On the day his No. 56 jersey was retired, former White Sox star Mark Buehrle spoke much like he pitched.

Which is to say quickly, efficiently and from the heart.

Before the White Sox's 10-2 loss to the Athletics at Guaranteed Rate Field on Saturday, Buehrle gave a four-plus-minute tribute to the organization with which he spent 12 of his 16 seasons and the fans who supported him.

"It's an amazing feeling," said the 38-year-old Buehrle, who was flanked by his wife, two children, mother and father at the 30-minute ceremony. "I really can't put it into words how I feel. ... It's a special day."