The Chicago White Sox announced Friday they will unveil a statue of legendary pitcher Mark Buehrle outside Rate Field on July 11, eternally enshrining his legacy with the franchise. The ceremony, set to feature a reunion of the 2005 World Series championship team, will pay tribute to one of the most accomplished and beloved players in White Sox history.
Buehrle, a five-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, spent the first 12 of his 16 MLB seasons with the White Sox from 2000-2011. During that span, the durable lefty established himself as a pillar of the rotation, making at least 30 starts and throwing 200+ innings in each of those campaigns. His consistent excellence was instrumental in the club’s first championship in 88 years when they swept the Astros to capture the 2005 World Series.
A White Sox Icon
Over his dozen years on the South Side, Buehrle compiled a 161-119 record with a 3.83 ERA, cementing his status as an all-time White Sox great. Some of his most memorable achievements include:
- No-hitter vs Texas in 2007
- Perfect game vs Tampa Bay in 2009
- 4 straight AL Central titles (2005-2008)
- Finished 5th in Cy Young voting in 2005
Buehrle’s unassuming demeanor and workmanlike approach made him a fan favorite on the South Side for over a decade. His ability to work quickly and efficiently was his calling card, as he frequently ranked among the league leaders in fewest pitches per inning. That hallmark style allowed him to log at least 200 innings for 14 consecutive seasons, a testament to his consistency and durability.
Cooperstown on the Horizon?
With this latest honor, the question of Buehrle’s Hall of Fame worthiness is sure to resurface. In 2025, he received 11.4% of the BBWAA vote in his 5th year on the ballot, well shy of the 75% threshold for induction. While his career 3.81 ERA and 214-161 record may fall short of Cooperstown’s typical standards, his remarkable consistency, big-game mettle, and intangible qualities make him a sentimental favorite for many.
“I don’t necessarily look at numbers. There’s some guys that are not in the Hall of Fame that have better numbers than I do. I’m literally just honored to be on the ballot.”
– Mark Buehrle
Regardless of whether Buehrle ever gets the call to the Hall, his legacy will forever live on the South Side of Chicago. With his number 56 already retired and a statue soon to stand tall at Rate Field, generations of White Sox fans will have enduring reminders of the crafty lefty who helped deliver a long-awaited championship with class and excellence.
An Eternal Tribute
The Mark Buehrle statue unveiling is set for Saturday, July 11 at Rate Field, coinciding with a reunion weekend celebrating the 15th anniversary of the White Sox 2005 World Series victory. Buehrle becomes the 8th White Sox icon immortalized in bronze, joining franchise legends like Frank Thomas, Paul Konerko, and Luis Aparicio.
“Retiring my number is an incredible honor, but then to put up a statue, it’s something that’s going to be of me out there forever… Unless somebody tears it down or does something, it’s always going to be there.”
– Mark Buehrle
For the White Sox faithful who watched Buehrle baffle hitters for 12 magical seasons, this permanent tribute is a fitting salute to an all-time South Side favorite. As a shining symbol of a golden era on 35th and Shields, the statue will stand as a lasting testament to the impact Buehrle made both on and off the field. From his perfect game to hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy, Mark Buehrle’s White Sox legacy is now forever set in stone.
