Mark Buehrle White Sox Jersey Retired in Ceremony vs. Athletics

Prior to Saturday's game against the Oakland Athletics, the Chicago White Sox honored former pitcher Mark Buehrle by retiring his No. 56 jersey in a ceremony at Guaranteed Rate Field. 

In addition to having his jersey retired, the White Sox also made sure to provide Buehrle with gifts on a special day for him and the franchise:

There was also a video looking back on the best single performance of Buehrle's career, against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 23, 2009:

Another blast from the past during the ceremony involved White Sox fan Tommy Maloney and Buehrle's memorable between-the-legs flip to first base on opening day in 2010 against the Cleveland Indians to record the out against Lou Marson. 

The applause for Buehrle wasn't limited to the fans in Guaranteed Rate Field. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel tweeted a message to the five-time All-Star:

While the White Sox did show appreciation for Buehrle and his career, the team was also able to have some fun when Buehrle's daughter threw out the first pitch:

After Buehrle was able to soak in the emotion of the moment, he told the media as the game was going on about what it felt like to be honored by the White Sox, via MLB.com's Scott Merkin:

"People texted me before we got here saying how crowded it was. Me trying to get here two hours before. It's usually not that busy. Amazing feeling. Can't really put it into words how you feel. I wasn't actually as nervous as I thought I would be once I was up there. But obviously glad it's over with, and it's a special day."

Buerhle pitched 16 seasons in Major League Baseball, with the first 12 coming as a member of the White Sox. He was an unheralded 38th-round draft pick in 1998 but moved quickly through the minors before making his debut in relief on July 16, 2000. 

He was a key part of the White Sox's 2005 World Series team, leading the American League with 236.2 innings pitched with a career-low 3.12 ERA, and won four Gold Glove awards in his career. 

Buehrle becomes the 12th member of the White Sox to have his number retired, including Jackie Robinson's No. 42—which was retired across MLB—and former teammates Frank Thomas (No. 35) and Paul Konerko (No. 14).