White Sox to retire Ozzie Guillén's No. 13 on live TV
Scott Podsednik surprised former Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillén with news of his No. 13 jersey retirement during a live broadcast of the team's home opener Friday at Guaranteed Rate Field. The announcement came before the bottom of the third inning on CHSN, with host Chuck Garfien alongside Guillén and Podsednik. Guillén, who led the White Sox to their 2005 World Series title, reacted emotionally, wiping away tears after Podsednik read from an envelope.
Podsednik revealed the team will honor Guillén with a special ceremony Saturday, August 8, retiring his uniform number. Guillén joked, "Another bobblehead?" before Podsednik continued: "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." The stadium public address system echoed the news, prompting fans to chant Guillén's name as the two men hugged.
Guillén managed the White Sox from 2004 to 2011, securing their first championship in 88 years by defeating the Houston Astros. A shortstop with the club for 13 seasons, he has served as a team analyst since 2019. Guillén later said, "Oh my God, where's my wife?" and "Wow. I don’t know how to react, how to say thank you to the White Sox organization."
The ceremony marks the latest tribute to Guillén's legacy with the franchise.
