Sox’ Buehrle May Not Wait for HOF Call

Ever since Mark Buehrle’s remarkable perfect game last week, baseball analysts have been weighing in on whether the White Sox southpaw should be considered for the Baseball Hall of Fame, including reporters from the Chicago Tribune and Fox Sports. It’s still too early to say if he is worthy of consideration, but he certainly is off to a good start. At age 30, Buehrle has accomplished more in his career than most pitchers have in their entire careers.

* Pitched both a perfect game and a no-hitter, joining the elite company of Cy Young, Addie Joss, Sandy Kaufax, Jim Bunning and Randy Johnson. (Sports Illustrated has a complete list of pitchers who threw a perfect game.)

* 133 victories to date with a .591 winning percentage

* Four-time All Star

* 1 World Series title

In addition, in an era when many pitchers land on the DL with minor ailments and major injuries, Buehrle has proven to be a very durable player. Ten years into his pro career, and he’s never been on the DL (knock on wood). He throws strikes, gives you quality innings, and is a great guy to have in the clubhouse.

What is missing from his stats are a 20-win season and a Cy Young award, which some experts feel he needs to enter the Hall of Fame. Even if Buehrle did accomplish these things, would he stick around in the game long enough? Will he give the HOF a chance to call his name?

During spring training he admitted to being homesick and said would consider leaving the game when his current contract ends in 2011 to spend more time with his family. He repeated those comments last night on WBBM-TV’s local newscast. Those comments cannot be taken lightly. Buehrle does not put himself above his teammates. Nor is he the type of player who will hang around the game just to pile up victories and pad his stats.

When his contract ends in 2011, Buehrle will be only 32, still plenty of time in his major league career if he remains healthy. Hopefully, he will decide to re-sign with the Sox for a few more years. But if he doesn’t, and he has achieved his Cy Young Award and 20-win season by then, don’t be surprised if Buehrle does what few players have the courage to do – walk away from the game.