White Sox Retire Ozzie Guillen's No. 13 Jersey

Former player, manager, and broadcaster surprised by honor during CHSN telecast

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:22pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the raw energy and emotion of Ozzie Guillen being surprised and moved to tears during the announcement of his jersey retirement by the Chicago White Sox.The surprise announcement of Ozzie Guillen's jersey retirement sparks an emotional reaction from the beloved White Sox figure.Chicago Today

The Chicago White Sox announced they will retire former player, manager, and broadcaster Ozzie Guillen's No. 13 jersey in a pregame ceremony on August 8. Guillen, who was caught off guard by the surprise announcement during a CHSN telecast, was moved to tears by the honor, which gained momentum during last year's 20th anniversary celebration of the 2005 championship team.

Why it matters

Ozzie Guillen is a beloved figure in White Sox history, having spent over 30 years with the organization as a player, manager, and broadcaster. Retiring his number is a significant gesture that recognizes his immense contributions to the team and the city of Chicago.

The details

Guillen, who began his MLB career with the White Sox in 1985, originally requested to wear No. 9 but was told it was retired for Minnie Minoso. He then chose No. 13, the number of his baseball hero, Davey Concepcion of the Cincinnati Reds. During the announcement, former player Scott Podsednik read a statement revealing the team's plan to retire Guillen's number, which caught the longtime White Sox figure by surprise and moved him to tears.

  • Guillen's No. 13 jersey will be retired in pregame ceremonies on August 8, 2026.
  • The announcement was made during the early innings of a CHSN telecast on April 3, 2026.

The players

Ozzie Guillen

A former player, manager, and beloved broadcaster who spent over 30 years with the Chicago White Sox organization.

Scott Podsednik

A former player on the 2005 White Sox championship team who read the statement announcing the retirement of Guillen's number.

Minnie Minoso

A legendary White Sox player whose No. 9 jersey was already retired, preventing Guillen from wearing that number.

Davey Concepcion

A Venezuelan shortstop who played for the Cincinnati Reds and was Guillen's baseball hero, inspiring him to choose the No. 13 jersey.

Jerry Reinsdorf

The 90-year-old owner of the Chicago White Sox who Guillen said he looks forward to seeing at the retirement ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“I guess [the White Sox] did it the right way, because they made me cry.”

— Ozzie Guillen, Former Player, Manager, and Broadcaster

“I've been lucky in Chicago, man. A lot of people knew me as a manager, a lot of people knew me as a manager, and a lot of kids know me as that crazy guy on TV.”

— Ozzie Guillen, Former Player, Manager, and Broadcaster

What’s next

Guillen hopes that Davey Concepcion, the 78-year-old former Reds shortstop who was Guillen's baseball hero, will be able to attend the retirement ceremony on August 8.

The takeaway

Retiring Ozzie Guillen's number is a fitting tribute to a beloved figure who has made an indelible mark on the White Sox organization and the city of Chicago through his decades-long career as a player, manager, and broadcaster.