Levine: Former White Sox Ace Mark Buehrle To Retire After Taking The Mound Sunday
By Bruce Levine--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The fantastic career of Toronto Blue Jay left-hander Mark Buehrle – who hurled a perfect game for the White Sox in 2009 -- is about to come to an end Sunday.
Buerhle will attempt to throw two innings Sunday, then retire soon, according to an industry source. Two more innings would give the classy Buehrle 15 straight seasons of 200 or more innings pitched. Buehrle isn't expected to be on the Blue Jays' postseason roster.
The 36-year-old Buerhle two no-hitters in his career with the White Sox, including that perfect game against the Rays in July 2009. Buerhrle also threw a no-hitter against Texas in 2007.
After pitching for Chicago during the first 12 years of his career, Buehrle signed a four-year, $56-million contract with Miami in late 2011. He was traded to Toronto after the 2012 season.
Buehrle had the distinction of starting a World Series game and saving one in the 2005 Fall Classic. While amassing 214 career wins, Buehrle was named to five All-Star teams and was the winner of the 2005 game.
At some point, it's assumed Buerhrle will have his number retired and a statue erected at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.
Buerhle rarely threw harder than 90 mph in his career, showing major league scouts that velocity was overrated. Heart is the largest muscle in the body, and Buehrle had an abundance of it. The proof: He was a 38th-round pick in the 1998 June amateur draft.
All he did was win in double-digit games in 15 of his 16 seasons in the big leagues and earn $140 million.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
