White Sox Announce Ozzie Guillen’s Honor During Home Opener

The Chicago White Sox have had a tough time in recent seasons, yet Friday afternoon brought a highlight for the team.

During the home opener, a live broadcast took place from Guaranteed Rate Field. Chuck Garfin hosted the show, alongside former manager Ozzie Guillen and White Sox legend Scott Podsednik.

In the bottom of the third inning, the broadcast was running, and Podsednik was set to read an announcement—unsure if anyone was listening.

“I’m not quite sure what this is,” Podsednik began. “He wanted me to talk about this envelope.”

The announcement revealed that Guillen, who managed the White Sox to victory in the 2005 World Series, would be honored on Saturday, August 8th.

In classic Guillen fashion, he made a joke. “Another bobblehead?” he quipped.

Podsednik continued, sharing that Guillen’s jersey number 13 would be retired in a special ceremony. Guillen, a 13-season shortstop with the White Sox, becomes the first player in the franchise’s history to have his number retired and also be a manager. “Ozzie Guillen, your legacy is forever secured,” Podsednik stated.

The announcement buzzed through the stadium’s speakers, prompting chants from the fans for their beloved coach. Emotions ran high as Podsednik and Guillen embraced, tears in their eyes.

“Oh my god, where is my wife?” Guillen asked, clearly overwhelmed.

After the announcement, Guillen expressed his gratitude, saying, “Wow. I don’t know how to react or thank the White Sox organization. This is incredible.”

Guillen led the White Sox to their first World Series title in 88 years against the Houston Astros and has been a team analyst since 2019.