Dear Mark,

I am not even sure where to begin.  I’m speechless.  This if you knew me, is very rare as I always have something to say.  There are just so many things that have been said about you, it’s become a broken record.  And finally after yesterday, people nationally now know who you are.  This is funny because like the Sox and its fans, we always seem to go unnoticed.  Yet quietly you have put together a career that most pitchers would dream of.

Are you a Hall of Famer?  If you decide to pitch after your contract is up in 2011, there is a chance.  As much as I would love to see you in Cooperstown, I don’t think it matters.  You have given us Sox fans so much over these past 10 years.  You’ve given us stellar defense and should have at least a Gold Glove (or 2) already, but perhaps this is your year.  You have been to 4 All-Star games and even started the 2005 All Star game in Detroit.  You’ve given this city a World Series title in 2005 which is forever cemented in our memory.  You threw a no hitter back in 2007 and were 1 pitch away in that game from being perfect.  Not only have your on the field feats been impressive you are truly kid playing a man’s game.  You slide on tarps; joke with fans, teammates and the media; and just absolutely appreciate this gift and opportunity to play the game of baseball.

(Flashback) – Back on July 23, 2002 Frank Thomas hit the longest Homerun in Comiskey (US cellular) Park History.  I was in attendance and couldn’t believe I got to see that at the time.  That Homerun no longer stands as the longest one hit on the South Side, but 7 years later, your pitching performance will stand as top 5 most memorable moments in White Sox History.  Homeruns are hit every day in every ballpark across this country.  Yesterday you gave us something that has only been done 18 times…ever!

Mark, once again I don’t know what to say.  Unfortunately I am unemployed.  But fortunate enough that I was able to sit back, relax, and strap it down for your day of perfection.  I wasn’t in attendance, but I didn’t miss a pitch.  When the final out was recorded, a small tear of joy fell from my face (I might have just handed in my man card for the next few weeks), but it’s because you’re our guy.  We saw Randy Johnson (a future Hall of Famer, and perhaps one of the greatest lefties of all time) through a perfect game 5 years ago, but it won’t mean the same as yours did yesterday.  30 years from now when I am walking around the concourse with my son talking baseball I’ll be talking about some of the great players and moments during my generation…

“I witnessed Randy Johnson for 20 years… dominate both leagues!”

“I saw my favorite player of all time Ken Griffey Jr’s sweet swing, gold glove, and elegance grace the game of baseball for over 20 years!”

“I saw Cal Ripken reach the unthinkable milestone when he played in 2,632 straight games!”

“I watched Ichiro make every big league pitcher look like an 11 year old as he slapped hits to all fields!”

“Son, this statue here, this is Frank Thomas. The Greatest White Sox hitter of all time!”

“This statue is Bobby Jenks.  All time leader in saves.  And as a 24 year old, came in to pitch the final inning of the 2005 World Series and help preserve the victory!”

“Aaah Paul Konerko!  You always wanted to this guy up with the game on the line.  Did I tell you about the Grand Slam he hit in the World Series?”

“G-Beeee!  I tell you what; Gordon Beckham was a professional hitter!  Hit to all fields! (Okay, maybe I am getting ahead of myself on this one)

“And son, this statue here… This is Mark Buehrle!  Let me tell you a story or two about him…”

As a lifelong White Sox fan, I just wanted to say… Thank you Mark!  You never seem to disappoint!

All the Best,

Brian G

P.S. Give Dewayne Wise an extra hug for me.  No matter how long his he wears a White Sox jersey that catch is cemented in my memory and will go down as one of the greatest catches in White Sox and Baseball History!