Ozzie Guillen’s No. 13 becomes the 13th retired number in White Sox history, honoring a franchise icon whose legacy spans both a playing career and a World Series–winning run as manager.
There are few people as synonymous with Chicago White Sox baseball as former shortstop and World Series–winning manager Ozzie Guillen.
The Venezuelan native was originally signed by the San Diego Padres before being traded to the White Sox on December 6, 1984, in a deal that sent Cy Young Award winner LaMarr Hoyt to San Diego. At the time, Guillen was just a minor leaguer hoping to make a name for himself in Major League Baseball.
He did just that the following season.
Guillen debuted in 1985 and was voted American League Rookie of the Year, beginning a decorated playing career on the South Side. He went on to spend 13 seasons in a White Sox uniform, earning three All-Star selections and racking up 1,608 hits.
And when the White Sox fired Jerry Manuel after the 2003 season, the door opened for Guillen to cement his legacy in an entirely new way. Despite having no prior managerial experience, he was hired on November 3, 2003. And the rest is history.
Guillen brought White Sox fans their first World Series title since 1917. That 2005 run forever cemented his place in franchise history and turned him into a Chicago sports icon.
He played 13 seasons in Chicago. He wore No. 13. And now, that jersey will become the 13th number retired in franchise history.
The White Sox announced the honor live during the team’s home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday.
Outfielder Scott Podsednik—who was not only a World Series hero on Guillen’s 2005 team but has also co-hosted pregame and postgame shows with him in recent years—was the perfect person to deliver the surprise. He joined the broadcast and broke the news.
Things haven’t always been sunshine and roses when it comes to Guillen’s relationship with the White Sox.
He famously clashed with former general manager Kenny Williams during his tenure, and the organization didn’t always embrace Guillen’s blunt, unfiltered approach with the media.
The ending of his managerial run wasn’t clean, either. The White Sox traded Guillen to the Miami Marlins after the 2011 season, closing a complicated but impactful chapter.
Over time, however, the relationship has slowly healed.
Guillen’s daily presence on White Sox pre- and postgame shows alongside Chuck Garfien, and his continued role representing the organization, has only strengthened his connection with the fan base. He remains one of the most recognizable and beloved figures tied to the franchise.
Having his number retired is not only well deserved, but also a meaningful gesture from the organization. It's recognition of everything Guillen has meant to the White Sox, both in the past and in what he continues to bring to the team today.