White Sox pitching coach: Buehrle drank beer before '05 World Series relief appearance

Mark Buehrle is the latest pitcher to be accused of drinking on the job.

The left-hander had tossed seven innings in Game 2 of the 2005 World Series as a member of the Chicago White Sox, and was looking forward to an uneventful evening as a spectator two nights later. However, Buehrle was unexpectedly called into action out of the bullpen in Game 3 after the contest moved into the 14th inning, and he was the only remaining pitcher available out of the bullpen.

Pitching coach Don Cooper had his concerns, though, after watching Buehrle walk around with a styrofoam cup in his hand earlier in the evening.

"I look in it, there's a beer in there, Cooper said. "It wasn't uncommon for guys on the 2005 staff - the starters when they weren't pitching - to enjoy a cocktail from time to time."

Buehrle, who enjoyed an undisclosed amount of beer, successfully recorded the final out of the game to earn the save and give the White Sox a 3-0 series lead over the Houston Astros.

The veteran southpaw - now with the Toronto Blue Jays - isn't the only thirsty hurler in the league. Boston Red Sox pitchers famously tipped a few bottles during games in 2011, while Jason Giambi and Roger Clemens routinely drank beer in the dugout as New York Yankees during games, according to a source.