AJ Pierzynski claims Mark Buehrle pitched in the World Series while drunk

There may not be a better combination in sports than beer and baseball. Usually, it’s the fans, not players, indulging in the adult beverage aspect of that combo. But former Chicago White Sox star and current MLB analyst AJ Pierzynski says former teammate Mark Buehrle actually pitched a game while drunk. A World Series game, no less.

During an episode of his Foul Territory podcast, Pierzynski peeled back the curtain a bit on how major leaguers sometimes pass the time. He made it clear that, sometimes, players would drink beer during games.

That’s when he dropped the bombshell regarding Buehrle.

“Starting pitchers, they used to drink during the games… I remember the 2005 White Sox, Mark Buehrle pitched in the World Series drunk,” Pierzynski said. “He came in and got a save. He was drunk. He was full drunk.

“You would see a guy in the dugout, and they’d have a cup, and there was usually an adult beverage in there. They were starting pitchers. They had no chance in the American League to get in the game. So, they were like, ‘Whatever.’ What else are you going to do for four hours sitting there?”

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That secret made it nearly 20 years. Now, Buehrle’s World Series antics have become public knowledge. Although, it’s pretty impressive to record a save after drinking beer throughout the course of a game.

Buehrle’s alleged drunken performance came in Game 3

Assuming Pierzynski is telling the truth about Buehrle, the game the former White Sox star is referencing was Game 3 of the 2005 World Series. That contest turned into a 14-inning marathon between Chicago and Houston, with Buerhle coming in to face one batter in the bottom of the 14th.

Buerhle scored his lone save of the season by recording a pop fly on the final out of the game. He threw just three pitches, helping the White Sox to a 7-5 victory and taking a 3-0 lead in the series.

Chicago then wrapped up a World Series title by sweeping the Astros in Game 4 with a 1-0 victory.

Buehrle is remembered as one of the all-time greats in White Sox history. He spent most of his career in Chicago, playing for the team from 2000-11. He also had stops with the Marlins and Blue Jays.

Buehrle recorded a perfect game and a no-hitter with the White Sox. He earned four All-Star appearances and won a World Series ring, as well.