Chicago White Sox studio analyst Ozzie Guillen was brought to tears during a surprise announcement at the team’s 2026 home opener on Friday vs. the Toronto Blue Jays.
The CHSN White Sox studio show had its desk on-site at Rate Field, with Guillen alongside host Chuck Garfien. And during one break in the middle of the third inning, they were joined by Scott Podsednik, a World Series hero for the White Sox while Guillen was manager.
Podsednik delivered the news that Guillen will have his number 13 retired by the White Sox this season. The Rate Field stadium audio let White Sox fans hear the news.
“I don’t know what this is about,” Podsednik explained. “I have been asked to read what is in this envelope right here.”
“The Chicago White Sox announce today that 2005 World Series-winning manager Ozzie Guillen will be honored on Saturday, August 8,” Podsednik began, after opening the envelope.
“Another bobblehead?” Guillen interjected.
“… with a special ceremony retiring his number 13 uniform,” Podesednik 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. Mr. Ozzie Guillen, your legacy will forever be etched.”
Guillen was very emotional after hearing the news.
“Wow,” Guillen responded, with tears. “Oh my God. Where’s my wife?”
His wife, Ibis, was there to share the emotional moment.
“Wow,” Guillen continued. “I don’t know how to react, how to say thank you to the White Sox organization.”
Guillen has been a White Sox television analyst since 2019, and he’s been known for calling it like he sees it with Charles Barkley-esque honesty.
As a player and manager, Guillen was known for his passionate, fiery personality. In addition to leading the White Sox to a championship as a manager, he was an AL Rookie of the Year (at the age of 21) and a three-time All-Star shortstop (1988, 1990, 1991) as a player with the organization. He played 13 seasons with the White Sox (1985-1997 and managed the team for eight seasons (2004-2011).
Guillen’s number 13 retirement ceremony will be ahead of a White Sox game vs. the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday, Aug. 8.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.