a Free Agent with the Anaheim Angels....
.
In 2002
2002 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:*Regular Season Champions*World Series Champion - Anaheim Angels*Postseason - October 1 to October 27Click on any series score to link to that series' page....
, Buehrle posted a 19–12 record and ranked among the American League leaders in innings pitched
Innings pitched
In baseball, innings pitched are the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that are put out while the pitcher on the pitching mound in a game. Three outs made is equal to one inning pitched. One out counts as one-third of an inning, and two...
(2nd, 239.0), games started
Games started
In baseball statistics, games started indicates the number of games that a pitcher has started for his team. A pitcher is credited with starting the game if he faces the first opposing batter...
(tied 2nd, 34), complete games (tied 2nd, 5), shutouts (tied 2nd, 2), wins (tied 4th, 19) and quality starts (tied 5th, 23). Buehrle pitched at least 6.0 innings 30 times and at least 8.0 innings nine times. FSN (FOX Sports Net) Chicago honored him as the White Sox Player of the Year. He was selected as a member of the Major League All-Star Team that played in Japan in November. In his one start, he allowed four runs on five hits over 3.0 IP, before leaving with a bruised left shoulder sustained when he was hit with a line drive off the bat of Hideki Matsui
Hideki Matsui
is a Japanese Major League Baseball designated hitter and outfielder. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed.After playing the first ten seasons of his career for the Yomiuri Giants of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, he played the next seven seasons, from 2003–2009, for the New York...
.
Buehrle set a career high with 35 starts in 2003
2003 in baseball
-Headline event of the year:*The Florida Marlins become World Series champions, holding off a dynastic New York Yankees team, 4 games to 2.-Major League Baseball:*Regular Season Champions*World Series Champion - Florida Marlins...
. He ranked among the American League leaders in starts (tied 2nd), quality starts (3rd, 24) and innings pitched (5th).
In 2004
2004 in baseball
-Headline events of the year:*The Boston Red Sox win their first World Series since , ending the Curse of the Bambino.*With 262 hits, Ichiro Suzuki of the Mariners breaks George Sisler's record of 257. Suzuki also sets the record for most singles in a season, with 225.*2004 also marked the final...
, Buehrle led the American League in innings pitched with 245⅓, in games started with 35, and in complete games with 5. He ranked among the AL leaders in quality starts (3rd, 23), walks per 9.0 innings (5th, 1.87), wins (tied 6th, 16), strikeout to-walk ratio (7th, 3.24), ERA (8th, 3.89) and strikeouts (9th). Buehrle lasted at least 6.0 innings in each of his last 28 starts. On July 21 in Cleveland, he faced the minimum 27 batters in a two-hit shutout of the Indians.
2005–2008
In 20052005 in baseball
-Headline events of the year:*Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros to win the 2005 World Series.*2005 also marked the inaugural season of the Washington Nationals, who relocated from Montreal and were formerly known as the Expos....
, Buehrle began the season with a 10–3 record, a 2.58 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP and was selected to the American League All-Star Team. He was named the 2005 MLB all star starting pitcher after Roy Halladay
Roy Halladay
Harry Leroy "Roy" Halladay III , nicknamed "Doc", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies...
could not to play due to a broken leg and pitched two innings, allowing no runs and striking out 3 batters while earning a win. Buehrle's streak of 49 consecutive starts of 6 or more innings ended on August 1, 2005 after he was ejected for hitting Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
outfielder B.J. Surhoff
B.J. Surhoff
William James "B. J." Surhoff is a former catcher, outfielder, first baseman, third baseman, and designated hitter in Major League Baseball. Over his 18-year major league career, he played every position except pitcher...
. During the White Sox playoff run
2005 Chicago White Sox season
The 2005 Chicago White Sox season was the White Sox's 105th season. They finished with a 99-63 record in the regular season and won first-place the American League Central division by six games over the Cleveland Indians...
, Buehrle pitched a complete game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2005 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim season
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 2005 season was the franchise's 45th since its inception. The regular season ended with a record of 95-67, resulting in the Angels winning the American League West division title for the second consecutive season, its fifth in franchise history.In the postseason,...
in Game 2 of the ALCS
2005 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, IllinoisIn the series opener, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim won 3–2 in their third game in as many nights and as many cities. The Angels took the lead in the second inning on a Garret Anderson home run. The Angels added two...
, the first of four consecutive complete games for White Sox starters. He earned a no-decision in Game 2 and his first career save in Game 3 of the 2005 World Series
2005 World Series
The 2005 World Series, the 101st Major League Baseball championship series, saw the American League champion Chicago White Sox sweep the National League champion Houston Astros four games to none in the best-of-seven-games series, winning their third championship and first since 1917.Home-field...
, which the Sox swept from the Houston Astros
2005 Houston Astros season
The Houston Astros' 2005 season was a season in which the Houston Astros qualified for the postseason for the second consecutive season. The Astros overcame a sluggish 15-30 start to claim the wild card playoff spot, and would go on to win the National League pennant to advance to the World Series...
, winning their first world championship since 1917.
Early in 2006, Buehrle was ordered by General Manager Kenny Williams to stop sliding around on the tarp during rain delays. Buehrle previously had entertained fans by running around and sliding into large puddles of water.
On October 30, 2006, the White Sox exercised their $9.5 million option for Buehrle's 2007 season. Buehrle finished the 2006 season 12–13 with a 4.99 ERA, his first losing season in seven major league seasons.
On April 18, 2007, Buehrle threw a no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
versus the Texas Rangers
2007 Texas Rangers season
The Texas Rangers' 2007 season began with the team trying to win an AL West title for the first time since , when they were swept by the New York Yankees in the ALDS.-Preseason:*Manager Buck Showalter was fired with three years remaining on his contract...
at U.S. Cellular Field
U.S. Cellular Field
U.S. Cellular Field is a baseball ballpark in Chicago, Illinois. Owned by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, it is the home of the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball's American League. The park opened for the 1991 season, after the White Sox had spent 81 years at old Comiskey Park...
. It was the first no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
in the stadium's history. It was the sixteenth such game in team history and the first since Wilson Alvarez
Wilson Alvarez
Wilson Eduardo Álvarez Fuenmayor is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher...
no-hit the Baltimore Orioles
1991 Baltimore Orioles season
The Baltimore Orioles season was a season in American baseball. It involved the Orioles finishing 6th in the American League East with a record of 67 wins and 95 losses. Cal Ripken. Jr. would be the first shortstop in the history of the American League to win two MVP awards in a career. This was...
on August 11, 1991. He fell short of a perfect game that evening by walking Sammy Sosa
Sammy Sosa
Samuel Peralta "Sammy" Sosa is a Dominican former professional baseball right fielder. Sosa played with four Major League Baseball teams over his career which spanned from 1989-2007....
in the 5th inning, but by picking him off at first base for an out, he actually registered the minimum number of batters (27). Buehrle struck out eight Rangers during the game, throwing an efficient 106 pitches. Thanks to Buehrle's gem, the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
narrowly avoided, by mere days, five years without a no-hitter.
On July 8, 2007, Buehrle signed a four-year contract extension worth a reported $56 million with a player option worth $19 million if he gets traded.
Buehrle finished the 2008 season
2008 Major League Baseball season
The 2008 Major League Baseball season began on March 25, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan with the 2007 World Series champion Boston Red Sox defeating the Oakland Athletics at the Tokyo Dome 6–5 in the first game of a two-game series, and ended on September 30 with the host Chicago White Sox defeating the...
with a 15–12 record and 3.79 ERA, pitching at least 200 innings for the eighth straight season. He induced more double play
Double play
In baseball, a double play for a team or a fielder is the act of making two outs during the same continuous playing action. In baseball slang, making a double play is referred to as "turning two"....
s (34) and gave up more infield hits (38) than any other pitcher in the majors, while tying for the major league lead in bunt hits allowed (9).
2009–2011
2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The 2009 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 80th midseason exhibition between the all-stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball. The game was held on July 14, 2009, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, the home of the...
, where he pitched a perfect third inning.
On July 23, 2009, Buehrle threw a perfect game
Perfect game
A perfect game is defined by Major League Baseball as a game in which a pitcher pitches a victory that lasts a minimum of nine innings and in which no opposing player reaches base. Thus, the pitcher cannot allow any hits, walks, hit batsmen, or any opposing player to reach base safely for any...
against the Tampa Bay Rays at U.S. Cellular Field. It was the eighteenth perfect game in MLB history and Buehrle's second career no-hitter. With the perfect game, Buehrle became the 24th pitcher to throw multiple no-hitters in a career, and the sixth perfect game pitcher who had also thrown another no-hitter, joining Cy Young
Cy Young
Denton True "Cy" Young was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. During his 22-year baseball career , he pitched for five different teams. Young was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937...
, Addie Joss
Addie Joss
Adrian Joss was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He pitched his entire nine-year baseball career for the Cleveland Bronchos/Naps .-Early life:...
, Jim Bunning
Jim Bunning
James Paul David "Jim" Bunning is an American former Major League Baseball pitcher and politician.During a 17-year baseball career, he pitched from 1955 to 1971, most notably with the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies. When he retired, he had the second-highest total of career...
, Sandy Koufax
Sandy Koufax
Sanford "Sandy" Koufax is a former left-handed baseball pitcher who played his entire 12-year Major League Baseball career for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers...
and Randy Johnson
Randy Johnson
Randall David Johnson , nicknamed "The Big Unit", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 22-year career, he pitched for six different teams....
. (Roy Halladay
Roy Halladay
Harry Leroy "Roy" Halladay III , nicknamed "Doc", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies...
would join them by pitching two no-hitters in 2010: a perfect game on May 29, and a second no-hitter on October 6, in the NLDS
2010 National League Division Series
The 2010 National League Division Series were two best-of-five game series to determine the participating teams in the 2010 National League Championship Series. The three divisional winners and a fourth team—a "Wild Card"—played in two series from October 6 to 11...
.) Coincidentally, the home plate umpire for both of Buehrle's no-hitters was Eric Cooper
Eric Cooper
Eric Richard Cooper , is an umpire in Major League Baseball who has worked both leagues since 1999.-Biography:...
(who, coincidentally, shares Buehrle's number 56). He recorded the final out against Jason Bartlett on a ground ball to shortstop Alexei Ramírez
Alexei Ramírez
Alexei Fernando Ramírez is a Major League Baseball second baseman and shortstop for the Chicago White Sox...
. Earlier in the 9th inning, teammate DeWayne Wise
Dewayne Wise
Larry DeWayne Wise is an American professional baseball outfielder who is a free agent. He graduated from Chapin High School in 1997 and was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 5th round of the 1997 amateur draft...
, a defensive replacement, made a spectacular catch to rob Gabe Kapler
Gabe Kapler
Gabriel "Gabe" Stefan Kapler is an American Major League Baseball outfielder.He has played portions of 13 seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Tampa Bay Rays...
of a home run and preserve the perfect game. Like his previous no-hitter, the game was completed in exactly two hours, three minutes. On July 28, his next appearance, Buehrle retired the first 17 batters he faced before finally allowing a baserunner in the sixth inning, setting the MLB record for consecutive outs at 45.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn
Pat Quinn (politician)
Patrick Joseph "Pat" Quinn III is the 41st and current Governor of Illinois. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Previously elected three times to statewide office, Quinn was the sitting lieutenant governor and became governor on January 29, 2009, when the previous governor, Rod Blagojevich,...
declared July 30, 2009 "Mark Buehrle Day". Prior to the game against the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, Buehrle was given a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
In September 2009, the July 23 perfect game received the Sporting News Performance of the Decade award.
In November 2009, Buehrle was selected with his first career Gold Glove Award
Rawlings Gold Glove Award
The Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to as the Gold Glove, is the award given annually to the Major League Baseball players judged to have exhibited superior individual fielding performances at each fielding position in both the National League and the American League , as voted by the...
. He also was honored with a Fielding Bible Award
Fielding Bible Award
A Fielding Bible Award recognizes the best defensive player for each fielding position in Major League Baseball based on statistical analysis. John Dewan and Baseball Info Solutions conduct the annual selection process...
for his statistically-based defensive excellence during the year.
On April 5, 2010, Buehrle made his eighth career opening day start, setting a franchise record. In that game he threw 7 and 1/3 shutout innings against the Cleveland Indians and also made an incredible play which involved him flipping the ball to first base between his legs with his glove. After this play, Web Gems on Baseball Tonight
Baseball Tonight
Baseball Tonight is a program that airs on ESPN. The show, which recapitulates the day's Major League Baseball action, has been on the air since 1990.-Air times:...
added the "Buehrle-Meter", in which they compare the day's best play to the degree of difficulty of Buehrle's. The "Buehrle-Meter" is used daily on Baseball Tonight
Baseball Tonight
Baseball Tonight is a program that airs on ESPN. The show, which recapitulates the day's Major League Baseball action, has been on the air since 1990.-Air times:...
and was proposed as an idea by Baseball Tonight
Baseball Tonight
Baseball Tonight is a program that airs on ESPN. The show, which recapitulates the day's Major League Baseball action, has been on the air since 1990.-Air times:...
's John Kruk
John Kruk
John Martin Kruk is a former Major League Baseball player and current baseball analyst for ESPN.-Early life and career:...
.
In November 2010, Buehrle was selected with his second career Gold Glove Award. He is the only pitcher in MLB history to throw multiple no-hitters and win multiple Gold Gloves. He also won his second consecutive Fielding Bible Award. He followed up with his third Fielding Bible and Gold Glove Awards in 2011.
Pitching style
Buehrle throws a fastballFastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch in baseball. Some "power pitchers," such as Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, have thrown it at speeds of 95–106 mph and up to 108.1 mph , relying purely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit...
, curveball
Curveball
The curveball is a type of pitch in baseball thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin to the ball causing it to dive in a downward path as it approaches the plate. Its close relatives are the slider and the slurve. The "curve" of the ball varies from pitcher to...
, changeup
Changeup
A changeup is a type of pitch in baseball. Other names include change-of-pace, Bugs Bunny change-up, the dreaded equalizer, and simply change. The changeup is sometimes called an off-speed pitch, although that term can also be used simply to mean any pitch that is slower than a fastball...
, slider
Slider
In baseball, a slider is a pitch that breaks laterally and down, with a speed between that of a curveball and that of a fastball....
, and cut fastball. Buehrle is a command pitcher, relying more on finesse and accuracy than velocity. He is also known for being a contact pitcher; rather than striking out multiple batters Buehrle often forces line outs, ground outs, and fly outs, with occasional strikeouts. Because of his contact pitching style, his two no-hitters (including a perfect game) are even more impressive. He is considered an efficient pitcher, pitching quickly and keeping his pitch count
Pitch count
In baseball statistics, pitch count is the number of pitches thrown by a pitcher in a game.Pitch counts are especially a concern for young pitchers, pitchers recovering from injury, or pitchers who have a history of injuries. The pitcher wants to keep the pitch count low because of his stamina...
low.
Records and statistics
On April 16, 2005, he finished a game against the Seattle MarinersSeattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
in only 1 hour and 39 minutes, giving up only 1 run and 3 hits (all to Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro Suzuki
, usually known simply as is a Major League Baseball right fielder for the Seattle Mariners. Ichiro has established a number of batting records, including the sport's single-season record for hits with 262...
), and backed by only two White Sox runs, both homers by Paul Konerko
Paul Konerko
Paul Henry Konerko is an American professional baseball first baseman who has played for the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball since 1999. He previously played with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds . Konerko helped the Chicago White Sox win the 2005 World Series, the...
. In the game, he threw just 106 pitches. Subtracting the time spent between innings, the game took only 63½ minutes to play.
On October 25, 2005, Buehrle became the first pitcher in World Series history to start and save consecutive games.
On May 14, 2006, Buehrle became the first major-league starting pitcher in over a century to allow seven runs in the first inning but then win the game. The previous time had been on September 29, 1900, when Jack Powell of the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
pitched such a game against the Chicago Orphans.
On April 18, 2007, Buehrle threw a no-hitter versus the Texas Rangers at U.S. Cellular Field. (See "2005–2008" section, above.)
On June 14, 2009, Buehrle hit his first major league home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
, off Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
starting pitcher Braden Looper
Braden Looper
Braden LaVerne Looper is a former Major League Baseball pitcher.-High school:Looper was a scholar athlete while a student at Mangum High School in Mangum, Oklahoma...
, becoming the first White Sox pitcher to hit a home run in a game since Jon Garland
Jon Garland
Jon Steven Garland is a right-handed starting pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-High school career:At John F...
on June 18, 2006, at Cincinnati.
On July 23, 2009, Buehrle threw a perfect game at U.S. Cellular Field against the Tampa Bay Rays. (See "2009–present" section, above.) Had it not been for a walk of Sammy Sosa
Sammy Sosa
Samuel Peralta "Sammy" Sosa is a Dominican former professional baseball right fielder. Sosa played with four Major League Baseball teams over his career which spanned from 1989-2007....
in his 2007 no-hitter, Buehrle would have become the first pitcher in MLB history to throw two perfect games.
On July 28, 2009, Buehrle established a major league record for number of consecutive hitters retired, breaking the previous record of 41 set by Jim Barr
Jim Barr
James Leland Barr is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the San Francisco Giants and California Angels...
(starter) and teammate Bobby Jenks
Bobby Jenks
Robert Scott "Bobby" Jenks is an American professional baseball relief pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball...
(reliever), by retiring Minnesota Twin and former teammate Joe Crede
Joe Crede
Joseph Taylor Crede is a Major League Baseball third baseman who is currently a free agent. Crede attended high school at Fatima High School in Westphalia, Missouri which he led to 3 district championships and two final four berths as a pitcher...
; he went on to retire the next three batters to set the record at 45 consecutive batters retired. The streak ended with a walk to Alexi Casilla
Alexi Casilla
Alexi Casilla Lora is a Major League Baseball second baseman and shortstop for the Minnesota Twins.-Professional career:...
, foiling another perfect game after 5 2/3 innings.
On August 3, 2010, Buehrle won his tenth game of the season against the Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
pitching 7 2/3 innings allowing 2 earned runs on seven hits and striking out one batter in a 12–2 blowout. The win marks 10 consecutive seasons of at least 10 wins. Buehrle is the third active starting pitcher, joining CC Sabathia and Javier Vazquez, to accomplish this feat.
Personal life
He and his wife Jamie have two children: a son named Braden (born July 26, 2007) and a daughter named Brooklyn (born March 3, 2009).Buehrle grew up following the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
. On December 5, 2009 Buehrle attended an Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols
José Alberto Pujols Alcántara , better known as Albert Pujols , is a Dominican-American professional baseball player, who is currently a free agent...
charity fundraiser. He, along with Tony LaRussa, bid and won an opportunity to manage the Cardinals for a day at 2010 Spring Training. Buehrle then gave the prize to Mickey Cunningham, a girl who has Down's Syndrome.
Buehrle's wife had Orange County Choppers make a surprise bike for Mark to celebrate his perfect game.
Buehrle and his wife are known animal rights activists, owning four dogs and have as a result criticized NFL quarterback Michael Vick
Michael Vick
Michael Dwayne Vick is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League...
who was convicted of running a dog fighting ring. Buehrle generated controversy when he said he had, at points during the 2010 season, hoped the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
quarterback would get injured.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball leaders in career wins
- List of Major League Baseball no-hitters
- List of Major League Baseball perfect gamesPerfect gameA perfect game is defined by Major League Baseball as a game in which a pitcher pitches a victory that lasts a minimum of nine innings and in which no opposing player reaches base. Thus, the pitcher cannot allow any hits, walks, hit batsmen, or any opposing player to reach base safely for any...
External links
- Mark Buehrle: Behind the Dugout
- Box score for Buehrle's no-hitter
- http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070418&content_id=1917301&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws
- Account of his no-hitter
- Box score and recap of Buehrle's perfect game