Buehrle delivers, with happy returns

[greasywheels121]

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/st...31?OpenDocument

 

Local grad delivers, with happy returns

By Joe Lyons

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

 

Mark Buehrle is living his dream. And it's getting better by the day.

 

"This year, and especially the last few months, have been unbelievable," said Buehrle, 26, a St. Charles County resident who graduated from Francis Howell North High School and pitches for the World Series champion Chicago White Sox. "I keep waiting for everything to sink in, but with all that's gone on, I guess I'm not quite there yet."

 

That's understandable, considering that Buehrle and the former Jamie Streck, another Howell North alum, followed up an incredible postseason run by the White Sox by getting married in Hawaii on Dec. 2.

 

"It's been a hectic time, with the season going a month or so longer than usual and then having to make sure everything was prepared for the wedding," he said. "But I'm not complaining. It's been an incredible time for me, on and off the field. Eventually, I'm sure I'll have a chance to sit back and catch my breath, but until then, I'm loving every minute of it.

 

"I already have one ring and I can't wait to get the other on opening day."

 

Buehrle, who finished fifth in the American League Cy Young voting, was 16-8 with a 3.12 earned-run average this season. He started and was the winning pitcher in the 2005 All-Star Game in Detroit.

 

After picking up Game 2 wins over Boston and Anaheim to help get the White Sox into the World Series, Buehrle worked seven solid innings but received a no-decision in Chicago's 7-6 Game 2 win over the Houston Astros in the World Series.

 

Two days later, in a 7-5 14-inning win, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound lefthander came on to get the game's final out, making baseball history as the first pitcher to start and save consecutive World Series contests.

 

"The only real negative was that we wrapped up all three playoff series on the road," Buehrle said.

 

"Each time we got back, the crowds to meet us were bigger and more excited. But what I'll never forget was the parade after we won it all. I knew Chicago was a big city, but until you see that many people in one place, it's impossible to describe."

 

Chicago had every reason to celebrate; the World Series title was the city's first since 1917.

 

The Buehrle Rule

 

Buehrle graduated from Howell North in 1997 but played just two seasons of baseball with the Knights. After getting cut in both his freshmen and sophomore seasons, he seriously considered giving up.

 

"My parents sat me down and told me that they hadn't raised me to quit," he said. "They talked me into giving it one more try."

 

Due to Buehrle's subsequent success, Howell North coach Bob Dunahue has instituted the "Buehrle Rule."

 

"Nobody in our program gets cut until I've had a chance to see them play and sign off on the decision," said Dunahue, who was instrumental in helping Buehrle get a chance to pitch at Jefferson College in Hillsboro.

 

Buehrle went 16-4 over two seasons and was selected as a third-team All-America at Jefferson. More importantly, he grew a couple of inches, filled out and picked up a few miles per hour on his fastball.

 

"I used to joke in college that I was studying to be a ballplayer," said Buehrle, who was drafted by the White Sox in the 38th round of the 1998 amateur draft.

 

Down to earth

 

In spite of his success, Buehrle remains largely unfazed. He lives in suburban Chicago during the season but splits his offseason between a home in St. Charles County and his property in Pike County, where he likes to hunt.

 

He even proposed to Jamie in a tree stand while hunting deer.

 

"People have this idea of what a big-league ballplayer is supposed to be like, but that's not me at all," he said. "I'm still pretty much the same guy I was 10 years ago. If I'm going out with my buddies, we're probably at a hole-in-the-wall bar. If I'm hungry, I'll stop at McDonald's.

 

Buehrle will be among the headliners at the St. Louis Baseball Writers dinner Jan. 16. He got himself in some hot water at that event a few years ago.

 

"I was joking with Walt Jocketty and Tony La Russa that St. Louis would be closer to home for me, and it ended up getting back to Chicago," he said. "I love Chicago, and if they want me, I'd be thrilled to pitch for the White Sox for the rest of my career. But I grew up watching the Cardinals, and I'll always be a Cardinal fan.

 

"If there's any way, even if it's just for one day at the end of my career, I'd love to be able to pitch here."

[RockRaines]

IMO, there is nothing wrong with him being a fan of his home town team. If I was a pro athlete, my love for the sox, and the bears would never falter.

[sayitaintso]

We need to resign Mark to a 7 year deal or something, I love this guy.

BTW, I really hope this doesnt start a Mark-St.Louis debate again. I see nothing wrong with what he said back then, or what he is saying now.

That would be like one of us soxtalkers going pro to a team that is not the sox and saying that you would like to play for them one day if you get the oppourtunity.

[maggsmaggs]

Mark is the man, I hope he pitches the rest of his career for the Sox.

[sayitaintso]

Exactly. If anyone of us were ever so fortunate to be able to play in the majors, and we were drafted by anyone else but the Sox, there is always going to be part of you that wants to go play for the team you grew up watching.

Damn you just beat me to it.

[mreye]

But what I'll never forget was the parade after we won it all. I knew Chicago was a big city, but until you see that many people in one place, it's impossible to describe."

 

This was the best!

[Wanne]

God I love this dude!....great story. I clipped and saved it to show my son (a 12-year old lefty pitcher who actually has developed a nasty curveball but has trouble throwing consistant strikes)...just in case he struggles and wants to give up baseball at some point.

[bjm676]

He's probably the most down-to-earth athelete I've ever heard speak. One of the many reasons I'm proud to wear his jersey. He doesn't seem fazed by the spotlight or the money. Much like Robin.

[Rowand44]

Mark. Edited December 28, 2005 by Rowand44

[Kalapse]

God I love this dude!....great story.  I clipped and saved it to show my son (a 12-year old lefty pitcher who actually has developed a nasty curveball but has trouble throwing consistant strikes)...just in case he struggles and wants to give up baseball at some point.

I had to have elbow surgery my sophomore year in High School due to throwing junk in lttle league. It's not the best idea to have your 12 year old son throwing curveballs on a regular basis, he can really mess up his arm.

[SoxFan1]

I had to have elbow surgery my sophomore year in High School due to throwing junk in lttle league. It's not the best idea to have your 12 year old son throwing curveballs on a regular basis, he can really mess up his arm.

IMO, sliders hurt my arm far more than curveballs.

 

But as to the article, it can only make you love MB more. My dream is to be able to go on a hunting trip with Mark...even if it was just 1 day.

[Heads22]

So much for Boz proposing to Mark......

[Wanne]

I had to have elbow surgery my sophomore year in High School due to throwing junk in lttle league. It's not the best idea to have your 12 year old son throwing curveballs on a regular basis, he can really mess up his arm.

 

 

Thought I replied to this already...but didn't show?!? Any way....I hear ya Kalapse. I've just started having him throw it. He throws more an overhand curve with alot of top spin (really has a ton of spin)...and his motion and arm action doesn't appear to put much strain on his elbow. Really is a nice pitch. He tries throwing a slider (his cement mixer)...but I tell him not to throw that.

 

The thing out here in Phoenix...we play ball out here pretty much year round. He'll have 3 months off. So I try not to have him overdo it. He's just now really getting into it...so I'm just there to help him as much as I can and teach him... and help save his arm. My sister's kid plays year around and I'm worried his arm is gonna be shot by the time he's 16.

[SoxFan1]

Thought I replied to this already...but didn't show?!?  Any way....I hear ya Kalapse.  I've just started having him throw it.  He throws more an overhand curve with alot of top spin (really has a ton of spin)...and his motion and arm action doesn't appear to put much strain on his elbow.  Really is a nice pitch.  He tries throwing a slider (his cement mixer)...but I tell him not to throw that.

 

The thing out here in Phoenix...we play ball out here pretty much year round.  He'll have 3 months off.  So I try not to have him overdo it.  He's just now really getting into it...so I'm just there to help him as much as I can and teach him... and help save his arm.  My sister's kid plays year around and I'm worried his arm is gonna be shot by the time he's 16.

I agree with what you're doing. Don't put too much strain and pressure on him. I'd say not to start throwing the slider frequently until 16-17. Does he have a change-up?

[Jake]

I had to have elbow surgery my sophomore year in High School due to throwing junk in lttle league. It's not the best idea to have your 12 year old son throwing curveballs on a regular basis, he can really mess up his arm.

 

It's not curveballs that mess with kids' arms. It is when they throw sliders because they're trying to throw a curveball or don't know the difference. The best thing to do with young ones is teach them the right way to throw it. A correctly thrown curveball is not dangerous to your arm in any way. No more than a fastball is.

 

EDIT: Seeing what you guys are saying up there, a good changeup is very safe to the arm even when thrown incorrectly and is a good pitch to have in your arsenal for later on as well. I threw that in addition to a curveball, as opposed to a slider, and it makes for a great third pitch, especially when you throw it with movement.

Edited December 29, 2005 by Jake

[Kalapse]

It's not curveballs that mess with kids' arms. It is when they throw sliders because they're trying to throw a curveball or don't know the difference. The best thing to do with young ones is teach them the right way to throw it. A correctly thrown curveball is not dangerous to your arm in any way. No more than a fastball is.

I didn't say curveballs messed up my arm. I threw a pretty good overhand curveball and it didn't put much strain on my arm at all. It was the slurve that got me, I threw that pitch constantly, noone could even touch it.

 

EDIT: I also threw a lot from sidearm and at times from almost submarine. I switched between 4 different arm angles consistantly through my baseball life.

Edited December 29, 2005 by Kalapse

[Jake]

I didn't say curveballs messed up my arm. I threw a pretty good overhand curveball and it didn't put much strain on my arm at all. It was the slurve that got me, I threw that pitch constantly, noone could even touch it.

 

 

I wasn't directly referring to you. A lot of people think that a curveball in any form is hard on the arm, but there is most definitely a safe and effective way. The slurve is a tough pitch to hit though. I have a hard breaking 12-6, a lot like Freddy's. Of course, with a few less wild pitches. It took me about three years to put a harness on that damn break though, I couldn't keep it off the ground.

[Wanne]

Does he have a change-up?

 

Yeah...tought him what this guy that pitched with the Dodgers ages ago taught me...hold it with 3 fingers instead of 2 and choke it in your palm a little with the pressure on your thumb wrapped under. Same arm motion as your fastball. I don't have him throw this too much at all...I'm just trying to get him to be more consistant throwing strikes...then go from there. I'm a firm believer in long toss as well.

[SoxFan1]

It's not curveballs that mess with kids' arms. It is when they throw sliders because they're trying to throw a curveball or don't know the difference. The best thing to do with young ones is teach them the right way to throw it. A correctly thrown curveball is not dangerous to your arm in any way. No more than a fastball is.

 

EDIT: Seeing what you guys are saying up there, a good changeup is very safe to the arm even when thrown incorrectly and is a good pitch to have in your arsenal for later on as well. I threw that in addition to a curveball, as opposed to a slider, and it makes for a great third pitch, especially when you throw it with movement.

Agreed. I use a changeup far more than a slider. A good 4-seam, 2-seam, change, and curve is a wonderful arsenal for a younger pitcher. If they can throw 2 of the 4 for strikes consistently, then they are on the right track. Like I said, I wouldnt really start throwing a slider until junior year of HS. I started my freshman year and now I really feel the effects on my elbow. The nerve in my elbow got enflamed then got pinched so I had to do therapy all summer and into early December. I learned the slurve my sophomore season but I limited my use of it. I'd say maybe 2-3 times a game max.

[Kalapse]

Yeah...tought him what this guy that pitched with the Dodgers ages ago taught me...hold it with 3 fingers instead of 2 and choke it in your palm a little with the pressure on your thumb wrapped under.  Same arm motion as your fastball.  I don't have him throw this too much at all...I'm just trying to get him to be more consistant throwing strikes...then go from there.  I'm a firm believer in long toss as well.

Long toss is one of the most fun things you can do IMO. A buddy and I would stand on opposite sides of a field and toss the ball to eachother with our feet stationary. It was a b**** not stepping into my throws but it strengthened my arm and outfield accuracy like nobodies business.

[SoxFan1]

Yeah...tought him what this guy that pitched with the Dodgers ages ago taught me...hold it with 3 fingers instead of 2 and choke it in your palm a little with the pressure on your thumb wrapped under.  Same arm motion as your fastball.  I don't have him throw this too much at all...I'm just trying to get him to be more consistant throwing strikes...then go from there.  I'm a firm believer in long toss as well.

Oh yes, we do long toss all year. My coach stresses that more than anything. I'd rather have a kid with a good change that can throw hitters' timing off and he can throw it for strikes consistently instead of a curve that is either in the dirt or hanging down the middle. But hey, if you teach your kid proper arm angles and grips like it seam's that you are doing, then I got nothing against it.

[SoxFan1]

Long toss is one of the most fun things you can do IMO. A buddy and I would stand on opposite sides of a field and toss the ball to eachother with our feet stationary. It was a b**** not stepping into my throws but it strengthened my arm and outfield accuracy like nobodies business.

2 questions:

 

Feet spread apart parallel to shoulders or perpindicular?

 

Across the field as in 1st to 3rd or CF wall to home?

[Kalapse]

2 questions:

 

Feet spread apart parallel to shoulders or perpindicular?

 

Across the field as in 1st to 3rd or CF wall to home?

1. Parallel to shoulders.

 

2. A big open field by my house, not a baseball field. I did a lot more long toss and such on my own time and worked more on my mechanics and in the batting cages during practice.

[Jake]

I throw a bit more unconventional change-up, a circle change with the arm/wrist action you might expect from a screwball. It has nasty movement, and still spins like a fastball. The single hardest pitch I ever had to learn to throw though.

[SoxFan1]

1. Parallel to shoulders.

 

2. A big open field by my house, not a baseball field. I did a lot more long toss and such on my own time and worked more on my mechanics and in the batting cages during practice.

Ok. Thats what I thought. Long toss is very fun, I agree. Not only does it enhance arm strength but by having to throw in an awkward position with your legs, it strngthens your abs, rotator cuff, shoulder, and chest.