White Sox legend Ozzie Guillen was moved to tears after discovering that Chicago was retiring his No 13 jersey.
The 62-year-old spent 13 seasons as a shortstop with the White Sox and then managed the team between 2004 and 2011.
He led Chicago to World Series glory in 2005 and, this week, the organization surprised Guillen live on-air by revealing that he will be the 13th person in franchise history to have his number retired – and the first ever manager.
In the third inning of the game against the Blue Jays, the coverage cut back to the CHSN studios, where Guillen was on duty alongside Chuck Garfien.
They were joined by Scott Podsednik, a key player in the 2005 World Series-winning team – managed by Guillen.
‘The Chicago White Sox announce today that 2005 World Series-winning manager Ozzie Guillen will be honored on Saturday August 8,’ Podsednik said.
Ozzie Guillen was moved to tears after discovering that the White Sox are retiring his jersey
The 62-year-old played for and coached Chicago, leading the team to the 2005 World Series
‘Another bobble head?’ Guillen interjected with a laugh before his former player continued: ‘With a special ceremony retiring his No 13 uniform.’
That sparked wild cheers from the crowd, while Guillen was immediately overcome with emotion and began wiping tears from his eyes.
‘The shortstop who played for 13 seasons with the White Sox will be the 13th player in franchise history to have his number retired and first manager,’ Podsednik continued. ‘Mr Ozzie Guillen, your legacy will be forever etched in…’
At that point. Guillen and Podsednik stood up and embraced. ‘Oh my God, where’s my wife?’ the 62-year-old said. Ibis Guillen then came into the studio and hugged her husband. The crowd began chanting his name.
‘I don’t know how to react, how to say thank you to the White Sox organization.. wow, what can I say?’ he said. ‘The only thing I can say is thank you. Thank you so much.’
According to MLB.com, it was chairman Jerry Reinsdorf who decided earlier this year that Guillen should be honored – on one condition.
‘You only have one rule. I want him to be completely surprised when we announce it,’ Reinsdorf told team exec Brooks Boyer, per MLB.com.
