Mark Buehrle Perfect Game 2009

Lore & Background

Buehrle's perfect game was his second career no-hitter, making him the 24th pitcher to throw multiple no-hitters and the seventh perfect game pitcher who had also thrown another no-hitter, joining Cy Young, Addie Joss, Jim Bunning, Sandy Koufax, Catfish Hunter, and Randy Johnson. The home plate umpire for both no-hitters was Eric Cooper. In the ninth inning, teammate DeWayne Wise made a spectacular catch to rob Gabe Kapler of a home run and preserve the perfect game. The game was completed in exactly two hours, three minutes.

In Their Own Story

The wind blew softly off Lake Michigan as the third out was recorded in the ninth inning. Mark Buehrle nodded to catcher A.J. Pierzynski, knowing the history books were being written before their eyes. The crowd erupted, but on the mound, there was only quiet satisfaction for a job done perfectly.

Reader's Guide

Buehrle was selected to the 2009 All-Star Game, where he pitched a perfect third inning. On July 28, his next appearance after the perfect game, he retired the first 17 batters he faced before allowing a baserunner, setting an MLB record for consecutive outs at 45.

Did You Know?

• Buehrle's perfect game was the 18th in MLB history.
• He became the seventh pitcher to throw both a perfect game and another no-hitter.
• The final out was a ground ball to shortstop Alexei Ramírez.
• Buehrle also threw a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers on April 18, 2007.