Ozzie Guillen couldn’t believe it.
As he was on the Chicago Sports Network during the broadcast of a White Sox’s 5-4 win over the Blue Jays on Friday in Chicago’s home opener, Guillen was joined by Scott Podsednik.
Podsednik, best known for his All-Star and World Series title season of 2005 with the Guillen-managed White Sox, opened an envelope on-air, suggesting he didn’t know what it was.
Guillen, who was eagerly looking over Podsednik’s shoulder for an attempt at a clearer view of the letter, was then shocked to learn of what it contained.
“The Chicago White Sox announce today,” Podsednik began before he paused and appeared to look over in Guillen’s direction.
Podsednik’s voice continued, as it now echoed throughout Rate Field, “That 2005 World Series winning manager Ozzie Guillen will be honored on Saturday, Aug. 8.”
Guillen interjected, “Another bobblehead?” with a chuckle.
Podsednik continued, “With a special ceremony retiring his No. 13 uniform.”
Guillen immediately began to feel the emotions, which coincided with the crowd unleashing a round of cheers and applause for the former manager, who is now 62.
“Where’s my wife?” Guillen asked, overcome with emotion, as she immediately entered the set, and the two embraced.
Guillen, a native of the 2026 World Baseball Classic Champion Venezuela, remains a very popular name in Chicago years after his tenure.
He managed the White Sox from 2004 to 2011, winning Manager of the Year and leading the team to their first World Series in 88 years in 2005.
With the White Sox, Guillen went 678-617 with one title and two playoff trips; the run also included four seasons of at least 88 wins.
Guillen later managed the Marlins for one season in 2012.
As a player, the former shortstop was a three-time All-Star with the White Sox in 1988, 1990 and 1991.
He also won a Gold Glove in 1990 and was the American League Rookie of the Year in 1985.
Guillen played for the Sox from 1985 to 1997, and enjoyed stints with the Orioles, Braves and Rays, retiring after the 2000 season.
