Anything you can do, I can do Better

Weeks after Jonathan Sanchez threw the first No-Hitter of the 2009 MLB season, another player made his way into the record books. Only reaching a bigger achievement, a Perfect game. Mark Buerhle is no stranger to throwing the no-hitter, as he threw one just 2 seasons ago on April 18, 2007. & Similar to Jonathan Sanchez' remarkable accomplishment, a defensive switch may have been what saved the perfect game. Leading off the top of the 9th, Gabe Kapler belted what would have been a Home Run to left field, if it weren't for outfielder DeWayne Wise's brilliant catch to preserve the gem.

Buehrle became the first pitcher to throw a perfect game since Randy Johnson did so back in 2004. He's also only the 18th player to throw a perfect game in Major League history. The number that would have belonged to Sanchez if it weren't for an error committed by Buehrle's former White Sox teammate Juan Uribe (As mentioned in the post: A Giant No No). Sanchez threw the no no against a lack luster offense and a team that's been struggling and in desperate need of rebuilding. While Buehrle on the other hand threw his Perfect game against an offensive powerhouse team that's been rebuilding since they've existed - The 2008 American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays.

Sure celebrating after the game with his family and teammates was enjoyable, but a simple phone call might have topped all of that. Who the call was from you ask?, None other than President Obama. Obama, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2009 All-Star game in St. Louis just weeks ago, was decked out in White Sox gear and met with Buehrle in the locker room before the game. The former Chicago senator is a very loyal fan of the South side Chicago ball club, and I thought it was cool he took a moment to address Buehrle's accomplishment. Buehrle didn't just stop there, in fact he went on to retire the first 17 batters he faced in Tuesday's start against the Twins, setting a new Major League record of 45 consecutive batters retired. And just yesterday he was awarded his own day nammed after him, "Mark Buehrle Day" (July 30th), by the Governor of Illinois. I think it's pretty cheesy, but cool nonetheless.

Buehrle being covered in champagne by his teammates

DeWayne Wise's perfect catch