“Mark Buehrle’s Iconic Save: A Night of Controversy, Celebration, and a Championship Legacy”
Mark Buehrle’s extensive career comprises 524 appearances in both the regular season and postseason, highlighted by an iconic yet controversial career save.
This notable save occurred during Game 3 of the 2005 World Series, where the White Sox clinched the championship by sweeping the Astros in four games. In the 7-5, 14-inning victory, Buehrle secured just one out. However, the intrigue surrounding this moment revolves around a different question: How many alcoholic beverages had Buehrle consumed before taking the mound? This topic has been a subject of discussion among teammates, coaches, and even Buehrle himself over the years.
Having started Game 2 at home on October 23, pitching seven innings and throwing 100 pitches, the likelihood of Buehrle taking the mound again on October 25 in Houston was virtually nonexistent.
Or so it appeared.
During our recent discussion, Buehrle elaborated on how this particular outing has gained a life of its own over the past 18 and a half years. As Game 3 unfolded and the White Sox utilized seven relievers, Buehrle engaged in discussions with pitching coach Don Cooper about the team’s pressing need for him to step in.
“Yes, I did have a few beverages on the bench, and I went up to Cooper in the sixth, seventh or eighth inning. I don’t remember what it was,” Buehrle said. “They were starting to use the bullpen. This guy came in for a third of an inning and this guy came in for a third, so it was getting thinner and thinner there.
“I’m like, ‘Will you need me?’ and Coop said, ‘No.’ So I go get another beer. I did that a few times, and it was like, when he said, ‘Yeah, get [your] crap on,’ I thought he was just saying it because he was sick of me asking him. I got ready and went down there.
“The rest is history.”
How many beers did Buehrle consume on a night when his (eventually retired) number didn’t figure to be called? His guess is three or four.
Said Buehrle: “It wasn’t like [catcher] A.J. [Pierzynski] said, where I was hammered. There have been other starts where I was feeling a little bit better than that one. Other games where I would get my [butt] handed to me in the first inning or two, I would have to maybe partake in a beverage just so I wouldn’t put my fist through the wall.”
When I asked if those drinks came after he had been lifted from a game, Buehrle said, “Maybe.”
“Maybe during,” he added with a laugh.
Let’s not overshadow the true significance of this performance. Buehrle achieved remarkable individual accomplishments, boasting 214 victories, a perfect game against the Rays in 2009, a no-hitter versus the Rangers in 2007, and an impressive streak of 14 consecutive seasons with at least 200 innings pitched, 30 starts, and double-digit victories. Despite his outstanding personal achievements, he consistently maintained a “team-first” mentality and found joy in his role.
He concluded the most significant game in the franchise’s history (at that time) by retiring Houston’s Adam Everett on a 1-1 popup to shortstop Juan Uribe, with runners on first and third.
“Incredible,” said Buehrle of how that final out of Game 3 felt. “We were up by one or two, there were two guys on. In Houston that left-field wall is 100 feet from the mound. I remember [Chris Widger] called for a cutter, and I’m like, ‘Don’t leave this over the middle of the plate. If he hits a home run, it’s a walk-off. I have to make a quality pitch.’”
