WHITE SOX HEADLINES OF JUNE 25, 2017 “White Sox honor Buehrle, retire No. 56 jersey” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Holland looks to get back on track vs. A’s” … Fabian Ardaya and Jane Lee, MLB.com “Shields shaky in loss; Frazier, Renteria tossed” … Fabian Ardaya and Jane Lee, MLB.com “Guillen recalls Buehrle’s leadership, work ethic” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Shields K’s 2,000, says starters have to improve” … Scott Merkin, MLB.com “Rodon close to making season debut” … Fabian Ardaya, MLB.com “White Sox work quick to celebrate Buehrle” … Phil Rogers, MLB.com “Star Spangled Buehrle: 9-year-old wows crowd” … Eric Chestertnon and Scott Merkin, Cut4 “The White Sox pranked Mark Buehrle by saying his 8-year-old can throw harder than him” … Michael Clair and Scott Merkin, Cut4 “The White Sox ballboy made these fans battle it out with rock, paper, scissors for the foul ball” … Michael Clair, Cut4 “White Sox upset by the call that led to ejections of Todd Frazier, Rick Renteria” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “How a fan’s kind gesture surprised Mark Buehrle on his big day” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “Mark Buehrle describes the ‘amazing feeling’ of having jersey number retired by White Sox” … Dan Hayes, CSN Chicago “James Shields makes history in White Sox loss to Athletics” … Tim Goldrick, CSN Chicago “Mark Buehrle’s not about Chicago’s 16-inch softball life” … Tim Goldrick, CSN Chicago “‘It’s possible, absolutely’ that Carlos Rodon’s next start could be with the White Sox” … Tim Goldrick, CSN Chicago “Mark Buehrle has a ball during White Sox’s number retirement ceremony” … Paul Skrbina, Chicago Tribune “White Sox lose cool and game as A’s make home run history in 10-2 victory” … Paul Skbrina, Chicago Tribune “Carlos Rodon close to rejoining White Sox rotation” … Paul Skrbina, Chicago Tribune “Ozzie Guillen says Mark Buehrle was best player he managed” … David Just, Chicago Sun-Times “Mark Buehrle, the best Sox pitcher in generations, has a heck of a day” … Steve Greenberg, Chicago Sun-Times “The top moments of Mark Buehrle’s career with the White Sox” … Staff, Chicago Sun-Times “Renteria ejected in third straight home game” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “Buehrle at loss for words as Chicago White Sox retire No. 56” … Scot Gregor, Daily Herald “Benetti: Buehrle was the kind of special no one expected” … Jason Benetti, Daily Herald “Buehrle vibes come back to the South Side one more time” … James Fegan, The Athletic “Mark Buehrle is dreading you cheers, White Sox fans” … James Fegan, The Athletic “Olson, Brugman, Barreto hit 1

st HRs, A’s rout White Sox 10-2” … Patrick Rose, Associated Press

“White Sox retire former star pitcher Buehrle’s No. 56 jersey” … Paul Ladewski, Associated Press “Levine: White Sox retire No. 56 in honor of Mark Buehrle” … Bruce Levine, CBS Chicago “Levine: Mark Buehrle getting well-deserved honor from White Sox” … Bruce Levine, CBS Chicago “Chicago White Sox retire Mark Buehrle’s number” … James Neveau, NBC Chicago “Mark Buehrle gets the best gifts as White Sox retire No. 56” … Mark Townsend, Yahoo Sports “White Sox retire former star pitcher Mark Buehrle’s No. 56 jersey” … Staff, ESPN.com

White Sox honor Buehrle, retire No. 56 jersey Former teammates, coaches reflect on lefty’s career

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | June 24, 2017 CHICAGO -- One word pretty much encapsulated Mark Buehrle's feelings during the retirement ceremony of his jersey No. 56 at Guaranteed Rate Field Saturday afternoon, making him the 11th White Sox player to receive such an honor. "Wow," was the first word said by Buehrle after three standing ovations, speeches from emcee Ken "Hawk" Harrelson, pitching coach Don Cooper, Hall of Famer and former teammate Frank Thomas and White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. "This is amazing. "People texted me before we got here saying how crowded it was. Me trying to get here two hours before. It's usually not that busy. Amazing feeling," added Buehrle during his media session in the third inning of Saturday's contest with the A's. "Can't really put it into words how you feel. I wasn't actually as nervous as I thought I would be once I was up there. But obviously glad it's over with, and it's a special day."

Buehrle joined Nellie Fox (2), Harold Baines (3), Luke Appling (4), Minnie Minoso (9), Luis Aparicio (11), Paul Konerko (14), Ted Lyons (16), Billy Pierce (19), Thomas (35) and Carlton Fisk (72) in a ceremony lasting just over 30 minutes. Jackie Robinson's No. 42 was retired throughout baseball in 1997. Modeling a fashion similar to his quick mound work, Buehrle took the podium at about 12:55 p.m. CT, and his speech lasted a little under a tidy five minutes. Buehrle played 12 seasons with the White Sox, compiling a record of 161-119, a 3.83 ERA and was a 16-game winner for the 2005 team that won the franchise's first World Series since 1917. He started Game 2 of that World Series and saved Game 3. The White Sox commissioned a piece of 56 artwork, created by one-time slugger Ron Kittle. They also presented Buehrle a four-wheeler for fishing and hunting, a truck with 27 Up, 27 Down on the back in honor of his perfect game thrown on July 23, 2009, against the Rays and a return of the baseball used by Buehrle on his miraculous between-the-legs flip on a play at first base against the Indians on Opening Day 2010. "As I look around this stadium it's amazing how much these people love you and how many people came out to see you on this great day," said Reinsdorf, who had high praise for Buehrle, aside from joking his quick mound work killed the concessions. "In case you weren't aware of it, we don't draw 40,000 every day." In Buehrle's speech, he thanked his wife, Jamie, his children, Braden and Brooklyn, and his parents, John and Pat. He thanked all his friends and family members in attendance, former teammates who were there and the organization from Reinsdorf to coaches to everyone else in the ballpark who helped him and his family. He also praised the fans, who responded with rousing cheers as they have pretty much every step of Buehrle's career. Nine-year-old Braden completed the ceremony with an inspiring rendition of the national anthem. Eight-year-old Brooklyn threw out the first pitch to her dad, with the scoreboard flashing the message: "Brooklyn Buehrle 85 mph, Mark Buehrle 77 mph in his prime." Buehrle pointed out his sweetheart of a daughter didn't want to throw out the first pitch until a few days ago because she was afraid of throwing harder than her dad. There were emotional moments for the usually even-keel Buehrle. Nothing topped seeing the actual unveiling between Thomas and Fisk. "Emotions and trying to breathe deep and don't start crying, tearing up," Buehrle said. "I was trying to hold my emotions together. But just looking up there and seeing that. I can't put it into words. "Again, it doesn't make sense. It's going to take time. I don't know if it's ever going to sink in and realize there it is."

Holland looks to get back on track vs. A’s By Fabian Ardaya and Jane Lee / MLB.com | June 25, 2017 A pair of struggling veteran starters take the mound at Guaranteed Rate Field on Sunday in the series finale between the Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox. Athletics right-hander Sonny Gray (2-3, 4.84 ERA) will look to rebound from a rough start to June, including his last outing, in which he gave up five runs in five innings while picking up the loss against Houston. He's struggled with walks, issuing at least one free pass in each of his 10 starts thus far this season. After going 14-7 with a 2.73 ERA in 31 starts in 2014, he's gone 7-14 with a 5.41 ERA in the 32 starts since. White Sox left-hander Derek Holland (5-7, 4.48 ERA) led all Chicago starters in ERA through the end of May at 2.37, but has seen his ERA balloon upward with a 12.64 ERA through four June starts. Even with a quality start on June 13 against the Orioles, Holland hasn't been able to avoid trouble. Much of this is due to the long ball, as he's allowed two or more homers in three of his four starts this month. He struggled in his last outing in Minnesota, giving up seven runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings of work. Gray has struggled against the White Sox in his career, posting 5.29 ERA in three career starts. Holland has plenty of experience with Oakland dating back to his time with Texas, going 5-5 with a 3.45 ERA in 21 career appearances. Three things to know about this game • Matt Davidson has been red-hot in the middle of the White Sox order. Entering play Saturday, he was hitting .378 with seven homers and 11 RBIs during his last 11 games. He ranks second among American League rookies and leads the White Sox with 17 home runs this season.

• The White Sox are still waiting for first baseman Jose Abreu to get his power stroke going at Guaranteed Rate Field this season. He's homered 13 times this year, which each of his shots coming on the road. He's the first Sox player ever to hit his first 13 home runs of the season on the road, according to STATS. • Gray will have to deal with the defense behind him, which has struggled this season. The Athletics have a Major League-leading 71 errors this season, leading the next-worst team by double digits. They also lead the Majors with 47 unearned runs this season after allowing just 41 all of last season. Saturday marked the club's seventh three-error game this season.

Shields shaky in loss; Frazier, Renteria tossed By Fabian Ardaya and Jane Lee / MLB.com | June 24, 2017 CHICAGO -- Matt Olson, Jaycob Brugman and Franklin Barreto each slugged their first career big league homers Saturday as the Oakland Athletics took a 10-2 win over the Chicago White Sox in front of a sellout crowd on the day of Mark Buehrle's jersey retirement at Guaranteed Rate Field. Olson, Brugman and Barreto each went deep off White Sox starter James Shields, who was making his second start since coming off the disabled list with a strained right lat. Olson, the second batter of the game, took the first pitch he saw in the first inning a Statcast-projected 423 feet to right field for the first of his two homers on the day. Brugman knocked a shot just over the wall in right in the second inning and Barreto launched a two-run blast to center in the third. Barreto's homer was also his first career hit, with Saturday being his Major League debut. "A peek to the future is now, right? I guess that's a record, those three home runs," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "It's amazing. These guys have fed off each other all through the system, they know each other really well and have won together. The more the merrier at this point." It marked the second time ever three teammates had launched their first Major League home runs in the same game, according to Elias Sports. It was last accomplished in professional baseball history by the Kansas City Packers of the Federal League in 1914 when Art Kruger, John Potts and Duke Kenworthy accomplished the feat. The Federal League played as a third major league during the 1914 and '15 season. Saturday was also the first time all season Shields had given up multiple homers in a start after allowing a Major League-worst 40 home runs last season. Shields went three-plus innings, allowing six runs on seven hits while walking three on 85 pitches. It marked the first time in five starts he didn't go at least five innings, putting a damper on the game in which he recorded his 2,000th career strikeout. Oakland right-hander Daniel Gossett benefitted from the early offense to cruise to his first career win, tossing six innings and allowing just a pair of unearned runs on 93 pitches. His defense didn't help him, as the Athletics extended their Major League lead with three errors -- two of which directly led to runs. Despite the lack of defensive support, the Oakland offense did more than enough to boost the rookie. "The whole ordeal is a special experience for everyone," Gossett said. "To get out of there with my first win was just the icing on the cake. It was an awesome experience to be a part of." MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Just a bit outside: Shields was in trouble from the get-go, in part because of how he lost the first batter he faced. The right-hander had leadoff man Matt Joyce on a 2-2 count, but proceeded to spike a breaking ball in the dirt and miss just outside to walk Joyce. His very next pitch, an 85.5-mph cutter, was driven out of the ballpark by Olson to open up the scoring in what would be a 29-pitch first inning for Shields. You gone: Athletics shortstop Adam Rosales led off the top of the seventh inning with a chopper to third base, which was fielded by Todd Frazier before he threw it to Jose Abreu at first base. The umpires initially ruled Rosales safe at first and gave Frazier an error, saying Abreu was off the bag. The White Sox challenged the ruling, but it was upheld. After the challenge, Frazier got into a heated discussion with third-base umpire Jim Wolf and was promptly ejected. Manager Rick Renteria was then ejected for the second consecutive game and third consecutive home game for arguing with Wolf, and at one point threw his hat on the ground in protest. It was Frazier's first career ejection, and Renteria's 10th. Renteria now has four ejections this season, tying him with Marlins skipper Don Mattingly among managers for the Major League lead. "It's frustrating," Frazier said. "You can't get the call right in New York, too, as well. They've got every different angle. They can zoom in. They can zoom in as close as possible and to think that they cannot make that call it's just frustrating with

the technology we have today. It's just crazy. It boggles your mind. It really does. You know. I'm the one. I'm vocal. I'm emotional." Renteria said he grew frustrated and said Frazier -- like Tim Anderson, who got tossed Friday -- was too mild-mannered of a guy to have such a short leash with umpires and said he was "pissed" to lose a key member of his lineup. "Frazier's never been tossed," Renteria said. "Timmy Anderson is the most mild-mannered person you've ever met in your life. Yet he's a competitor. So when you see these guys express themselves in a certain way, consider who they are, what they're about." AFTER FURTHER REVIEW Shortly after Frazier's error was upheld, another White Sox error was added to the board through a replay review. Athletics third baseman Ryon Healy hit a grounder to short, which Anderson bobbled before throwing to Abreu at first. The Athletics challenged the initial ruling that Healy was out and the call was overturned following a minute-long review. Anderson was charged with an error. WHAT'S NEXT A's: Right-hander Sonny Gray, who is winless with a 6.43 ERA over his last five starts, will look to turn things around against the White Sox in Sunday's 11:10 a.m. PT series finale at Guaranteed Rate Field. White Sox: Derek Holland will take the mound looking to turn things around in what has been a rough June. He picked up the quality start in his last home start, but still has a 12.64 ERA this month. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. CT.

Guillen recalls Buehrle’s leadership, work ethic By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | June 24, 2017 CHICAGO -- Ozzie Guillen had good relationships with numerous players during his eight years as White Sox manager and one year with the Marlins. So it's difficult for him to pick a favorite. But he certainly wouldn't argue having a rotation full of pitchers such as Mark Buehrle, who pitched for Guillen during his first season at the helm and his last. "Like I always say, you have four guys like him, go out and pitch and don't worry about anything. Just throw the ball, get people out and have fun," said Guillen before Saturday's ceremony to retire Buehrle's jersey No. 56 at a sold out Guaranteed Rate Field. "I've never seen him upset. I never seen him overreact," Guillen added. "Day in and day out, he was the same guy. That's what makes him so special. His teammates loved him." Guillen and Jerry Manuel, the managers during Buehrle's 12-year tenure with the White Sox, both were in attendance Saturday. Jim Thome, Joe Crede, Scott Podsednik, Jon Garland, Cliff Politte and John Danks were a few of Buehrle's former teammates who were part of the festivities. Hall of Famer Frank Thomas took the redeye from Los Angeles to Chicago and was one of four speakers before Buehrle. "I could talk for two or three hours about this guy. I don't need paper," Thomas said. "When you look up a baseball player, there should be a picture of Mark Buehrle in the dictionary. I'm honored to be here on his behalf." In explaining Buehrle's success, Guillen mentioned many different pitchers with better stuff than the southpaw, but said that there were not too many guys with the same heart. Guillen was equally happy to watch Buehrle's family share the moment. "Their family is awesome. I know how tight Buehrle is with his family -- father and mom. They go with him everywhere," Guillen said. "It's nice for them, they got the opportunity to live this moment. That's awesome. To be part of my kid's number retired, not too many parents had the luxury and the luck they have. To see them watching this is outstanding. "He always was positive. Buehrle was a very quiet leader. He didn't want to get involved in too many things. But when he got involved people listened to him. He was a regular guy, and it speaks very well for these fans, White Sox fans. Blue-collar guy."

Shields K’s 2,000, says starters have to improve Veteran righty is 81

st hurler to reach milestone

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | June 24, 2017 CHICAGO -- The highlight of James Shields' start during Oakland's 10-2 victory over the White Sox on Saturday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field came in the second inning when he picked up career strikeout No. 2,000. That historic moment, following a 30-minute ceremony retiring Mark Buehrle's jersey No. 56, came when he fanned Khris Davis to end the frame. Shields acknowledged the momentous career accomplishment postgame, but was not happy with the six runs allowed on seven hits and three walks in three-plus innings during the setback. He gave up the first career home runs to Matt Olson, Jaycob Brugman and Franklin Barreto. Over the last 31 games, the White Sox starting rotation features a 5.88 ERA (96 earned runs in 147 innings), making a mere six quality starts. "We're taxing the bullpen right now, and the starters need to do a better job of going deeper in the game," said Shields, who is part of a White Sox rotation ranking last in the American League with 25 quality starts. "I definitely didn't do my job today, going deep into the game, and that's something I've always prided myself on. At the end of the day, we need to pick those guys up. "It's an ongoing thing every day. We need to do a better job flat out. Today I didn't do my job. I was behind in the count. Lot of walks. We need to clean that up. We need to make [manager Rick Renteria's] life a little easier on making decisions on keeping us in the ballgame. We need to get back on that track." Shields, 35, needed four strikeouts to become the 81st hurler in Major League Baseball history to reach 2,000 and fanned two each in the first and second. He also gave up home runs in each of those first two innings and trailed, 4-0. His strikeout of Davis made Shields the 57th right-hander to record 2,000. The White Sox hurler entered the day three behind White Sox legend Billy Pierce (1,999) and four behind Andy Benes (2,000) and 10th among active pitchers. "Yeah, of course, 2,000 strikeouts is pretty special," said Shields, who has worked 2,319 2/3 innings over parts of 12 seasons. "I've never considered myself a strikeout pitcher in my career. I've logged a lot of innings but to be able to get that accomplishment is pretty special. "Not too many guys have done that. I'm definitely taking that in. Wish it could have been under different circumstances with the win. Overall I'm pretty proud of that."

Rodon close to making season debut Lefty pitched 4 1/3 innings in rehab start on Friday By Fabian Ardaya / MLB.com | June 24, 2017 CHICAGO -- The wait for White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon may be nearing its close, as manager Rick Renteria said Saturday that the 24-year-old will "possibly" make his season debut in the Majors next week. If Rodon's next scheduled start is in the big leagues, it will likely come Wednesday or Thursday against the Yankees or Friday against the Rangers at Guaranteed Rate Field. Rodon, who hasn't pitched this season while dealing with left biceps bursitis, made his fourth rehab start Friday and third with Triple-A Charlotte, getting up to 91 pitches while giving up seven runs in 4 1/3 innings. "He felt good, pain-free, we're very happy with that," Renteria said. "According to the reports, the slider was working very well. He's on track to come on back." Renteria said he's not worried about the raw numbers from Rodon's rehab outings, instead looking to make sure his left-hander was healthy and built his pitch count and velocity up. "I think that a lot of those guys who have been here a while, once you get back here and into the arena it kind of heightens their ability with the adrenaline a little bit," Renteria said. "Hopefully he comes back and he's ready to go. The biggest concern we had was extending him and bringing him back healthy." Rodon, who has gone 18-16 with a 3.90 ERA over two big league seasons with the White Sox, has had a long buildup to get to this point. He made just one start in Spring Training -- an effective outing against the Angels -- before being sidelined with the injury. After three simulated games and four rehab appearances, he finally appears ready to rejoin a rotation that has been in shuffle for most of the season.

Rodon's possible return would be the second major return to the rotation in a matter of weeks. Right-hander James Shields recently returned from a right lat strain, though starter Miguel Gonzalez was added to the 10-day DL in a corresponding move. Renteria, who has been within the White Sox organization throughout Rodon's big league career, said he's looking forward to having his "horse" back in the rotation and to continue to see the young southpaw's development and pitch efficiency now that he's healthy. "I still think he's getting better, absolutely," Renteria said. "He's got a couple years under his belt in the big leagues here with the White Sox, and every year including last we started to see more and more improvement. That's why it was unfortunate that he was unable to break 2017 with us, but he's going to come back and continue to hopefully improve." Worth noting • Reliever Nate Jones threw and played catch Saturday before Chicago's game against Oakland and felt "really good," according to Renteria. He's been out since April 28 with right elbow neuritis. • Tyler Saladino has been cleared and took about 50 ground balls before Saturday's game. The second baseman has been shelved with back spasms since May 26. • Gonzalez feels good in his return from A/C joint inflammation in his right shoulder. Renteria said Gonzalez will throw a bullpen session either Sunday or Monday and will have a couple side sessions before he's re-evaluated. • Outfielder Leury Garcia is progressing slowly from a sprained finger in his left hand, Renteria said. The swelling has gone down, but Garcia needs to be pain-free and without discomfort before he can begin baseball activities.

White Sox work quick to celebrate Buehrle Fans, former teammates honor lefty’s career as club retires No. 56 By Phil Rogers / MLB.com | June 24, 2017 CHICAGO -- If the White Sox can finish off their ongoing rebuild with the rousing style they use to honor the 2005 guys, it won't be too long until there are fresh icons on the South Side. Two years after retiring Paul Konerko's No. 14 in spectacular fashion, the White Sox did it for Mark Buehrle's No. 56 on a beautiful Saturday at Guaranteed Rate Field -- or, as broadcaster Hawk Harrelson called it when describing Buehrle's perfect game and no-hitter, "right here on this field!" There were funny moments and poignant ones, with former managers Ozzie Guillen and Jerry Manuel watching along with Jim Thome, Frank Thomas, John Danks and other former teammates. John Buehrle, Mark's father, was wiping away tears before the 30-minute ceremony even began. Braden Buehrle, Mark and Jamie's 9-year-old son, sang the national anthem before the White Sox game against the Athletics. Their 8-year-old daughter, Brooklyn, threw the ceremonial first pitch to her father. This was the message on the center-field scoreboard after Buehrle caught the high fastball: "Brooklyn Buehrle, 85 mph; Mark Buehrle, 77 mph in his prime." Nobody loved that more than Buehrle, who turned Brooklyn around and pointed to the scoreboard. He didn't mind the two vehicles he received, either -- an over-sized four wheel drive named "Perf56t Game" and a tricked-out Toyota Tacoma pickup christened as "27 Up. 27 Down" -- although he seemed almost embarrassed to get such flashy gifts. Even the guys watching from the visiting dugout loved taking time to honor the 214-game winner, who saved Game 3 of the 2005 World Series two nights after working seven innings in Game 2. "He's a gamer," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "He's a pitcher, but probably has a position player's mentality. He's a tough guy. I know he was just beloved here. I think one of the things that impressed me, too, was that he always caught the first pitch. He wanted to be part of everything that went on here. ... He's just a great pitcher and a great guy on top of it." Some highlights from the ceremony: • Harrelson recalled when pitching coach Don Cooper first asked him to go take a look at Buehrle on the back fields in Tucson, Ariz., in Spring Training, 1999.

"Don Cooper said, 'There's a left-hander down there, we just signed him in the 38th round. Why don't you go take a look at him?'" Harrelson said. "I went down there and looked at him, then I said, 'I'll see him another time.' I saw him one more time and Coop said, 'What do you think?' I said, 'He doesn't throw hard, breaking ball's just a roller, but I like him,' and he said, 'That's good, because I do, too.' What you couldn't tell was he has a big heart and [guts]." • White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf referred to Buehrle's kick-save, hustling retrieval and between-the-legs glove flip to Konerko on Opening Day, 2010, as the greatest play he's ever seen. "He did it just the way he practiced it," Reinsdorf said. The White Sox then brought out a fan named Tommy Maloney to present the ball from that play to Buehrle. Konerko had flipped the ball to Maloney, who was then 8, and he'd gotten Buehrle to autograph it. Now it will go in the trophy case at Buehrle's home near St. Louis. • Reinsdorf flashed the sense of humor he's largely kept out of public view, getting off a series of good lines. "Mark, as I look around this stadium, it's just amazing how much people love you," Reinsdorf said in his opening remarks. "In case you don't know, we don't get 40,000 people every day." In presenting Buehrle a wall hanging featuring his No. 56 formed from dozens of baseballs, Reinsdorf zinged former White Sox slugger Ron Kittle, who had produced the piece in the Indiana shop where he makes benches and other items from baseball bats. "We commissioned a noted American artist -- well, Ron Kittle -- to make an art piece to commemorate your career," Reinsdorf said, drawing howls of laughter from the crowd. Reinsdorf referenced Buehrle's style of working fast and throwing strikes, which produced quick games. "Thank you for all you've done for the White Sox and all the fans," Reinsdorf said. "It was a pleasure to watch you take the ball every five days, but you sure killed the concession sales." • When it was his turn to speak, Buehrle called Jamie, Braden and Brooklyn to stand next to him at the podium. He thanked them for their support, then turned his attention to Reinsdorf and White Sox officials. Jamie, Braden and Brooklyn headed for their seats at that point, but Buehrle wasn't having it. "Hey, come here," Buehrle said. "Get back over here. We're not done. I've told you, don't listen to your mother." They returned and stayed by his side until he finished. • The 38-year-old Buehrle said when he first got the call from the White Sox about retiring his number, he thought they were calling because the team needed a pitcher. "It turns out, I'm an old, washed up former pitcher," Buehrle said. One who will never be forgotten.

Star Spangled Buehrle: 9-year-old wows crowd By Eric Chesterton and Scott Merkin / Cut4 | June 24, 2017 It was a family affair during the ceremony for the retirement of Mark Buehrle's No. 56 jersey prior to Saturday's White Sox game against the A's. His daughter, Brooklyn, threw the first pitch to her father, who changed positions for the occasion. Braden, the other Buehrle offspring, had a more extended opportunity in the spotlight as he walked onto the field with his father: And he followed that fanfare with one of the cutest performances of the national anthem this season. Braden showcased his angelic soprano pipes to the people of Chicago. For a 9-year-old boy, he had impressive composure in the moment, not letting the excitement of the occasion distract from the task at hand. The elder Buehrle attributed that composure to dedicated preparation. Braden had apparently been ready for his performance for a month. Knowing the extent of his son's preparation, Buehrle told MLB.com's Scott Merkin that he wasn't worried. "I was more nervous for me," Buehrle said. "Everybody kept asking, 'Are you nervous for your son and daughter?' No, because Braden the whole time said 'I'm ready to go, let's do this.'" Once he finished, though, he let himself enjoy the moment with a shy smile:

The performance led to calls among fans to bring Braden into the fold as a regular anthem singer at White Sox games. His dad, however, was ready to get back home to Missouri -- he had a softball game to get to on Sunday night. "I told them to be on standby because I don't know what time we are leaving," said Buehrle, who bats cleanup and plays first base. Hey, with a swing like this, he's worth waiting on:

The White Sox pranked Mark Buehrle by saying his 8-year-old can throw harder than him By Michael Clair and Scott Merkin / Cut4 | June 24, 2017 Mark Buehrle was a White Sox ace and a fan favorite because he threw strikes and worked quickly. What he didn't have was a blazing fastball. So, while the team spent Saturday's 10-2 loss against the A's honoring the southpaw by retiring his number, they knew they also had to bring him down a peg. When his daughter, Brooklyn, came out to throw the first pitch to her dad, they got the chance. Her radar gun reading: 85 mph. They then included this helpful little tidbit: The elder Buehrle averaged just 77 mph at his peak. (He actually averaged 85 for his career.) Turns out, there's a story behind the prank. "Well, I joked with Brooks [Boyer, the White Sox vice president and chief marketing officer] that she originally didn't want to do it until about three days ago," Buehrle told MLB.com's Scott Merkin. "I said she's such a sweetheart that she's afraid she's going to throw harder than her daddy is going to and that's why she's not doing it." "So I mentioned that to Brooks and the next thing you know he got on his phone and you could see him typing it up. I knew something was going to be out there," Buehrle added. "I like that stuff. I think it's awesome."

The White Sox ballboy made these fans battle it out with rock, paper, scissors for the foul ball By Michael Clair / Cut4 | June 24, 2017 How does the ballperson decide who is worthy of a foul ball? Is it who yells the loudest? Asks the nicest? Is it a random decision made in the spur of the moment? During Saturday's Athletics-White Sox game, Chicago's ballboy decided to turn it into the most brutal combat: possible: Rock, paper, scissors. The two fans, Connor O'Sullivan and Jacob Sandowski, both age 12, battled valiantly, but in the end, only one could win. Though Connor emerged victorious this time around, don't feel too bad for Jacob. He got another ball later in the inning. Whether this will start a spree of Roman Coliseum-esque battles for baseballs with thumb wars or odds and evens only time will tell.

White Sox upset by the call that led to ejections of Todd Frazier, Rick Renteria By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | June 24, 2017 Todd Frazier wasn’t pleased with a call Saturday afternoon that led to the first ejection of his career. It’s not that the White Sox third baseman is arguing about whether or not he deserved to get thrown out in the seventh inning of a 10-2 loss to the Oakland A’s. Frazier is more miffed by first-base umpire Sam Holbrook’s initial ruling --- that his throw pulled Jose Abreu off the bag --- and the determination by replay officials that the call was correct. Frazier was ejected shortly after word arrived that the call stands, which means officials in New York didn’t believe they have enough evidence to overturn the original ruling. That fact bothered Frazier, who was charged with an error and began to speak his mind. White Sox manager Rick Renteria was ejected shortly thereafter for the third straight home game.

“It’s just frustrating with the technology we have today,” Frazier said. “It’s just crazy. It boggles your mind. It really does. You know -- I’m the one. I’m vocal. I’m emotional. But when it’s wrong, 100 percent wrong. I saw it on the MLB Network. I saw it in our cameras and our computers. I just don’t understand how we can see it and they can’t see it in New York. It’s just, it’s frustrating as all hell to be honest with you. It turned into a big inning. We were down a lot, don’t get me wrong. But still, Jake (Petricka) is pitching his heart out and next thing you know he gives up an unearned run and two more runs. So it’s really not that hard. Honest. It’s not that hard.” Renteria raced onto the field in an attempt to save Frazier from a quick ejection, but didn’t have enough time. It was the third home game in a row in which a White Sox player was ejected for the first time in their career. Tim Anderson got the boot on Friday night after he argued with plate umpire Jim Wolf. And Avisail Garcia got tossed from the June 15 series finale against the Baltimore Orioles. Renteria said taking into context who his players are and their track record made him want to further defend their actions. “I don't ever go into a situation arguing with someone to get thrown out,” Renteria said. “I don't. I think what happens is, like anybody emotionally, when you start talking and expressing yourself, you have a tendency to get heated. You don't plan on doing that. I certainly don't go out there planning on having that happen. I think what happens, and I think it's just human nature, you start thinking about the whole situation, you're losing a player. You're losing a guy that's supposed to be in there for the next two, three innings to help you maybe continue to chip away. Our team has been fighting every day, since day one of spring training. I don’t care what our record is, I don't care what the score is, we fight. And when you take one of those pieces out of the lineup, you get pissed.” Even though he had a chance to cool off, Frazier still felt the same after the contest. He stuck his head into the team’s video room after the game to check out the play. Teams have a variety of angles from which they can determine whether or not to challenge a call. They also have the option of taking a freeze frame and magnifying the picture, which left no doubt in Frazier’s mind that the call was incorrect. “Like I said just frustrating,” Frazier said. “It’s just not that hard. And with all the technology like I said, I don’t mean to repeat ourselves, but with all the technology and 8 different angles it’s just one of those things where I just can’t let that go. It turned into a huge inning. You never know. We were down 6 we coulda came back. You gotta be 100 percent. You gotta be 100 percent right on that and I really don’t think he was.”

How a fan’s kind gesture surprised Mark Buehrle on his big day By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | June 24, 2017 It’s one of the more iconic moments in White Sox history, and now Mark Buehrle has a key piece of memorabilia after a fan’s kind gesture. Already overwhelmed by a series of gifts from the White Sox on Saturday afternoon, Buehrle was in disbelief when 17-year-old Tommy Maloney walked onto the field during a number-retirement ceremony and presented him with the flipped-through-the-legs ball from 2010 Opening Day. The memento was one of four gifts Buehrle received from the White Sox along with a new truck, a four-seat All-Terrain Vehicle and a personalized piece of art created by White Sox outfielder Ron Kittle commemorating many of the highlights of the pitcher’s White Sox career. It was just another part of an overwhelming, emotional day for Buehrle, who was honored for his 12 seasons in a White Sox uniform. “Pretty cool,” Buehrle said. “I don’t recall signing it for him when it happened. I don’t really remember where it went. But one, for him to give that up, that was pretty awesome.” Maloney’s father, Matt, contacted the White Sox earlier this month to see if Buehrle wanted to meet with the fan who had the ball from a moment in White Sox history that has been replayed thousands upon thousands of times. The Maloneys also reached out to the White Sox back in 2010, too. They informed the club they had the ball that Buehrle retrieved and flipped through his legs to Paul Konerko, who caught it with a barehanded to retire Cleveland’s Lou Marson in the fifth inning of the April 5, 2010 contest. Buehrle autographed the ball in 2010, but neither he nor the White Sox asked for Tommy Maloney, who was 10 at the time, to hand it over. “At that point it’s just a cool ball, it’s not part of White Sox history,” said Brooks Boyer, White Sox vice president of sales and marketing.

As he looked for a unique artifact for Buehrle to offer another layer to Saturday’s ceremony, Boyer came across Matt Maloney’s most recent email. He definitely thought Buehrle would have interest in reuniting with the fan who held a key artifact from a play that has become legendary around these parts over the years. But Boyer also asked if the Maloneys would want to donate the ball to Buehrle. “We didn’t have the unique thing,” Boyer said. “We just didn’t have it. “Here it is.” How it had gotten in Tommy Maloney’s hands in the first place was interesting enough. The Munster, Ind., high schooler said his father got tickets for the 2010 season opener and he left school early to watch Buehrle, his favorite pitcher as a kid. The seats were in the first row behind the far right edge of the White Sox dugout, the same ones he was in for Saturday’s ceremony. After the improbable play to steal a hit from Marson, Buehrle fell to his knees, which brought manager Ozzie Guillen out of the dugout. Somehow Guillen retrieved the ball and upon returning to the dugout, flipped it to Maloney, who had earlier asked him for a ball several times. Even though it was a prized possession, Tommy Maloney said he’d have no problem surrendering it again if he were asked. The White Sox rewarded Maloney for his sacrifice as club chairman Jerry Reinsdorf determined that the youngster would present Buehrle with the ball on the field. But the White Sox didn’t tell Maloney he would present the ball until Saturday, surprising him with the news about an hour before the game. “It’s awesome the way it played out,” Maloney said. “He’s such a great guy. He was hugging me in the dugout. He looked at me when I went up there to give him the ball and said, ‘Give me a hug.’ ” Maloney not only stood on the field before the ceremony, he had a chance to briefly meet Buehrle in the dugout. He also received another autographed baseball. And after he was applauded by the sellout crowd, several fans stopped by Maloney’s seat to pose for a picture. Buehrle was touched by the gesture. “I was like, ‘Brooks, we’ve got to do something here,’ ” Buehrle said. “’He can’t just give the ball and walk out of here empty-handed.’ So I ended up signing him a ball and I don’t know if we have something else in mind, but it was pretty awesome.”

Mark Buehrle describes the ‘amazing feeling’ of having jersey number retired by White Sox By Dan Hayes / CSN Chicago | June 24, 2017 Mark Buehrle might need time to process everything that took place Saturday afternoon when he was surrounded by friends, family, teammates and fans, showered with gifts and overwhelmed by emotion. The White Sox officially retired the number of one of the most popular players in team history in front of 38,618 at Guaranteed Rate Field. A banner covering Buehrle’s No. 56 was unfurled during an afternoon ceremony that makes the left-hander one of 11 players in club history whose number has been retired. Surrounded by fellow honoree Frank Thomas among many others, the always humble Buehrle -- who won 161 games in 12 seasons with the White Sox -- said afterward he’s not sure he belongs in the club. “It doesn’t make sense,” Buehrle said. “It’s going to take time. I don’t know if it’s ever going to sink in and realize there it is. “Amazing feeling. Can’t really put it into words how you feel. I wasn’t actually as nervous as I thought I would be once I was up there. But obviously glad it’s over with and it’s a special day.” Buehrle’s list of dignitaries included Thomas, managers Ozzie Guillen and Jerry Manuel, Cliff Polite, Scott Podsednik, Jim Thome, Joe Crede, Jon Garland, John Danks and hitting coach Greg Walker. White Sox play by play man Hawk Harrelson emceed a ceremony that lasted 30 minutes. Included were speeches by Thomas and White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper as well as an unveiling of a series of gifts. The team presented Buehrle with a new truck, a baseball collage put together by Ron Kittle, a four-seat All-Terrain Vehicle -- much to the

enjoyment of his duck hunting club seated on the 400 level -- as well as the flip-through-the-legs ball from Opening Day 2010. Club chairman Jerry Reinsdorf also spoke during the ceremony, dropping in a series of one-liners. “I’ve never seen him upset,” Guillen said. “I’ve never seen him overreact. Day in and day out he was the same guy. That’s what makes him so special. His teammates loved him. “Buehrle did something: outsmart people. People don’t have stuff like him they think I’m smart, I can do this and fake it. Buehrle just grabbed the ball and threw it. “To survive for so many years and have your number retired, there’s not that many people up there. “It’s amazing with the stuff he had. I’ve seen a lot of better pitchers with better stuff. You don’t see too many guys with the same heart.” Buehrle said Friday that he anticipated he’d be an emotional wreck for the event. The man beloved by the public isn’t much for public speaking. Throw in all of his friends and family present and Buehrle just hoped to get through his own speech. He said the sight of seeing his number unfurled almost put him over the edge. “Emotions and trying to breathe deep and don’t start crying, tearing up,” Buehrle said. “I was trying to hold my emotions together. But just looking up there and seeing that. I can’t put it into words.” When it was his turn to say the words, Buehrle spoke the way he pitched: tidy and efficient. Wearing a suit and sunglasses in case he teared up, Buehrle spoke with his wife and children at his side. Aside from his family, Buehrle said he avoided naming names during the 4-minute, 19-second speech because he had too many people to thank for the journey from 38th-round draft pick to all-time great. Buehrle said he wouldn’t be able to pick out his favorite part until he watches the ceremony again later. After the ceremony, Buehrle's son sang the National Anthem and his daughter threw out the first pitch. “When I watch it back in a couple hours and realize what happened and what really went on,” Buehrle said. “It’s kind of hard to hear out there, but it’s just everything. I had Frank Thomas and Jim Thome behind me. They’re here for my day. It doesn’t make sense to me.”

James Shields makes history in White Sox loss to Athletics By Tim Goldrick / CSN Chicago | June 24, 2017 James Shields put his name in the record books twice on Mark Buehrle Day. Making his second start since returning from injury, Shields became the 81st pitcher in major-league history to record 2,000 career strikeouts. He then became the first pitcher in major-league history to allow three players to hit their first career home run in a single game. Matt Olson, Jaycob Brugman and Franklin Barreto each tagged the White Sox pitcher for their first career blast, as the Athletics jumped out to a 6-0 lead. "I wasn’t hitting my location with my fastball," Shields said. "Fastball command wasn’t very good today." The A's held on to a sizable lead all game, notching a 10-2 victory in front of 38,618 at Guaranteed Rate Field. Shields' day was done after three innings. He allowed seven hits, six earned runs, three walks and struck out five. "Today I didn’t do my job," Shields said. "I didn’t go out there and go deep in the game. I was behind in the count. Lot of walks. We need to clean that up. We need to make Ricky’s life a little easier on making decisions on keeping us in the ballgame." Despite getting knocked around, Shields still had the time to take in his 2,000th strikeout. Only five players have whiffed their 2,000th batter in a White Sox uniform - the last one being Javier Vazquez in 2008. Shields fanned Khris Davis in the second inning to reach the milestone. And although he's never been known as a dominant swing-and-miss pitcher, the accomplishment speaks to his longevity and ability to go deep into ballgames.

"I’ve never considered myself a strikeout pitcher in my career," he said. "I’ve logged a lot of innings but to be able to get that accomplishment is pretty special. Not too many guys have done that." With the bats, the White Sox didn't give Shields or the bullpen nearly enough runs to stay in the game. The offense picked up one unearned run in both the third and fourth inning, thanks to two infielding errors. Melky Cabrera singled home Yolmer Sanchez, who reached on a Barreto miscue. The following inning, Tim Anderson roped a sac fly to center, plating Todd Frazier. In the seventh inning, Frazier picked up his first ejection in 855 MLB games for arguing after umpires called and reviewed that Jose Abreu had slid off the bag while stretching for the third baseman's errant throw. For the second time in as many games, Rick Renteria followed suit, getting the boot for slamming his hat while vehemently disagreeing in the middle of the infield. "I thought it was quick," Frazier said of the ejection. "I said some things that were borderline I guess." Olson homered immediately after the ejections - this time off Jake Petricka - to extend the A's lead to eight runs. Alen Hanson, who improved his batting average to .333 in a White Sox uniform, was the only player with multiple hits in the Sox order. He went 2-for-4 with two singles. Frazier recorded the team's lone extra-base hit when he delivered a double in the fourth. But Saturday exemplified the same rotation problems the White Sox have had for the last month. It marked the 25th time in 31 games that a South Side starter has failed to make a quality start. "We’re taxing the bullpen right now and the starters need to do a better job of going deeper in the game," Shields said. "I definitely didn’t do my job today, going deep into the game, and that’s something I’ve always prided myself on. At the end of the day we need to pick those guys up."

Mark Buehrle’s not about Chicago’s 16-inch softball life By Tim Goldrick / CSN Chicago | June 24, 2017 Mark Buehrle told a large Guaranteed Rate Field crowd that there was nowhere else he'd rather play baseball than on the South Side of Chicago. But that doesn't apply to softball apparently. After getting his No. 56 retired, Buehrle updated the media on his St. Louis softball beer league, quizzically wondering how Chicagoans can play with their bare hands. “No it’s gloves," Buehrle said of his league. "I just heard about this, what is it 16-inch softball? A buddy of mine, Rich, plays up in this area and and he was asking me the same thing. Like how do you not use a glove? I think ours is 12-inch. I’m not standing over at first base without a glove. I can tell you that.” Buehrle must have to dig his fair share of throws if he can't imagine playing without a glove. Besides having a new position, Buehrle is also hitting at a new spot in the order. The former White Sox pitcher, who slugged one career homer in the MLB, hits cleanup for his 12-inch team. He's still Chicago's adopted son, but he may need to test out his 16-inch skills at Grant Park.

‘It’s possible, absolutely’ that Carlos Rodon’s next start could be with the White Sox By Tim Goldrick / CSN Chicago | June 24, 2017 Help may be on the horizon for the White Sox starting rotation.

Carlos Rodon, who threw 4 1/3 innings for the Charlotte Knights on Friday night, could make his next start for the big league club. Before the Mark Buehrle Day ceremony on Saturday, Rick Renteria discussed whether the 24-year-old would need another start in Triple-A Charlotte as he rehabs from bursitis in his left shoulder. "I don't," Renteria said. "I think our plans are probably to get him back with us." Despite being tagged for seven earned runs Friday, Renteria was encouraged by Rodon's sharp off-speed pitches. He also extended for 91 pitches, but the Knights' defense struggled, stretching innings with two throwing errors. "Actually, in talking to everybody, he threw pretty well," Renteria said. "Had a couple miscues in the field that were probably limited his outing. He felt good, pain-free, we’re very happy with that. According to the reports, the slider was working very well. He’s on track to come on back.” His return could boost a rotation that has labored over the past month. In the last 30 games, the starters' ERA is a combined 5.63 with just six quality starts. They also set a franchise record for consecutive games without a quality start, tallying up 13 in a row. Renteria didn't level any specific expectations for Rodon, but stretching him out in Charlotte eases the transition. “I have to monitor everything he’s doing," Renteria said. "It’d be foolish for me to say I’m not going to be mindful of what he’s gone through. Obviously, we’re very happy that he’s healthy. He’s gotten up to I think 91 pitches yesterday, so we’re not concerned about his pitch count.” In Triple-A Charlotte rehab starts, Rodon is 0-3 with a 9.22 ERA. He did whiff seven batters Friday, though, for a season high. As for Miguel Gonzalez, his timetable for a return is still up in the air, but he will throw a bullpen session Sunday or Monday, according to Renteria. In the bullpen, Nate Jones got clearance to start throwing on Saturday. Infielder Tyler Saladino was also cleared, but Renteria said the team will "progress slowly" with him.

Mark Buehrle has a ball during White Sox’s number retirement ceremony By Paul Skrbina / Chicago Tribune | June 24, 2017 Fans, 38,000-plus strong, chanted his name in unison. "Buehrle! Buehrle! Buehrle!" Team Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf cracked wise. "In case you weren't aware, we don't draw 40,000 people every day," he said. Mark Buehrle had a ball Saturday, when the White Sox celebrated "Mark Buehrle Day" and retired his No. 56 during a pregame ceremony at Guaranteed Rate Field. The left-hander also received the ball he flipped between his legs on opening day 2010 against the Indians to retire Lou Marson in maybe the four-time Gold Glove winner's most memorable fielding play. Sox fan Tommy Maloney presented Buehrle with the ball as former teammates such as Frank Thomas and Buehrle's friends and family looked on from the infield. Maloney was 10 when then-Sox manager Ozzie Guillen flipped it to him later that game. Maloney's father emailed the Sox during that game and the team arranged for Buehrle to sign the ball. Maloney's father reached out to the Sox again before Mark Buehrle Day. He said he and his son would be sitting in the same seats as they did on that day in 2010. Maloney, now 17, also agreed to give the ball back to Buehrle.

"For him to give that up, that was pretty awesome," said Buehrle, the 11th Sox player to have the franchise retire his number. "I ended up signing him a ball and I don't know if we have something else in mind." The ball was but one highlight of the afternoon of adoration on the South Side for Buehrle, a 38th-round draft pick who played 12 of his 16 seasons wearing a White Sox uniform. The man who owns two career no-hitters, including a perfect game, who was a five-time All-Star and who helped the Sox to the 2005 World Series title, also became the new owner of an ATV and a pickup truck, which the Sox presented to him. After a speech that lasted just longer than four minutes, during which Buehrle thanked family, friends, teammates and coaches, he watched and listened to 9-year-old son Braden sing the national anthem before catching a ceremonial first pitch from 8-year-old daughter Brooklyn. The Sox had some fun with that, posting a graphic on the video board in center field that read: "Brooklyn Buehrle — 85 mph. Mark Buehrle — 77 mph in his prime."

White Sox lose cool and game as A’s make home run history in 10-2 victory By Paul Skrbina / Chicago Tribune | June 24, 2017 James Shields tipped his cap. Rick Renteria threw his. And the White Sox lost 10-2 Saturday to the A's, who made history when Matt Olson, Jaycob Brugman and Franklin Barreto became the first trio of teammates to hit their first major-league home runs in the same game, according to STATS, Inc. "That's impressive, man," said Shields, who allowed one to each in the only three innings he lasted. "I definitely didn't do my job today, going deep into the game, and that's something I've always prided myself on." Renteria was ejected for the second time in two days and the third straight time at Guaranteed Rate Field when he slammed his hat to the ground in frustration while giving a piece of his mind to first-base umpire Sam Holbrook. The Sox manager was kicked out of Friday’s game after he defended Tim Anderson, who was thrown out for the first time in his career for arguing that a ball he had hit was foul. Renteria came to Todd Frazier’s defense in the seventh inning Saturday when the third baseman earned the first ejection of his career for arguing a call at first base that had been reviewed. "You have a tendency to get heated," Renteria said. "You start thinking about the whole situation, you're losing a player. … I don't care what our record is, I don't care what the score is, we fight. And when you take one of those pieces out of the lineup, you get pissed. Excuse me for that." The Sox, losers of five of six, won't have to watch any replays of Saturday's game to confirm it was bad, though. Making just his fifth start of the season and second since returning from a foot injury, Shields walked Matt Joyce to start the game. Olson then bashed the first pitch he saw 413 feet to right field for his first career home run. Brugman socked a shot in the second before Barreto completed history with a two-run homer in the third. Shields became the 81st pitcher in baseball to reach 2,000 strikeouts when he caught Khris Davis looking in the second, the fourth of his five strikeouts on an otherwise forgettable outing during which he allowed six runs on seven hits and three walks. The A's were ahead 8-2 in the seventh when Frazier was charged with a throwing error on Adam Rosales' ground ball to start the inning. The White Sox challenged the call that Rosales beat the throw but replay officials determined there wasn't enough evidence to overturn the call on the field. Todd Frazier on his first career ejection: 'I'm not going to let that go' "He just made the wrong call," Frazier said of Holbrook. "Not only did he make the wrong call, they made the wrong call in New York too.

"They have every different angle. They can zoom in as close as possible, and to think they cannot make that call, it's just frustrating with the technology we have today. … It boggles your mind." The reviews didn't get any better for the Sox, who did little to help themselves with just five hits. Soon after they lost their manager and third baseman, Ryon Healy was called out at first after shortstop Tim Anderson bobbled his ground ball. But the A's challenged the call — which was reversed — to set up Olson's second two-run homer.

Carlos Rodon close to rejoining White Sox rotation By Paul Skrbina / Chicago Tribune | June 24, 2017 Carlos Rodon was rocked for eight runs, including seven in the fourth inning Friday, during his third rehab start for Triple-A Charlotte. But the White Sox insist the left-hander is close to being ready to roll after spending all season on the disabled list with bursitis in his left forearm. Sox manager Rick Renteria said Saturday that Rodon's next start likely will be with the big-league club and that the team will stick to a five-man rotation, meaning change is on the horizon. "Actually, he threw pretty well," Renteria said of Rodon, who allowed seven earned runs, five hits, two walks and struck out seven in 4 1/3 innings. "He had a couple of miscues in the field that probably limited his outing. He felt good, pain-free. We're very happy with that." The 24-year-old has made four rehab starts, including three for Charlotte, for whom he is 0-3 with a 9.22 ERA in 17 innings. He told the Durham (N.C.) Herald-Sun after Friday's game that he was ready to return to the White Sox. "My arm is coming back," Rodon said. "Everything seems healthy. (Friday) was a big step. I'm ready to go back up there. It's just up to them." Rodon's numbers aren't at the forefront of the White Sox's concerns nearly as much as his health and progression. "He's getting better, absolutely," Renteria said. "It was unfortunate that he was unable to break 2017 with us, but he's going to come back and hopefully continue to improve. He's a horse." Mr. Jones and glee: Sox reliever Nate Jones has been sidelined since late April with inflammation in his right elbow. Renteria said Jones received clearance Friday to begin throwing, which he did. Renteria did not give a timetable on when Jones, who has appeared in 11 games this season, might return to the Sox bullpen. "I heard he feels really good, so all smiles," Renteria said. Coming around: Second baseman Tyler Saladino (back) took ground balls Saturday but he and outfielder Leury Garcia (left finger) will be brought along slowly from their injuries, Renteria said.

Ozzie Guillen says Mark Buehrle was best player he managed By David Just / Chicago Sun-Times | June 24, 2017 Former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said Saturday that left-hander Mark Buehrle was the best player he managed. And for a manager known to speak his mind, one can be sure he meant it. Guillen bragged about Buehrle before a ceremony to retire Buehrle’s No. 56 at Guaranteed Rate Field. ‘‘In my career, he’s No. 1 because he pitched for me my first year and he pitched for me the last day of my career,’’ Guillen said.

‘‘I never saw him upset. I never saw him overreact. Day in and day out, he was the same guy. That’s what makes him so special. That’s why teammates loved him.’’ Asked what his favorite Buehrle memory was, Guillen pointed to the perfect game he threw against the Rays in 2009. ‘‘Buehrle was a contact pitcher,’’ Guillen said. ‘‘When you throw a perfect game with the stuff he had — I can’t believe Tampa Bay was that bad. Wow. He was throwing popcorn boxes out there, and he got out of it. Who would have thought Buehrle, with that stuff, was going to be perfect?’’ Shields struggles Right-hander James Shields gave up home runs to Matt Olson, Franklin Barreto and Jaycob Brugman in the first three innings of the Sox’ 10-2 loss to the Athletics. That ordinarily wouldn’t be news, but it marked the first time since 1914 that three players hit their first career homers in the same game. Shields became the first pitcher to allow the first homers of three players in a game. Renteria ejected again Manager Rick Renteria was ejected with one out in the seventh inning after arguing a ruling that A’s runner Adam Rosales was safe at first base. Renteria’s objection came after the play had been reviewed and the call upheld. Renteria has been ejected in back-to-back games and in three consecutive home games. Rodon return imminent Renteria said left-hander Carlos Rodon’s next start might be in the majors. Rodon, who has been on the disabled list all season with bursitis in his left biceps, threw 4 1/3 innings in a rehab start Friday at Class AAA Charlotte. Renteria said he doesn’t think Rodon needs another rehab start. ‘‘I think our plans are probably to get him back with us,’’ he said.

Mark Buehrle, the best Sox pitcher in generations, has a heck of a day By Steve Greenberg / Chicago Sun-Times | June 24, 2017 If the White Sox had any sense of timing at all, they would have sent a stadium full of fans home happy after a nice two-hour victory Saturday. You know, Mark Buehrle-style. Alas, you’ve met these Sox. What happened instead was starting pitcher James Shields hanging meatballs that A’s hitters Matt Olson, Franklin Barreto and Jaycob Brugman crushed for their first career home runs. What happened instead were more misplays by a subpar defense, multiple members of the Sox getting the heave-ho from umpires and a 10-2 joke of a game that lasted an unofficial 87 hours and change. Is it any wonder chants of ‘‘BUEHR-LE!’’ rose from the stands early and often? Of course, the stands weren’t full just because a ballgame was being played on a glorious early-summer day. The fans turned out in postseason-like numbers to see the greatest Sox pitcher in generations have his No. 56 retired by the team. ‘‘In case you weren’t aware,’’ chairman Jerry Reinsdorf cracked from the podium in front of the pitcher’s mound, ‘‘we don’t draw 40,000 people every day.’’ Forget the score. Forget the fifth consecutive losing season. Forget that the Sox have one flipping playoff victory since winning the World Series in 2005. Good times will come again. They sure were good when Buehrle was on the mound for 12 seasons in a Sox uniform.

‘‘You guys have been so good to me,’’ Buehrle said to the crowd during a rousing pregame celebration. ‘‘I spent a third of my life here. There’s nowhere else I’d rather spend it than on the South Side of Chicago.’’ You have to figure Buehrle’s Saturday was about as fine a day as a human being could have. All those adoring fans. Former teammates from Jon Garland to Joe Crede to Scott Podsednik and others at his back as he acknowledged his good fortune. Former managers Ozzie Guillen and Jerry Manuel, Sox icons Frank Thomas, Harold Baines and Hawk Harrelson — all on hand to pay tribute. Buehrle’s parents, John and Pat, beamed. Son Braden, only 9, sang the national anthem beautifully. Daughter Brooklyn, 8, threw out the first pitch. More family and friends camped on the field or cheered from the stands. As his placard was unveiled among 11 other retired numbers lining the facade of the upper-deck behind home plate, Buehrle grabbed the podium tightly with both hands, exhaled deeply and did what a guy does when he’s trying not to fall apart completely. ‘‘Actually seeing it, pulling [the curtain] off and seeing my name and number up there?’’ he said a couple of hours later. ‘‘Just emotions and trying to breathe deep and [not] start crying. I was tearing up and just trying to hold my emotions together. Looking up and seeing it? I can’t put it into words.’’ Buehrle never has been much for words. Despite the dark shades, slicked-back hair and natty suit he wore to the festivities, he’s still as understated as a superstar can be. The Sox presented him with an ATV named for the perfect game he threw in 2009 and a truck named for his no-hitter in 2007. Yet what those who played with or coached Buehrle wanted to share were memories of the little things he did that went such a long way. Little things such as the time he gave up seven runs in the first inning in Minnesota, hung tough and got the victory anyway. Or how he almost never shook off signs from his catchers, letting a long line of them know through the years that he respected their ability to do their jobs. ‘‘I’ve seen a lot of pitchers with better stuff,’’ Guillen said, ‘‘but you don’t see too many guys with the same heart.’’ Buehrle’s never has been more full.

The top moments of Mark Buehrle’s career with the White Sox By Staff / Chicago Sun-Times | June 24, 2017 Mark Buehrle pitched 12 seasons with the White Sox and 16 in the major leagues. He won a World Series, was a five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner and pitched 200 or more innings in 14 consecutive seasons. A pitcher doesn’t compile a résumé like that without some memorable moments. In honor of Buehrle’s No. 56 being retired Saturday, here are the top moments of his storied career with the Sox, presented chronologically. April 16, 2005: The 99-minute victory Buehrle solidified his reputation as a fast worker early in the 2005 season by shutting down the Mariners in a complete-game victory that took only 99 minutes. He gave up one run and three hits, walked one and struck out a season-high 12. Ichiro Suzuki had all three hits for the Mariners. July 12, 2005: All-Star starter and winner Roy Halladay’s broken leg made Buehrle the obvious choice to start for Terry Francona’s American League All-Stars. He threw two scoreless innings and struck out three to help the AL to victory, guaranteeing the Sox home-field advantage in the World Series. Oct. 12, 2005: Complete-game victory in Game 2 of ALCS The Sox lost their only game of the 2005 postseason in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, making Buehrle’s Game 2 start a crucial one. He delivered, of course, allowing one run and five hits in a 2-1 victory against the Angels. He needed only 99 pitches to even the series.

Oct. 25, 2005: Tipsy Buehrle saves Game 3 of World Series After starting Game 2 of the World Series, Buehrle was sure he wouldn’t be needed two nights later for Game 3 in Houston, so he drank a few beers as the game wore on. But manager Ozzie Guillen, having already used eight pitchers, called on Buehrle to close the 14th inning. Despite the alcohol, he got the final out to earn his only career save. April 16, 2006: Tarp-sliding days are over Buehrle was a fan favorite during rain delays at U.S. Cellular Field, running onto the field and diving along the tarp to cheer up the crowd. He came on for some tarp-sliding fun during the second rain delay against the Blue Jays, and it ended up being his last rain-delay appearance. General manager Ken Williams feared Buehrle could hurt himself and put an end to the practice. May 14, 2006: Gives up seven runs in first, earns ‘W’ anyway In one of the more bizarre outings of Buehrle’s career, he allowed seven runs — one earned — in the first inning against the Twins but still went on to win the game. The Twins scored seven runs on seven hits and two errors but didn’t score the rest of the way in the Sox’ 9-7 victory. Buehrle lasted six innings, allowing 12 hits. April 18, 2007: His first no-hitter Buehrle pitched his first no-hitter in a 6-0 victory against the Rangers, striking out eight and yielding a walk to spoil a perfect game. He walked Sammy Sosa with one out in the fifth inning, then picked him off first base to face the minimum number of batters in the game. June 14, 2009: Hits only big-league home run The only home run of Buehrle’s 16-year career came in a 5-4 victory against the Brewers. He allowed three homers in the game but hit one of his own in the third inning against Braden Looper. The solo shot to right-center came on an 0-1 count. July 23, 2009: Buehrle is perfect Arguably the greatest moment in Buehrle’s career was the perfect game he threw against the Rays on a Thursday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field. Buehrle struck out six and needed 116 pitches to finish the job. Dewayne Wise came on as a defensive sub in the ninth inning and climbed the wall to make a catch and save the perfect game, the 18th in major-league history. April 5, 2010: Between-the-legs flip on Opening Day Indians batter Lou Marson hit a hard grounder in the fifth inning that bounced off Buehrle’s leg toward the first-base line. Buehrle gave chase and flicked the ball between his legs as he tumbled to the ground. Paul Konerko made a bare-handed catch, and the ball beat Marson by a step for the second out of the inning.

Renteria ejected in third straight home game By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | June 24, 2017 Wondering if Rick Renteria has passion for being the Chicago White Sox's manager? Saturday's game against the Oakland A's should answer any and all questions. Renteria was ejected for the third straight home game, not that he started any of the beefs with umpires. On Saturday, he was tossed for defending third baseman Todd Frazier, who was ejected for the first time in his career. On Friday night, Renteria was tossed for defending shortstop Tim Anderson, who was ejected for the first time in his career. And on June 15, the Sox's last game at Guaranteed Rate Field before a six-game road trip, Renteria was tossed for defending Avisail Garcia, who was ejected for the first time in his career.

"I don't ever go into a situation arguing with someone to get thrown out," Renteria said. "I don't. Our team has been fighting every day, since Day 1 of spring training. I don't care what our record is, I don't care what the score is, we fight. "And when you take one of those pieces out of the lineup, you get (bleeped). Excuse me for that. But again, we're all vested in the outcome, everything that goes on, and we want to see these guys have success. I think we just want to make sure they get an opportunity." After each ejection, Renteria was respectful toward the umpires but he pleaded for them to have thicker skins. "My respect to all those guys that are calling the plays and doing everything they do," Renteria said. "But I will say again that players need to be able to express their emotions because they're completely vested in the outcome of everything that goes on between the lines. That's just the truth, that's the fact of it." In the seventh inning Saturday, Oakland's Adam Rosales led off with a groundball to Frazier, who threw across the diamond to Jose Abreu. Rosales was called safe after Abreu's foot appeared to come off first base. A review upheld the call, but Frazier argued with third-base umpire Jim Wolf and was thrown out of the game "I said some things that were borderline, I guess," Frazier said. "But at the same time, it's just frustrating, man. It's frustrating. You can't get the call right in New York, too? They've got every different angle. They can zoom in. They can zoom in as close as possible, and to think that they can't make that call, it's just frustrating with the technology we have today." Shields shelled: James Shields started for the White Sox Saturday and while he did record his 2,000th career strikeout, he also became the second pitcher in history to allow the first career home runs to three players in a game. The Athletics' Matt Olson hit a 2-run homer in the first inning, Jaycob Brugman hit a solo shot in the second inning and Franklin Barreto hit a 2-run homer off Shields in the third. "Yeah, of course, 2,000 strikeouts is pretty special," Shields said after allowing 6 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in 3 innings. "I've never considered myself a strikeout pitcher. But I wasn't hitting my location with my fastball. Fastball command wasn't very good today. We're taxing the bullpen right now and the starters need to do a better job of going deeper in the game." Rodon to join Sox? Carlos Rodon has made 4 minor-league rehabilitation starts and is 0-4 with a 10.06 ERA. But after the left-hander allowed 7 earned runs on 5 hits and 2 walks in 4⅓ innings for Class AAA Charlotte, it looks like his next start is going to be with the White Sox later this week. Rodon has been on the disabled list all season with left biceps bursitis. "Actually, in talking to everybody, he threw pretty well (Friday)," Sox manager Rick Renteria said. "Had a couple miscues in the field that probably limited his outing. He felt good, pain-free, we're very happy with that. According to the reports, the slider was working very well. He's on track to come on back."

Buehrle at loss for words as Chicago White Sox retire No. 56 By Scot Gregor / Daily Herald | June 24, 2017 On the most monumental day of his professional life Saturday, Mark Buehrle was prepared when he arrived at Guaranteed Rate Field. He was wearing sunglasses. "I was just surprised and shocked and emotion hit me, and that's why I had my glasses on," Buehrle said after having his Chicago White Sox uniform No. 56 retired. "A couple of guys said, 'You're afraid you're going to be crying out there.'

"But it's just one of those things where I was trying to soak everything in and it was like, 'Why is this happening? You're bringing a truck out here for me. Why are you bringing a four-wheeler for me? You've retired my number, that's enough.' "Again, everything, trying to soak everything in. I don't know. Can't put it in words." Surrounded by his wife, Jamie, son Braden, daughter Brooklyn, his parents, former managers Jerry Manuel and Ozzie Guillen and ex-teammates that included Frank Thomas, Jon Garland, Joe Crede, Jim Thome and Scott Podsednik, an emotional Buehrle stood behind the on-field podium before the Sox lost to the Oakland Athletics and offered up his heartfelt thanks in a speech that lasted less than five minutes. "Just having these people out here, everyone of them touched some part of my career and had something to do with where I'm at and why I was standing out there today," Buehrle said. TV broadcaster Ken "Hawk" Harrelson emceed the ceremony, with White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper, Thomas and chairman Jerry Reinsdorf all making speeches before Buehrle. "I don't need paper," Thomas said. "I don't need paper. I could talk for two or three hours about this guy. When you look up a baseball player, it should be Mark Buehrle in the dictionary." Reinsdorf has a dry sense of humor, and it was on display when he stepped up to talk about his former left-handed starter. Looking up at the sold-out crowd, Reinsdorf raved about Buehrle's popularity with the fan base. "In case you aren't aware of it," Reinsdorf said, "we don't draw 40,000 people every day." Reinsdorf then chided Buehrle for always pitching at such a rapid pace, blaming him for "killing concession sales." In addition to getting a new truck and ATV, there were a lot of laughs, a lot of hugs and a lot of tears, particularly when Buehrle's children joined the festivities. Braden sang the national anthem, drawing loud applause from the crowd. Brooklyn threw out the ceremonial first pitch. "That was awesome," Buehrle said. "I was more nervous for me. Everybody kept asking, 'Are you nervous for your son and daughter?' No, because Braden the whole time said, 'I'm ready to go, let's do this.' "I was more nervous for me, and once I was done I was like, 'Oh, (crud), now they're going to have to step in and do their thing.' I was a little more nervous, but I was confident they could do it." Guillen drew the second-loudest applause of the afternoon. He was Buehrle's manager from 2004-11 with the White Sox and 2012 with the Miami Marlins. "I get along with so many players, it's hard to say No. 1, No. 2, No. 3," Guillen said. "But in my career he's No. 1 because he pitched for me my first year and he pitched for me in my last day in my career. Like I always say, you have four guys like him, go out and pitch and don't worry about anything. Just throw the ball, get people out and have fun. "I've never seen him upset. I've never seen him overreact. Day in and day out he was the same guy. That's what makes him so special. His teammates loved him. Buehrle did something; he outsmarted people." Buehrle needed the sunglasses when his No. 56 was unveiled behind home plate. He's the 11th player in Sox history to have his number retired. "It was actually seeing it come open, pulling it off and seeing my name and number up there," Buehrle said. "Emotions and trying to breathe deep and don't start crying, tearing up. I was trying to hold my emotions together. But just looking up there and seeing that, I can't put it into words."

Benetti: Buehrle was the kind of special no one expected By Jason Benetti / Daily Herald | June 24, 2017

On our telecast Saturday, Steve Stone and I shared our favorite memories of Mark Buehrle's White Sox career. His number was retired this weekend at Guaranteed Rate Field, if you haven't encountered that bit of information. There were so many instances of 56 in your program showing his doggedness, his care for the game and his sheer joy for life that I felt compelled to select something he actually did on the field. He detailed some of these windows into his soul on the website The Players' Tribune on Friday including his perfect game and subsequent call from President Barack Obama, his friendship with maintenance workers in the ballpark and his liquid intake before his World Series Game 3 save in 2005. But, the most remarkable moment of Mark Buehrle's career happened by phone, when he was drafted in the 38th round of 1998. In the pick of all of America's schoolyards in '98, Mark Buehrle was selected 1139th. That year, 30 players were drafted in the 38th round. Four made it to the major leagues. Those other three players -- Tommy Watkins, Trey Hodges and Dennis Tankersley -- entered 92 combined major-league games over the course of their careers. According to baseball-reference.com, the combined WAR for the four major-leaguers in the 38th round that year is 56.7. Buehrle accounts for 58.5 (the other three players were net negative). Here's how rare Mark Buehrle is: 22 players from the entire decade of the 1990s made it to the majors after being drafted in the 38th round (this only counts Tankersley once; he was drafted in two 38th rounds). The total bWAR of those players (again, only counting Tankersley once) is 112.9. Using bWAR, Mark Buehrle is 51.8 percent of the production from the 38th rounds of the MLB draft in the 1990s. Even that underestimates how rare Buehrle is in terms of the draft and the decade around him. Four other players in the 1990s 38th rounds make up 54.7 of the remaining 1990s bWAR. They are Gary Matthews (1992), Eric Byrnes (1994), Scot Shields (1997) and Rich Harden (1999). Matthews, Byrnes and Harden were all re-drafted in a year after their 38th round selection. Gary Matthews never played for the Twins. Eric Byrnes didn't put on Dodger blue. And Rich Harden never was a Seattle Mariner. Of the 10-plus WAR guys in the 1990s, only Scot Shields -- drafted and signed by the Angels -- played for the team which took him in the 38th round. And Buehrle. The man is exceptional in a lot of ways -- his approachability, his demeanor and his left arm are a few. His draft status put him into the "afterthought" category. And for anyone who's ever felt the feeling of being on the margin -- most of us have, I'd wager -- he provides great hope. Mark Buehrle was one of us even while he was better at what he chose to do in life than many of us will ever be. And for being both Everyman and Superman all at once, #56 on the South Side will be Mark Buehrle's forever.

Buehrle vibes come back to the South Side one more time By James Fegan / The Athletic | June 24, 2017 It might be unpopular to say this, but obsessing about Mark Buehrle’s perfect game, his no-hitter, his drunken World Series save, even the flip through the legs play on Opening Day 2010, seems like a strange way to honor him. But the Sox still spared no detail, running through every highlight in a wave of scoreboard videos and rolling out a four-wheel ATV/golf cart-type vehicle gifted to him that read “PERF56T GAME” across the front. They even brought out the kid who retrieved the ball Buehrle flipped through his legs, all before they placed his number between those of Frank Thomas and Carlton Fisk on Guaranteed Rate Field’s wall of fame. “It doesn’t make sense to me,” Buehrle said several times over. “It was like, ‘Why is this happening?' You’re bringing a truck out here for me. Why are you bringing a four-wheeler for me? You’ve retired my number, that’s enough. Again, everything, trying to soak everything in. I don’t know. Can’t put it in words.” It’s sort of doesn’t make sense. For someone who has so many memorable moments, he was never a highlight machine. For someone who has so many “where were you when…” games in his career, you didn’t feel the need need to stop and watch so as to not miss him corkscrewing a hitter into the ground like Chris Sale or clobbering an unworldly dinger like first-half-of-2014 Jose Abreu. Buehrle pitched in Chicago for 12 years and in 390 games. He wasn’t a few moments of

transcendence, but a constant presence, the charming protagonist on a TV show that was never going to be canceled. Most often, Buehrle was pitching through traffic, looking for a double-play ball and churning out a quality, but only occasionally show-stopping, start, and it came with the knowledge that he’d probably be doing the same thing the next week, and the week after that. In a big list of career highlights the White Sox listed on their massive video screen, except for Buehrle’s debut, all of them occurred during or after 2005, by which time he was an established figure. The meat of the Game 3 of the World Series story isn’t that a pitcher was buzzed during the World Series, it’s that it was Mark Buehrle, and that he got the save anyway. It’s another tall tale in the life of the most everyman superhero. “I always say, when you got the enemy down you gotta keep them down. He was the guy to do it,” former Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. “If we lose the World Series and you guys found out Buehrle was drunk, oh God, it would have been a big deal. But we won. Who cares? I didn’t go to him with a breathalyzer saying blow into this to see if you can pitch or not. He said ‘You need me, I’m ready.’” Buehrle hates his voice too much to do broadcast work and he loves being with his kids — still both under the age of 10 — too much for the itch to coach to come in. He’s overwhelmed by the love he received, but surprised by how little he misses the game. “I’m getting ready to get the heck out of here and go home and not be around,” Buehrle said, adding that his Sunday night beer league softball team is on standby, waiting to see if he’ll be home in time to play. Buehrle’s everyman touch meant the guest list for the on-field pregame ceremony ranged from legendary (Frank Thomas, Jim Thome), to eclectic (Ross Gload, Cliff Politte) to a collection of longtime clubbies seated behind the guest of honor. “Those [behind the scenes] people are a part of my life,” Buehrle said. “Those guys took care of me for all those years and my family. Getting to and from cars or whatever it might be. Yes, it was the players, it was the coaches, it was the manager, scouts in the minor leagues doing their thing. During times guys get called up and having a report for you. It’s everybody. I didn’t want to name names because we’d have been here still probably talking and naming guys but it’s just everybody that had a part in my life and got me to where I was.” Buehrle’s highlight videos had at least three of his long-since banned rain delay tarp slides and the video board also caught him jokingly flipping double birds while posing for a picture with trainers Herm Schneider and Brian Ball. All of this strangely fit alongside naturally with his nine-year-old son Braden singing the anthem and his eight-year-old daughter throwing out the first pitch. After Buehrle caught the delivery and embraced his daughter, the video board flashed a graphic in response: “Brooklyn Buehrle – 85 mph, Mark Buehrle – 77 mph in his prime,” a joke that, of course, had Buehrle’s fingerprints in its origin. “I joked with [White Sox senior VP of sales and marketing Brooks Boyer], originally [Brooklyn] didn’t want to do it until about three days ago,” Buehrle said. “And I said she’s such a sweetheart that she’s afraid she’s going to throw harder than her daddy is going to and that’s why she’s not doing it. So I mentioned that to Brooks and the next thing you know he got on his phone and you could see him typing it up. I knew something was going to be out there. I like that stuff. I think it’s awesome.” Being more comfortable getting razzed than praised might have been the reason alone for inviting his old manager, Guillen, whose reverence for Buehrle’s craft and skill is mixed in with jokes about his underwhelming stuff. “When you throw a perfect game with the stuff he had, I can't believe Tampa Bay was that bad. Wow. Because he was throwing popcorn boxes out there, and he got out of it. That's what's special about that day,” Guillen said. “If you're a scout and you bring a Mark Buehrle to spring training the first thing they'd say is, ‘Who signed that guy?' I think people forgot it's how you get people out, not how hard you throw.” The day even coaxed jokes out of team owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who riffed on his old ace’s popularity by noting that the crowd of 38,618–a sellout–wasn’t an everyday feature these days on the South Side. Maybe if he played in New York, and the insane workload and consistency of his career was glittered with World Series rings and more visibility, the Hall of Fame speculation for him would be more than wishful thinking. But he didn’t, and the White Sox, as nice as that 2005 statue looks, are not a marquee franchise. So it’s up to them to honor their own, and define what Buehrle meant on their own terms.

“He was huge for the team, huge for the organization, huge for the city and certainly huge for me as a pitching coach,” said a wistful Don Cooper, the White Sox's longtime pitching coach. “The career he had, his number being retired, the kids, his family — blessed. He’s been a blessed guy.”

Mark Buehrle is dreading you cheers, White Sox fans By James Fegan / The Athletic | June 23, 2017 Mark Buehrle anticipates disaster on Saturday. “A complete disaster,” Buehrle said Friday. “I don’t think I’ve been so nervous in my life before leading up to something for this long, losing sleep. Public speaking is probably my worst fear and I have to get out there.” Buehrle, the architect of a perfect game and a no-hitter, who started a World Series game and came on with the tying run on base to save another, is a wreck about having No. 56 displayed on the siding behind home plate of Guaranteed Rate Field, and the prospect of facing a full crowd cheering him on. “Speech? What speech?” Buehrle retorted when asked about his plan to address the White Sox faithful during the pregame ceremony. “It’s not going to be long, I can tell you that.” Despite being the guest of honor at a ceremony that could be the Sox's biggest draw of the season, Buehrle still can’t get over the fact that he once played with Frank Thomas, let alone that the Hall of Famer will be there to celebrate his career. The planned outpouring of adoration for a White Sox legend is interrupting Buehrle’s rigorous schedule of watching games on the couch, wearing lots of golf shirts, hunting, doing errands for his wife, chauffeuring his kids, and batting cleanup for the local beer league softball team near his home in St. Louis. He’s even offloading the most nerve-wracking tasks to his children. His nine-year-old son Braden will sing the anthem, and his eight-year-old daughter Brooklyn will throw out the first pitch, and he’s looking forward to both because it will mean his “speech” will be over. Buehrle’s style always suggested a low-key personality. It’s easy to project a quiet, unassuming and hardworking nature upon a guy who throws high-80s, doesn’t miss bats, and prides himself on durability. But there’s no faking a genuine distaste for the limelight, and between his short answers and sleepless nights, Buehrle seems downright allergic. Buehrle’s final year in Toronto, a 198 2/3-inning campaign full of MRIs and injections, ending as he and his balky left shoulder were quietly removed from a Blue Jays rotation as they rocketed into a deep playoff run, was always his last, even if no one knew but him. He said he knew he was done while he was sitting alone in hotel rooms during road trips as a 36-year-old with his wife and kids far away in St. Louis, and yet he let his contract expire and the entire offseason stretch on without an announcement just to avoid the attention, with the only confirmation being given to his old pitching coach. “I know because I texted him awhile back because I said, ‘Hey, go out and play catch in your backyard with Braden,’” Don Cooper said. “‘If it feels good, keep throwing and then we'll set you up with a throwing schedule for you and bring you back.' That was two years ago, I started doing that.” He kept things quiet enough that when the call to come back to the stadium came from the White Sox, an honor he never anticipated, Buehrle half-expected a contract offer instead. “I was joking around with Brooks Boyer when he called me and said they want to retire my jersey,” Buehrle said. “I was like, man, I thought I was getting a phone call to sign another contract. They thought I was too old and couldn’t pitch anymore. I don’t feel that old. That’s why it’s hard to wrap my head around all of it. I’m 38 years old and I was just a kid playing baseball, little leagues a few years back, and here I am getting my number retired.” Greatness was always such a tricky topic to pin down with Buehrle. He was very good despite lacking the things we look for in great pitchers — the embodiment of all command, sequencing and consistency — all the things pitching coaches rave about when they’re not talking about raw talent. And he was very good for so long, and so reliably, and led the greatest pitching staff the franchise has ever known for probably the greatest team the South Side has ever seen. Does all that make him great, or is that just why he’s our favorite guy? Buehrle sounds like he would prefer the latter, and never even think it was possible he'd be the former. “I think that's one of the best compliments I can get, people liking me,” Buehrle said. “I wanted to be liked by everybody. I had fun at the field, tried to stay loose, try to joke around with guys. I think at the end of the day I'm just a normal dude who was fortunate to play professional baseball and play that long and be healthy.”

Olson, Brugman, Barreto hit 1

st HRs, A’s rout White Sox 10-2

By Patrick Rose / Associated Press | June 24, 2017 CHICAGO -- The Oakland Athletics got a glimpse of their future on a day when the Chicago White Sox paid tribute to their past. Matt Olson hit his first two major league home runs, Jaycob Brugman and Franklin Barreto also launched their first career shots and the A's routed the White Sox 10-2 on Saturday. Barreto homered in his big league debut. He joined Olson and Brugman in becoming the second trio of teammates to hit their first homers in the same game, the Elias Sports Bureau said. It also happened in 1914 with the Kansas City Packers of the Federal League - the rival circuit lasted a couple of seasons, and included many big leaguers. "They said something about it was the first time it has happened in a while. It's awesome to be able to share that moment with guys that I already built relationships with," said Olson, who played with Brugman and Barreto in the minors. Former White Sox ace Mark Buehrle had his No. 56 jersey retired in a pregame ceremony. After the 30-minute tribute ended, the A's roughed up James Shields (1-1). Daniel Gossett (1-2) took advantage of an early 6-0 lead for his first win in the big league. He gave up two unearned runs in six innings. "It was a special experience for everyone. To get out of there with my first win was just the icing on the cake. It was an awesome experience to be a part of and I'm glad I was here," Gossett said. White Sox manager Rick Renteria was ejected for the second straight game. He threw his hat to the ground and was tossed, right after third baseman Todd Frazier was ejected for showing his displeasure over a replay review that wasn't reversed. "I thought it was quick," Frazier said. "I said some things that were borderline, I guess. But at the same time, it's just frustrating, man. You can't get the call right in New York as well, and they've got every different angle. They can zoom in as close as possible, and to think that they cannot make that call is just frustrating with the technology we have today. It's just crazy. It boggles your mind. It really does." After a leadoff walk in the first, Olson homered to right. He added a two-run homer in the seventh. He was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Thursday and is in fourth stint with the club. Brugman hit a solo drive in the second. Barreto had a two-run homer in the third. Barreto, a top prospect in the Oakland organization, was called up after shortstop Chad Pinder injured his hamstring Friday night and was placed on the 10-day disabled list. Barreto was a late addition to the lineup at second base when Jed Lowrie couldn't play after a mild knee injury he sustained Friday night. The newcomer went 2 for 5 and scored twice. "Of anybody, you're not surprised. We've seen him hit homers in his first spring training at-bats, so not a total shock. But I think everybody kind of looked around and said, 'Wow, I can't remember that ever happening before,'" A's manager Bob Melvin. Shields gave up six runs on seven hits in three-plus innings. He allowed three home runs in his second start since a two-month DL stint. Buehrle's number was stenciled onto the dirt behind second base. He went 161-119 with a 3.83 ERA in 390 appearances for Chicago from 2000-11. The lefty pitched two no-hitters for the White Sox, including a perfect game, and helped them win the 2005 World Series. TRAINER'S ROOM

White Sox: All signs are pointing to LHP Carlos Rodon making his season debut sometime next week. Rodon, who has been out with a biceps bursitis injury, pitched Friday night for Triple-A Charlotte. Renteria was satisfied with the reports after his fourth rehab start. "Another start last night. He went 4 1-3, 93 pitches. Actually, in talking to everybody, he threw pretty well. Had a couple miscues in the field that were probably limited his outing. He felt good, pain-free, we're very happy with that. According to the reports, the slider was working very well. He's on track to come on back," Renteria said. RUN SUPPORT Gossett said the Oakland hitters made it easy for him in his third major league start. "To see guys I've played with a little bit last year and this year, to see Barreto get his first hit and other guys get their first home runs, it's really special for them and I'm glad I was part of it," he said. FINALLY WINNING ON THE ROAD With wins Friday and Saturday, the A's snapped a streak of losing nine consecutive road series. STATS Despite the rough start, Shield reached 2,000th career strikeouts. UP NEXT Athletics: RHP Sonny Gray (2-3) is scheduled to start Sunday. He is 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA over his last five starts. White Sox: LHP Derek Holland (5-7) is 1-4 with a 9.55 ERA and nine home runs allowed over his last five starts.

White Sox retire former star pitcher Buehrle’s No. 56 jersey By Paul Ladewski / Associated Press | June 24, 2017 CHICAGO -- On the day his No. 56 jersey was retired, former Chicago White Sox star Mark Buehrle spoke much like he pitched. Which is to say quickly, efficiently and from the heart. Before the White Sox hosted Oakland at Guaranteed Rate Field on Saturday, Buehrle gave a 4-plus-minute tribute to the organization with which he spent 12 of his 16 seasons and the fans who supported him. "It's an amazing feeling," said the 38-year-old Buehrle, who was flanked by his wife, two children, mother and father at the 30-minute ceremony. "I really can't put it into words how I feel. . . . It's a special day." Buehrle received a four-wheeler and pickup truck among several gifts. His 9-year-old son, Braden, sang the national anthem before his 8-year-old daughter, Brooklyn, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. An oversized "56" was stenciled in the dirt behind second base. Widely regarded to be the greatest White Sox left-hander in the expansion era, Buehrle recorded 161 of his 214 victories in a Chicago uniform. "I was just surprised and shocked and emotions hit me," Buehrle said. "That's why I had my (sun)glasses on. A couple of guys said, 'What - are you afraid to start crying?' I'm like, 'I'm sure there will be some tears shed out there.' I was just trying to soak everything in." Hall of Famer Frank Thomas and manager Ozzie Guillen were among several former teammates in attendance. "As I look around this stadium, it is just amazing how much these people love you or how many people came out to see you on this great day," team owner Jerry Reinsdorf said. "In case you weren't aware of it, we don't draw 40,000 every day."

Known for his machine-like consistency and rapid-fire delivery on the mound, Buehrle thrived on savvy more than stuff. He was a five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner. The event took place seven years to the month that Buehrle pitched the third perfect game in franchise history, a 5-0 gem against the Tampa Ray Rays at the ballpark then called U.S. Cellular Field. "Buehrle, day in and day out, was the same guy, and that's what makes him so special," Guillen said. "His teammates love him."

Levine: White Sox retire No. 56 in honor of Mark Buehrle By Bruce Levine / CBS Chicago | June 24, 2017 CHICAGO (CBS) — Staying in character is what a humble man from St. Charles, Mo., is all about. On Saturday, White Sox icon Mark Buehrle had his jersey retired at Guaranteed Rate Field, which was called U.S Cellular Field when he played there. “This was an amazing day and an amazing feeling,” Buehrle said after his pregame ceremony was completed. “You really can’t put into words how you feel. I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be when I got up there. I am glad it is over with, but it was obviously a special day.” Two trucks and a few artifacts from the past, including the ball that DeWayne Wise caught to save his perfect game in 2009, were presented to Buehrle. The ovation by 38,000 fans in attendance meant as much to Buehrle as any of the gifts. “It was always about the great fans of the Chicago White Sox,” he said. With his wife, Jamie, and children, Braden and Brooklyn, in tow, the 37-year-old Buehrle thanked everyone in the crowd. The on-field guests included family, past teammates, clubhouse personnel and training staff personnel. Buehrle paid homage to the clubhouse staff because, to him, those members were equally as important as owner Jerry Reinsdorf and the White Sox brass. That was the essence of Buehrle, a man of the people. “Those people were a big part of my life,” Buehrle said. “Those guys took care of me and my family for all of those years. It was everyone — coaches, scouts, players. They were all a part of my life, and helped me get to where I was.” The future for Buehrle consists of watching his kids grow up, fishing, hunting and playing first base for his beer league softball team. This author of 214 major league victories never took any of it for granted. Everyday, including this day his No. 56 was retired, is special to him. “Frank Thomas and Jim Thome are sitting behind me, and they are retiring my number,” he said. “It all doesn’t make sense to me. After seeing the number show up there, I had a lot of emotions. I started to breathe deep and started to tear up. I was just trying to keep my emotions together. Looking up there and seeing that — I just can’t put those emotions into words.” Buehrle’s kids were a big part of the show. Braden sang the national anthem and Brooklyn threw out the first pitch, both of which made dad proud. “That was so awesome,” Buehrle said. “I was more nervous for me than for them, but I was confident in them.” “No regrets” is easy for Buehrle to say after such a memorable day. Like all ballplayers, he had his bad moments. “I had some games and performances where I thought I would never be good again,” he said. “I also had times where I was booed off the field and thought I would pack up and go home to St Louis. There were some down times. I just tried to stay even-keeled.”

Levine: Mark Buehrle getting well-deserved honor from White Sox By Bruce Levine / CBS Chicago | June 23, 2017 (CBS) — The time to honor White Sox icon Mark Buehrle is Saturday. His jersey will go alongside 10 other White Sox players who have had their number retired. Anyone who knew Buehrle or had any contact with him will tell you he was a joy to watch on the mound and a person to admire. The human side of the let-hander was always about a professional with this young boy’s enthusiasm for baseball and the people in the game. It was Buehrle who reached out to every teammate and raised $10,000 for trainer Alan Thomas and his family when their house burnt down in 2010. Buehrle was always the one to seek out a sick kid or catch the first pitch at all home games. He felt it was his duty and his pleasure to make someone’s day a little more special. “The greatest compliment to me is hearing nice things from people,” he said. “I always wanted to be liked by everybody. I always tried to have fun, stay loose and joke around with guys. At the end of the day, I am just a normal dude. I was very fortunate to play professional baseball and stay healthy for a long time. It is a great compliment hearing that guys say I was their favorite.” On May 21, 2003, I was walking through the White Sox clubhouse after batting practice. Buehrle was the starting pitcher that day in the midst of the longest losing streak of his career. As I began to walk by him, Buehrle yelled out to me: “Hey, Levine, do you think I will ever win another game again?” I told him about all the pitchers who had had bad luck during unlucky points of their career. He told me he was, for the first time ever, doubting his own talent. Our talk didn’t end it. The losing streak went on another 26 days. The man who would win 161 games for the White Sox went 0-9 from April 10 until June 16 that season. While most young pitchers would be lost or sent back to the minor leagues, Buehrle, with a 2-10 record, picked himself up off the baseball basement floor. Buehrle ended up winning 12 of his next 16 decisions to finish at 14-14. “I was actually coming in as the new pitching coach at that point,” Don Cooper recalled. “We moved him from one side of the rubber to the other, which helped his sinker and change-up. That was it.” That is what I will remember about the essence of Mark Buehrle. Not the perfect game or the no-hitter that I was privileged to watch, just the good guy and an awesome teammate that he was. Buehrle maintained he doesn’t miss the game on the field but that he would like to stay involved with baseball after his son Braden, 10, and daughter Brooklyn, 8, are out of high school. The World Series still stands out to Buehrle as the high point of his career. That’s not surprising, knowing he always put his teammates before himself. “That is why you put the uniform on and go out there,” he said. “So, after Game 4 and clinching, standing there in Houston, realizing we were the last ones standing and bringing a championship back to Chicago.” Thank you, Mark Buehrle for being a credit to the game and a person Chicagoans could be proud of — on and off the field for 12 seasons. You made my job easy by pitching two-hour games and always being a good guy. Enjoy your day special day.

Chicago White Sox retire Mark Buehrle’s number By James Neveau / NBC Chicago | June 24, 2017 In an emotional pregame ceremony at Guaranteed Rate Field, the Chicago White Sox retired Mark Buehrle’s jersey number on Saturday afternoon. Buehrle, who pitched in 12 seasons for the White Sox, was the star of the day, and his family got to participate as well, as his daughter threw out the first pitch and his son sang the National Anthem before the Sox game against the Oakland A’s. Broadcaster Ken “Hawk” Harrelson, who will be retiring after the 2018 season, helped guide the ceremony on Saturday, and was on the mic when Buehrle’s number was unveiled:

Naturally, the moment brought out some fond memories for White Sox fans as they reflected on Buehrle’s 12 years on the South Side. Plenty of fans remembered Buehrle’s perfect game, which featured an insane game-saving catch by DeWayne Wise: His no-hitter against the Texas Rangers was another memorable moment, as he picked off Sammy Sosa and faced the minimum number of batters in the victory: Buehrle’s defense, which earned him four Gold Gloves in his big league career, was also mentioned, including his most famous stop as he flipped a ball between his legs to Paul Konerko for an out on Opening Day: His relationship with Joe West also elicited some chuckles: Even Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a Cubs fan, issued a statement congratulating Buehrle on having his jersey retired. “White Sox fans will always remember the 12 seasons Mark Buehrle spent on the south side, and the gritty work ethic that endeared him to so many,” Emanuel said. “Mark Buehrle’s career will now extend beyond the record books alone, and his number 56 will hang above White Sox games from this day forward.” Buehrle is the 11th White Sox player to have his number retired, joining franchise legends like Minnie Minoso, Luke Appling, Luis Aparicio, and Frank Thomas.

Mark Buehrle gets the best gifts as White Sox retire No. 56 By Mark Townsend / Yahoo Sports | June 24, 2017 The Chicago White Sox always do it big when it comes to jersey retirement ceremonies. Saturday was no different as the club lavished Mark Buehrle with the best possible gifts before adding his No. 56 to the list of numbers no other White Sox player will wear. Basically, it was baseball’s version of the “Price is Right” with White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf playing the role of Bob Barker — or Drew Carey if you’re from Cody Bellinger’s generation. Buehrle’s popularity and perfect game were the primary focus, with Reinsdorf drawing laughs for mentioning that the White Sox don’t often draw 40,000 fans these days. The gifts started with a simple but fitting art piece put together by former White Sox player Ron Kittle. It’s no secret Buehrle loves his ATVs. Remember the time he took one for a little joyride at Tropicana Field? Then came out the Toyota Tundra “27 up, 27 down,” also in honor of his perfect game. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the White Sox reunited Buehrle with the baseball from his most famous defensive play. On opening day 2010, Buehrle went between the legs to complete one of the best plays we’ve ever seen from a pitcher. At the time, the autographed baseball was given away to an eight-year-old named Tommy Maloney. But on Saturday, a now grown up Tommy Maloney returned to the ballpark to give the baseball back. Does it get any cooler than that? Actually, it does. Buehrle’s children, Braden and Brooklyn, were on hand for the ceremony and the White Sox had pretty cool assignments for each of them. Bravo, White Sox. Bravo. Simply being the 12th player in White Sox history to have his number retired would have been enough of an honor for Buehrle. But with smiles like that, it’s clear they turned it into a day Buehrle and his entire family will never forget.

White Sox retire former star pitcher Mark Buehrle’s No. 56 jersey By Staff / ESPN.com | June 24, 2017 On the day his No. 56 jersey was retired, former Chicago White Sox star Mark Buehrle spoke much like he pitched. Which is to say quickly, efficiently and from the heart. Before the White Sox's 10-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics at Guaranteed Rate Field on Saturday, Buehrle gave a four-plus-minute tribute to the organization with which he spent 12 of his 16 seasons and the fans who supported him. "It's an amazing feeling," said the 38-year-old Buehrle, who was flanked by his wife, two children, mother and father at the 30-minute ceremony. "I really can't put it into words how I feel. ... It's a special day." Buehrle received a four-wheeler and pickup truck among several gifts. His 9-year-old son, Braden, sang the national anthem before his 8-year-old daughter, Brooklyn, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. An oversized "56" was stenciled in the dirt behind second base. Widely regarded as the greatest White Sox left-hander in the expansion era, Buehrle recorded 161 of his 214 victories in a Chicago uniform. He helped the team win the 2005 World Series. "I was just surprised and shocked, and emotions hit me," Buehrle said. "That's why I had my [sun]glasses on. A couple of guys said, 'What -- are you afraid to start crying?' I'm like, 'I'm sure there will be some tears shed out there.' I was just trying to soak everything in." Hall of Famer Frank Thomas and manager Ozzie Guillen were among several former Buehrle teammates in attendance. "As I look around this stadium, it is just amazing how much these people love you or how many people came out to see you on this great day," team owner Jerry Reinsdorf said. "In case you weren't aware of it, we don't draw 40,000 every day." Buehrle is the 11th White Sox player in team history to have his number retired joining Nellie Fox (#2), Harold Baines (#3), Luke Appling (#4), Minnie Minoso (#9), Luis Aparicio (#11), Paul Konerko (#14), Ted Lyons (#16), Billy Pierce (#19), Thomas (#35) and Carlton Fisk (#72). The White Sox along with all other MLB teams has also retired Jackie Robinson's No. 42. Known for his machine-like consistency and rapid-fire delivery on the mound, Buehrle thrived on savvy more than stuff. He was a five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner. The event took place eight years to the month after Buehrle pitched the third perfect game in franchise history, a 5-0 gem against the Tampa Bay Rays at the ballpark then called U.S. Cellular Field -- adding to a no-hitter he pitched in 2007 against the Texas Rangers. "Buehrle, day in and day out, was the same guy, and that's what makes him so special," Guillen said. "His teammates love him."