214 wins. 4 Gold Gloves. A perfect game. A World Series ring. And the coolest southpaw to ever take the mound.
| Pitcher | Wins | ERA | IP | K/BB | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Buehrle | 214 | 3.81 | 3,283.1 | 3.73 | 59.0 |
| Jim Kaat (HOF) | 283 | 3.45 | 4,530.1 | 1.31 | 50.4 |
| Tommy John | 288 | 3.34 | 4,710.1 | 2.19 | 61.6 |
| Jerry Reuss | 220 | 3.64 | 3,669.1 | 1.70 | 42.5 |
| Andy Pettitte | 256 | 3.85 | 3,316.1 | 2.34 | 60.3 |
| Category | Mark Buehrle | Ranking (2000-2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Consecutive Quality Starts | 28 (Record) | 1st All-Time |
| Games Started (2001-2011) | 363 | 1st in MLB |
| Innings Pitched (2001-2011) | 2,372.1 | 1st in MLB |
| 200+ IP Seasons | 14 consecutive | 1st active (retired) |
| Avg. Game Time | 2:03 | Fastest in Modern Era |
The Case: Buehrle's 59.0 WAR exceeds Hall of Famer Jim Kaat (50.4) and approaches Tommy John territory. His 14 consecutive 200-IP seasons is a modern marvel. His career 3.73 K/BB ratio demonstrates elite command. Add 4 Gold Gloves and you have one of the most complete pitchers of his generation.
July 23, 2009
The 18th perfect game in MLB history. Against the Tampa Bay Rays. Completed in just 2 hours, 3 minutes. DeWayne Wise made one of the greatest catches in baseball history to preserve it in the 9th inning.
April 18, 2007
Threw a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers in just 1 hour, 58 minutes. The second-fastest no-hitter in the modern era. Pure dominance and efficiency.
2005
Helped lead the Chicago White Sox to their first World Series title in 88 years. Went 1-0 in the series with a 3.86 ERA. Closed out Game 3 in relief after drinking a few beers in the bullpen (legend).
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Four consecutive Gold Glove Awards. Not just a pitcher, but an elite fielder. Quick reflexes, smart positioning, and the ability to start the 1-6-3 double play better than anyone.
2001-2014
14 consecutive seasons of 200+ innings pitched. The definition of reliability and durability. Your ace shows up every five days, no matter what.
2005
MLB record 28 consecutive quality starts. From June 2004 to June 2005, he was the most consistent starter in baseball. No one has matched this streak.
2005 World Series, Game 3, bottom of the 14th inning. Buehrle's been chilling on some brews with the boys in the bullpen for hours. Didn't start. Didn't expect to pitch. Just vibing.
Bullpen phone rings. Ozzie needs him NOW. Buehrle slams his beer, jogs in, and gets a groundout to end the inning. One batter. One out. Peak performance.
Ice in his veins, beer in his belly. Most legendary buzzed appearance in World Series history.
Average Buehrle game: 2 hours, 3 minutes. Get ball. Throw ball. Get out. Repeat. No stepping off the mound. No staring at the catcher for 30 seconds. No adjusting your jock strap 47 times.
Fans loved it. Defenses stayed awake. Batters couldn't get comfortable. The man understood nobody paid to watch a pitcher think about his feelings.
Four Gold Gloves. Hands like a shortstop. Could've played third base. Hidden ball tricks, behind-the-back flips, barehanded grabs—dude was a fifth infielder who happened to throw 200 innings a year.
Most famous play: Barehanded a comebacker, spun 180°, flipped it behind his back to first for the out. SportsCenter went nuts. Every baseball coach in America rewound that tape 50 times.
Threw a perfect game and acted like he just mowed the lawn. Signed every autograph. Never complained. Never demanded a trade. Just showed up, pitched, went home to his dogs.
Zero Twitter beef. Zero drama. Zero "look at me" moments. The anti-diva. Hall of Fame human being.
Loves dogs more than most people love their kids. Massive animal rescue advocate. Took a stand against breed-specific laws even when it was inconvenient for his career.
Retired and immediately became a full-time dog dad. Respect.