Ozzie Guillen left in tears during live MLB broadcast as Chicago White Sox deliver emotional surprise (Image via Getty)
Ozzie Guillen could not hold back his tears on live TV when he heard the news. The Chicago White Sox told him they will retire his No 13 jersey. The moment came during a game broadcast, and it was a complete surprise for him.
Guillen, now 62, spent 13 years playing as a shortstop for the team and later became their manager. He led the White Sox to a historic 2005 World Series win, ending a long title drought. The announcement happened right in the middle of a live show, making it even more emotional. Guillen was sitting in the studio doing his usual analyst work when everything suddenly changed. What started as a normal segment quickly turned into one of the most touching moments seen on baseball TV this season.
Ozzie Guillen breaks down on air as Scott Podsednik announces Chicago White Sox jersey retirement honor
During the third inning of the game against the Toronto Blue Jays, the broadcast cut to the studio. Guillen was there with Chuck Garfien when former teammate Scott Podsednik joined them. Podsednik, who played a big role in the 2005 title run, began reading a message.“The Chicago White Sox announce today that 2005 World Series-winning manager Ozzie Guillen will be honored on Saturday August 8,” Podsednik said.Guillen first joked, “Another bobble head?” but the mood changed quickly.
“With a special ceremony retiring his No 13 uniform,” Podsednik continued.The crowd inside the stadium erupted. Guillen’s face changed instantly. He started wiping his tears as the moment hit him. Podsednik added, “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.”Guillen stood up and hugged Podsednik. It was raw and real.
No script, no warning, just pure emotion.
Ozzie Guillen thanks Chicago White Sox as wife Ibis Guillen joins emotional on-air moment
Right after the hug, Guillen looked around and said, “Oh my God, where’s my wife?” Moments later, Ibis Guillen walked into the studio and embraced him. The crowd began chanting his name, making the scene even louder and more emotional.Trying to gather himself, Guillen said, “I don’t know how to react, how to say thank you to the White Sox organization.. wow, what can I say? The only thing I can say is thank you.
Thank you so much.”According to MLB.com, White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf decided earlier this year that Guillen deserved this honor. There was one condition, he wanted the moment to be meaningful and special. That is exactly how it played out.Guillen is now set to become the first manager in team history to have his number retired. For a man who gave so many years to the franchise as both a player and a leader, this moment felt like a full-circle story.
