Today’s 9–Mark Buehrle

I keep my White Sox collection by players last name. When that player reaches 9 cards (a page), they get a post in the Today’s 9 series. I just recently moved all my cards into alphabetical order so most of these posts are just catching up and making sure everybody get’s their due.

MARK   BUEHRLE

Cards (L-R) – (top row) 2002 Donruss, 2002 Topps Heritage, 2002 Upper Deck Diamond Collection

(middle row) 2003 Fleer Tradition, 2003 Topps, 2003 Upper Deck First Pitch

(bottom row) 2003 Upper Deck MVP, 2004 Topps, 2004 Upper Deck

Played with the Sox from 2000-2011

Has made 4 All-Star appearances over his career and has take home a gold glove in his last 3 seasons.  Led the league in innings pitched in 2004 and 2005.  Mark threw a no-hitter against the Rangers with one walk in 2007 and also threw only the 18th perfect game in MLB history in 2009 against the Rays.

Card back info –

“Mark stepped up as the White Sox’ most reliable starting pitcher in ‘01, his first full big league season.  He debuted for the Sox in ‘00 at age 21, and became the primary left-handed setup man, but moved, into the rotation in ‘01.  A native of Missouri and the 38th round pick of the Sox in ‘98, Mark won five straight starts from 5/26/01 to 6/18/01.” – 2002 Topps Heritage

“It had been a while since a White Sox lefty went for 16 victories (Floyd Bannister did it in 1987), but Buehrle ended the drought with a monumental effort in 2001.  Buehrle made his second Major League season a great one, and his third should be even better” – 2002 Upper Deck

“Buehrle tied with three other American League pitchers to finish fourth in the AL in wins with 19.  His 3.58 ERA ranked in 13th in the AL and he finished just one-third of an inning behind Roy Halladay for the lead in innings pitched” – 2003 Fleer Tradition

“Mark, a low draftpick in 1998, rose to stardom in a flash.  In 2002, he made the All-Star team after winning 11 games in the first half.  “It shows kids you can accomplish something even if you’re picked in the 38th round” Buehrle says.  Noted teammate Royce Clayton, “He could have made it last year (too), He’s one of the top young left-handers in the game.”” – 2003 Topps

“There’s no doubt that Buehrle is the ace of Chicago’s pitching staff.  In 2002, the talented lefty paced the club in wins for the second straight season while earning his first trip to the midsummer classic.  Everything was working for Buehrle in a matchup with the Twins on 7/30/02.  In that contest, he wrapped up his first shutout of the year by holding the AL Central champs to just five hits.” – 2003 Upper Deck

“Last year, Buehrle just missed out on becoming the White Sox’s first 20-game winner since 1993.  He did tie for fourth in the American League in victories and second to both complete games (five) and shutouts (two).  Buehrle’s production of such a young age has Chicago fans excited about his future potential.” – 2003 Upper Deck MVP

“Mark’s 2003 season was less consistent than his previous two but along with Bartolo Colon, he’s considered one of the Sox’s dual aces.  That was made clear when he was named the first lefty to start back-to-back Opening Days for Chicago since Wilbur Wood (1972-76).  One of Buehrle’s specialties is controlling the running game.  No one even tried to steal against him in ‘03 until his 16th start.” – 2004 Topps

“Buehrle’s 2003 campaign was filled with peaks and valleys.  July brought him good fortune though as he compiled a 4-0 record, 23 K’s and 3.19 era in six starts.” – 2004 Upper Deck

Cards in Sox uniform that I own currently – 70

Autos/Relics from player above that I currently own - 4

What can I say about Buehrle.  My favorite White Sox pitcher in the last 20 years or so.  Only person I liked more was Tom Seaver but Mark Buehrle was a White Sox all the way up until this coming season of 2012.  A true White Sox player, drafted and played 12 years with us.  Signing away to the Marlins after the 2011 season.  He was a typical crafty left hander, who mixed all his pitches and made you think.  His fastball was in the 80’s so he was far from a flamethrower.

What I liked most about him when he pitched was he didn’t screw around.  When the catcher throws that ball back to him, he catches it and steps on the rubber and waits on the sign.  No fuss, he went out there to do a job and that’s what he did.  He’s had his ups and downs with us, but whether he was on or not, he gave you 110%.  That’s all I can ask from a player.

I have lots more to say about Mark but I have a number of completed pages yet to post so I’ll save for those.