Ozzie Guillén
Encyclopedia
Oswaldo José "Ozzie" Guillén Barrios (ɡiˈʎen; born January 20, 1964) is a Venezuelan-American
former Major League Baseball
player and current manager
of the Miami Marlins. He managed the Chicago White Sox
from 2004 to 2011 before asking for his release at the end of the 2011 season.
Born in Ocumare Del Tuy
, Venezuela, he played in Major League Baseball
as a shortstop
for the White Sox (1985–97), Baltimore Orioles
(1998
), Atlanta Braves
(1998
–1999
) and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2000
). He batted left-handed and threw right-handed. As a player, Guillén was regarded for his passion, speed, hustle, intensity and defensive abilities and his ebullient love for the game. In 2005, Guillen became the first Latino manager in major league history to win a World Series
.
, quick-handed shortstop, emerging from a line of Venezuelan shortstops that included; Chico Carrasquel
, Luis Aparicio
(both White Sox players), Dave Concepción
, and Omar Vizquel
(who played for Guillen as a utility player
for the White Sox). He was originally signed as a free agent
by the San Diego Padres
in 1980. In December 1984, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox as part of an eight-player trade, with Tim Lollar
, Bill Long and Luis Salazar
in exchange for LaMarr Hoyt
.
In 1985
, Guillén received both the American League
Rookie of the Year
and The Sporting News Rookie of the Year
awards, becoming only the third rookie shortstop in major league history to win a fielding title. He became known for his daring, aggressive style of play, as was demonstrated on August 2, 1985 in a game against the New York Yankees
. With the game tied 5–5 in the 11th inning
, Guillén hit a two-out
single
and, then proceeded to steal second base. When the next batter hit an infield single
, Guillén never hesitated as he rounded third base
, catching the Yankees defense off guard and scored the game-winning run
.
On April 21, 1992
, Guillén suffered a severe knee injury in a collision with outfielder
Tim Raines
. The injury caused him to miss almost the entire season, and subsequently diminished his defensive range as well as his stolen base
output for the remainder of his career. Guillén recovered in 1993
with his most productive season offensively, posting a .280 batting average
, and career highs with 4 home run
s and 50 runs batted in, as the White Sox won the American League Western Division
title. He hit .273 and scored 4 runs in a losing effort, as the White Sox were defeated by the Toronto Blue Jays
in the 1993 American League Championship Series
.
In October 1997
, after 13 seasons with the White Sox, Guillén was granted free agency status and signed a contract to play for the Baltimore Orioles
. In May 1998
, the Orioles released him and he signed with the Atlanta Braves as a utility infielder
. He helped the Braves
win the 1999 National League Championship Series
against the New York Mets
with a 10th inning
, pinch hit single in Game 6 of the series that tied the score at nine runs apiece, as the Braves went on to win the game and the series. The Braves would eventually lose to the New York Yankees
in Guillén's only World Series
appearance as a player. After playing one year with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2000
, he retired as a player at the end of the season.
, accumulating 1,764 hits
in 6,686 at bats for a .264 career batting average along with 28 home runs, 619 runs batted in and an on base percentage
of .287. Guillén was an All-Star
in 1988, 1990–1991, and won the Gold Glove Award
in 1990
. He led American League shortstops twice in range factor
, once in assists
and once in fielding percentage
. Guillén's .974 career fielding percentage ranks him 40th overall among major league shortstops, ahead of both Luis Aparicio and Dave Concepcion. While he was considered one of the best fielding shortstops in the American League, Guillén was often overlooked in post-season awards because his playing career coincided with that of Cal Ripken, Jr.
Guillén ranks among the White Sox all-time leaders in games played
, hits
, and at-bats
. As a hitter, he was known as a free swinger, posting one of the highest at bats per walk ratios in major league history. Guillén played his entire Venezuelan Winter League career with Tiburones de La Guaira
.
for the Montreal Expos
in 2001
and 2002
and the World Champion Florida Marlins
in 2003
before he was hired in the offseason to replace Jerry Manuel
as the White Sox manager
. He received a standing ovation from the crowd of 37,706 Chicagoans when introduced before his first game as a manager at U.S. Cellular Field
on April 13, 2004
. On May 30, 2005
, the White Sox extended Guillén's contract, making the move while the team had the best record in the majors (33–17).
In 2005, he led the White Sox to their first American League pennant
since 1959
, and their first World Series
win since 1917
with a 4-game sweep of the Houston Astros
. Guillén claimed that he might retire after the 2005
season should the White Sox win the World Series, but at the parade celebrating the World Champions he received cheers from the fans when he announced he would indeed return to manage the next season. The White Sox picked up the 2006
option on his contract, added two more years and included an option for the 2009
season. In November, Guillén was voted the 2005 American League Manager of the Year Award
by the Baseball Writers Association of America
.
On September 4, 2009, Guillén won his 500th game as manager of the Chicago White Sox as the White Sox defeated the Boston Red Sox
by a score of 12–2. Guillen has publicly stated that he feels the 2003 steroids list should be released to the public.
Personal difficulties with White Sox General Manager
Kenny Williams led to speculation dating back to October 2010
that the White Sox would allow Guillén out of his contract to manage the Marlins. On September 26, 2011
, an inability to get a contract extension worked out with the White Sox eventually led to his being released from his position, with the White Sox retaining the right to receive compensation should Guillén manage in the 2012 season.
On September 28, 2011, the Marlins introduced Guillén as their new manager.
Guillén married Ibis Cardenas in 1983. They have three sons: Ozwaldo "Ozzie" Jr. (born 1985), Oney (born 1986), and Ozney (born 1992). Ozzie Jr. was born in Las Vegas, Nevada
; his two younger brothers were born in Venezuela. When Ozzie Guillen turned 42 in January 2006, he, his wife, and son Oney became naturalized
as U.S. citizens
. Ozzie Jr. is the lead Spanish-language broadcaster on the White Sox radio network.
Guillen is known for being somewhat eccentric and outspoken, which sometimes lands him in the middle of controversy. In June 2006 he was quoted as calling Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti
a "fag." He later apologized for offending any homosexuals, but did not back down in his criticism of Mariotti.
In early 2010, Guillen set up a Twitter account, and he tweets in both English and his native Spanish.
In 2010 he spoke against Arizona's new law to deal with illegal immigration. Guillen described illegal immigrants as "workaholics." "And this country can't survive without them," he said. "There are a lot of people from this country who are lazy. We're not. Prove me wrong. A lot of people in this country want to be on the computer and send e-mails to people. We do the hard work. We're the ones who go out and work in the sun to make this country better." In August, Guillen said that Asian players were treated better than Latino players.
Venezuelan American
Venezuelan Americans are citizens and residents of the United States who trace their heritage to the South American nation of Venezuela.Venezuelan Americans are one of 20 Hispanic or Latino groups in the U.S. While other U.S...
former Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player and current manager
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
of the Miami Marlins. He managed the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
from 2004 to 2011 before asking for his release at the end of the 2011 season.
Born in Ocumare Del Tuy
Ocumare del Tuy
Ocumare del Tuy is a city located in the Miranda State in northern Venezuela. With a 10.12°N of latitude and 66.78°W of longitude, Ocumare del Tuy is noted for warm and clear weather, with year-round sunshine and 60 days of rainfall annually, and an average temperature that ranges from 64 to 83...
, Venezuela, he played in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
as a shortstop
Shortstop
Shortstop, abbreviated SS, is the baseball fielding position between second and third base. Shortstop is often regarded as the most dynamic defensive position in baseball, because there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the...
for the White Sox (1985–97), Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
(1998
1998 Baltimore Orioles season
The 1998 Baltimore Orioles season involved the Orioles finishing 4th in the American League East with a record of 79 wins and 83 losses.-Offseason:*December 11, 1997: Doug Drabek was signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles....
), Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
(1998
1998 Atlanta Braves season
-Offseason:*November 17, 1997: Walt Weiss was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.*January 30, 1998: Dennis Martinez was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.*February 6, 1998: Curtis Pride was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves....
–1999
1999 Atlanta Braves season
-Offseason:*November 10, 1998: Bret Boone was traded by the Cincinnati Reds with Mike Remlinger to the Atlanta Braves for Rob Bell, Denny Neagle, and Michael Tucker.*December 1, 1998: Otis Nixon was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves....
) and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2000
2000 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season
The 2000 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season was their 3rd since the franchise was created. This season, they finished last in the AL East division, and managed to finish the season with a record of 69-92. Their manager were Larry Rothschild, who entered his 3rd year with the club...
). He batted left-handed and threw right-handed. As a player, Guillén was regarded for his passion, speed, hustle, intensity and defensive abilities and his ebullient love for the game. In 2005, Guillen became the first Latino manager in major league history to win a World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
.
Player
Guillén was a light-hittingBatting (baseball)
In baseball, batting is the act of facing the opposing pitcher and trying to produce offense for one's team. A batter or hitter is a person whose turn it is to face the pitcher...
, quick-handed shortstop, emerging from a line of Venezuelan shortstops that included; Chico Carrasquel
Chico Carrasquel
Alfonso Carrasquel Colón, better known as Chico Carrasquel was a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a shortstop for the Chicago White Sox , Cleveland Indians , Kansas City Athletics and the Baltimore Orioles...
, Luis Aparicio
Luis Aparicio
Luis Ernesto Aparicio Montiel is a former shortstop in professional baseball. His career in Major League Baseball spanned three decades, from through . Aparicio played for the Chicago White Sox , Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed...
(both White Sox players), Dave Concepción
Dave Concepción
David Ismael Concepción Benitez , better known as Dave Concepción, is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball. He was born in Ocumare de la Costa, Aragua State, Venezuela...
, and Omar Vizquel
Omar Vizquel
Omar Enrique Vizquel González , nicknamed "Little O", is a Venezuelan Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. Vizquel has played for the Seattle Mariners , the Cleveland Indians , the San Francisco Giants , the Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox...
(who played for Guillen as a utility player
Utility player
In sport, a utility player is one who can play several positions competently, a sort of jack of all trades. Sports in which the term is often used include association football , baseball, rugby, rugby league, water polo and softball....
for the White Sox). He was originally signed as a free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
by the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
in 1980. In December 1984, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox as part of an eight-player trade, with Tim Lollar
Tim Lollar
William Timothy Lollar is a former professional baseball pitcher. He played all or part of seven seasons in Major League Baseball from 1980-86 for the New York Yankees , San Diego Padres , Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox , primarily as a starting pitcher.- Early career :Lollar played...
, Bill Long and Luis Salazar
Luis Salazar
Luis Ernesto Salazar Garcia is a former third baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball, a right-handed batter who played from 1980 to 1992....
in exchange for LaMarr Hoyt
LaMarr Hoyt
Dewey LaMarr Hoyt is a former Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who won the American League Cy Young Award.-Chicago White Sox:...
.
In 1985
1985 Chicago White Sox season
The 1985 Chicago White Sox season was the White Sox's 86th season. They finished with a record 85–77, good enough for 3rd place in the American League West, 6 games behind the 1st place Kansas City Royals.-Offseason:...
, Guillén received both the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
Rookie of the Year
MLB Rookie of the Year Award
In Major League Baseball, the Rookie of the Year Award is annually given to one player from each league as voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America . The award was established in 1940 by the Chicago chapter of the BBWAA, which selected an annual winner from 1940 through 1946...
and The Sporting News Rookie of the Year
The Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award
The Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award was established in 1946 by The Sporting News .*In 1947-48, and again in 1950, a single award was given for all of Major League Baseball....
awards, becoming only the third rookie shortstop in major league history to win a fielding title. He became known for his daring, aggressive style of play, as was demonstrated on August 2, 1985 in a game against the New York Yankees
1985 New York Yankees season
The New York Yankees' 1985 season was the 83rd season for the Yankees. The team finished in second place in the American League Eastern Division with a record of 97-64, finishing 2 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays. New York was managed by Yogi Berra and Billy Martin...
. With the game tied 5–5 in the 11th inning
Inning
Inning is a municipality in the district of Erding in Bavaria in Germany....
, Guillén hit a two-out
Out (baseball)
In baseball, an out occurs when the defensive, or fielding, team effects any of a number of different events, and the umpire rules a batter or baserunner out. When a player is called out, he is said to be retired...
single
Single (baseball)
In baseball, a single is the most common type of base hit, accomplished through the act of a batter safely reaching first base by hitting a fair ball and getting to first base before a fielder puts him out...
and, then proceeded to steal second base. When the next batter hit an infield single
Infield hit
An infield hit is an outcome in baseball in which the batted ball stays in the infield but neither the batter nor any of the runners are put out. If the batter and the runners reach safely due to an error, it is not considered an infield hit. Runners normally only advance one base in an infield...
, Guillén never hesitated as he rounded third base
Third Base
is a 1978 Japanese film directed by Yōichi Higashi.-External links:...
, catching the Yankees defense off guard and scored the game-winning run
Run (baseball)
In baseball, a run is scored when a player advances around first, second and third base and returns safely to home plate, touching the bases in that order, before three outs are recorded and all obligations to reach base safely on batted balls are met or assured...
.
On April 21, 1992
1992 Chicago White Sox season
The 1992 Chicago White Sox season was the White Sox's 94th season. They finished with a record 86-76, good enough for 3rd place in the American League West, 10 games behind the 1st place Oakland Athletics.-Offseason:...
, Guillén suffered a severe knee injury in a collision with outfielder
Outfielder
Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
Tim Raines
Tim Raines
Timothy Raines , nicknamed "Rock", is a former American professional baseball player. He played as a left fielder in Major League Baseball for six teams from 1979 to 2002 and was best known for his 13 seasons with the Montreal Expos...
. The injury caused him to miss almost the entire season, and subsequently diminished his defensive range as well as his stolen base
Stolen base
In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
output for the remainder of his career. Guillén recovered in 1993
1993 Chicago White Sox season
The 1993 Chicago White Sox season was the White Sox' 94th season. They finished with a record of 94-68, good enough for first place in the American League West, eight games ahead of the second-place Texas Rangers. However, they lost the American League Championship Series in six games to the...
with his most productive season offensively, posting a .280 batting average
Batting average
Batting average is a statistic in both cricket and baseball that measures the performance of cricket batsmen and baseball hitters. The two statistics are related in that baseball averages are directly descended from the concept of cricket averages.- Cricket :...
, and career highs with 4 home run
Home run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s and 50 runs batted in, as the White Sox won the American League Western Division
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...
title. He hit .273 and scored 4 runs in a losing effort, as the White Sox were defeated by the Toronto Blue Jays
1993 Toronto Blue Jays season
The Toronto Blue Jays season involved the Blue Jays finishing first in the American League East with a record of 95 wins and 67 losses. They were shut out only once in 162 regular-season games. The Blue Jays would repeat as World Champions and become the first back-to-back champions since the New...
in the 1993 American League Championship Series
1993 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 5, 1993 at Comiskey Park in Chicago, IllinoisThe ALCS opened at Comiskey Park with a battle of aces, as Toronto threw Juan Guzmán against Chicago's Jack McDowell, the eventual 1993 American League Cy Young Award winner...
.
In October 1997
1997 Chicago White Sox season
The 1997 Chicago White Sox season was the White Sox's 98th season. They finished with a record 80-81, good enough for 2nd place in the American League Central, 6 games behind the 1st place Cleveland Indians.-Offseason:...
, after 13 seasons with the White Sox, Guillén was granted free agency status and signed a contract to play for the Baltimore Orioles
1998 Baltimore Orioles season
The 1998 Baltimore Orioles season involved the Orioles finishing 4th in the American League East with a record of 79 wins and 83 losses.-Offseason:*December 11, 1997: Doug Drabek was signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles....
. In May 1998
1998 Atlanta Braves season
-Offseason:*November 17, 1997: Walt Weiss was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.*January 30, 1998: Dennis Martinez was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves.*February 6, 1998: Curtis Pride was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves....
, the Orioles released him and he signed with the Atlanta Braves as a utility infielder
Infielder
An infielder is a baseball player stationed at one of four defensive "infield" positions on the baseball field.-Standard arrangement of positions:In a game of baseball, two teams of nine players take turns playing offensive and defensive roles...
. He helped the Braves
1999 Atlanta Braves season
-Offseason:*November 10, 1998: Bret Boone was traded by the Cincinnati Reds with Mike Remlinger to the Atlanta Braves for Rob Bell, Denny Neagle, and Michael Tucker.*December 1, 1998: Otis Nixon was signed as a Free Agent with the Atlanta Braves....
win the 1999 National League Championship Series
1999 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 12, 1999 at Turner Field in Atlanta, GeorgiaThe Braves began their eighth consecutive NLCS with a 4–2 victory over the Mets, defeating a team they left for dead two weeks earlier...
against the New York Mets
1999 New York Mets season
The New York Mets' 1999 season was the 38th regular season for the Mets. They went 96-66 and finished 2nd in the NL East but won the NL Wild Card by beating the Cincinnati Reds in a one game playoff. They were managed by Bobby Valentine...
with a 10th inning
Inning
Inning is a municipality in the district of Erding in Bavaria in Germany....
, pinch hit single in Game 6 of the series that tied the score at nine runs apiece, as the Braves went on to win the game and the series. The Braves would eventually lose to the New York Yankees
1999 New York Yankees season
The New York Yankees' 1999 season was the 97th season for the Bronx based professional baseball team. The team finished with a record of 98-64 finishing 4 games ahead of the Boston Red Sox. New York was managed by Joe Torre. The Yankees played at Yankee Stadium...
in Guillén's only World Series
1999 World Series
The 1999 World Series, the 95th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series, featured a rematch between the defending champions New York Yankees against the Atlanta Braves during the month of October, with the Yankees sweeping the Series in four games for their second title in a row,...
appearance as a player. After playing one year with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2000
2000 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season
The 2000 Tampa Bay Devil Rays season was their 3rd since the franchise was created. This season, they finished last in the AL East division, and managed to finish the season with a record of 69-92. Their manager were Larry Rothschild, who entered his 3rd year with the club...
, he retired as a player at the end of the season.
Playing career statistics
In a sixteen-year major league career, Guillén played in 1,993 gamesGames played
Games played is a statistic used in team sports to indicate the total number of games in which a player has participated ; the statistic is generally applied irrespective of whatever portion of the game is contested.-Baseball:In baseball, the statistic applies also to players who, prior to a game,...
, accumulating 1,764 hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
in 6,686 at bats for a .264 career batting average along with 28 home runs, 619 runs batted in and an on base percentage
On base percentage
In baseball statistics, on-base percentage is a measure of how often a batter reaches base for any reason other than a fielding error, fielder's choice, dropped/uncaught third strike, fielder's obstruction, or catcher's interference In baseball statistics, on-base percentage (OBP) (sometimes...
of .287. Guillén was an All-Star
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
in 1988, 1990–1991, and won the Gold Glove Award
Gold Glove Award
The Rawlings Gold Glove Award, usually referred to as the Gold Glove, is the award given annually to the Major League Baseball players judged to have exhibited superior individual fielding performances at each fielding position in both the National League and the American League , as voted by the...
in 1990
1990 Chicago White Sox season
The 1990 Chicago White Sox season was the White Sox's 91st season. They finished with a record 94-68, good enough for 2nd place in the American League West, 9 games behind of the 1st place Oakland Athletics, as the White Sox played their final season at Comiskey Park before moving to the new...
. He led American League shortstops twice in range factor
Range Factor
Range Factor is a baseball statistic developed by Bill James. It is calculated by dividing putouts and assists by number of innings or games played at a given defense position...
, once in assists
Assist (baseball)
In baseball, an assist is a defensive statistic, baseball being one of the few sports in which the defensive team controls the ball. An assist is awarded to every defensive player who fields or touches the ball prior to the recording of a putout, even if the contact was unintentional...
and once in fielding percentage
Fielding percentage
In baseball statistics, fielding percentage, also known as fielding average, is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball...
. Guillén's .974 career fielding percentage ranks him 40th overall among major league shortstops, ahead of both Luis Aparicio and Dave Concepcion. While he was considered one of the best fielding shortstops in the American League, Guillén was often overlooked in post-season awards because his playing career coincided with that of Cal Ripken, Jr.
Cal Ripken, Jr.
Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr. , nicknamed "Iron Man", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles ....
Guillén ranks among the White Sox all-time leaders in games played
Games played
Games played is a statistic used in team sports to indicate the total number of games in which a player has participated ; the statistic is generally applied irrespective of whatever portion of the game is contested.-Baseball:In baseball, the statistic applies also to players who, prior to a game,...
, hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
, and at-bats
At bat
In baseball, an at bat or time at bat is used to calculate certain statistics, including batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage. It is a more restricted definition of a plate appearance...
. As a hitter, he was known as a free swinger, posting one of the highest at bats per walk ratios in major league history. Guillén played his entire Venezuelan Winter League career with Tiburones de La Guaira
Tiburones de La Guaira
The Tiburones de La Guaira are a baseball team in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. Based in the city of La Guaira, the Tiburones have won seven national championships since their founding in 1962.-History:...
.
Manager
Following his playing career, Guillén coachedCoach (baseball)
In baseball, a number of coaches assist in the smooth functioning of a team. They are assistants to the manager, or head coach, who determines the lineup and decides how to substitute players during the game...
for the Montreal Expos
Montreal Expos
The Montreal Expos were a Major League Baseball team located in Montreal, Quebec from 1969 through 2004, holding the first MLB franchise awarded outside the United States. After the 2004 season, MLB moved the Expos to Washington, D.C. and renamed them the Nationals.Named after the Expo 67 World's...
in 2001
2001 Montreal Expos season
-Offseason:*December 21, 2000: Tim Raines signed as a Free Agent with the Montreal Expos.*December 21, 2000: Curtis Pride was signed as a Free Agent with the Montreal Expos.-Regular season:...
and 2002
2002 Montreal Expos season
-Offseason:*October 3, 2001: Tim Raines was sent to the Baltimore Orioles by the Montreal Expos as part of a conditional deal.* February 21, 2002: José Canseco signed as a Free Agent with the Montreal Expos....
and the World Champion Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
in 2003
2003 Florida Marlins season
The 2003 Florida Marlins season was a season in American baseball. The Marlins were the National League Wild Card Winners, the National League Champions, and the World Series Champions.-Offseason:...
before he was hired in the offseason to replace Jerry Manuel
Jerry Manuel
Jerry Manuel , nicknamed "The Sage" is a former major league manager. He previously managed the Chicago White Sox from 1998 to 2003 and the New York Mets from the middle of 2008 to 2010 and played in the majors for parts of five seasons in the 1970s and early 1980s.-Playing career:Manuel played...
as the White Sox manager
Manager (baseball)
In baseball, the field manager is an individual who is responsible for matters of team strategy on the field and team leadership. Managers are typically assisted by between one and six assistant coaches, whose responsibilities are specialized...
. He received a standing ovation from the crowd of 37,706 Chicagoans when introduced before his first game as a manager at U.S. Cellular Field
U.S. Cellular Field
U.S. Cellular Field is a baseball ballpark in Chicago, Illinois. Owned by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, it is the home of the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball's American League. The park opened for the 1991 season, after the White Sox had spent 81 years at old Comiskey Park...
on April 13, 2004
2004 Chicago White Sox season
The 2004 Chicago White Sox season was the White Sox's 105th season, and their 104th season in Major League Baseball. They finished with a record 83-79, good enough for 2nd place in the American League Central, 9 games behind the champion Minnesota Twins....
. On May 30, 2005
2005 Chicago White Sox season
The 2005 Chicago White Sox season was the White Sox's 105th season. They finished with a 99-63 record in the regular season and won first-place the American League Central division by six games over the Cleveland Indians...
, the White Sox extended Guillén's contract, making the move while the team had the best record in the majors (33–17).
In 2005, he led the White Sox to their first American League pennant
2005 American League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, IllinoisIn the series opener, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim won 3–2 in their third game in as many nights and as many cities. The Angels took the lead in the second inning on a Garret Anderson home run. The Angels added two...
since 1959
1959 Chicago White Sox season
The Chicago White Sox season was the team's 59th season in the major leagues, and its 60th season overall. They finished with a record 94-60, good enough to win the American League championship, five games ahead of the second place Cleveland Indians...
, and their first World Series
2005 World Series
The 2005 World Series, the 101st Major League Baseball championship series, saw the American League champion Chicago White Sox sweep the National League champion Houston Astros four games to none in the best-of-seven-games series, winning their third championship and first since 1917.Home-field...
win since 1917
1917 Chicago White Sox season
The 1917 Chicago White Sox dominated the American League with a record of 100-54. The 100 wins is a club record that still stands. Their offense was first in runs scored while their pitching staff led the league with a 2.16 ERA....
with a 4-game sweep of the Houston Astros
2005 Houston Astros season
The Houston Astros' 2005 season was a season in which the Houston Astros qualified for the postseason for the second consecutive season. The Astros overcame a sluggish 15-30 start to claim the wild card playoff spot, and would go on to win the National League pennant to advance to the World Series...
. Guillén claimed that he might retire after the 2005
2005 Chicago White Sox season
The 2005 Chicago White Sox season was the White Sox's 105th season. They finished with a 99-63 record in the regular season and won first-place the American League Central division by six games over the Cleveland Indians...
season should the White Sox win the World Series, but at the parade celebrating the World Champions he received cheers from the fans when he announced he would indeed return to manage the next season. The White Sox picked up the 2006
2006 Chicago White Sox season
The 2006 Chicago White Sox season was the White Sox's 107th season. It was their first season since winning the World Series the season before...
option on his contract, added two more years and included an option for the 2009
2009 Chicago White Sox season
The 2009 Chicago White Sox season is the organization's 110th season in Chicago and 109th in the American League. The Sox entered the 2009 season as the defending American League Central champions, attempting to repeat against the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, and Minnesota...
season. In November, Guillén was voted the 2005 American League Manager of the Year Award
Manager of the Year Award
In Major League Baseball, the Manager of the Year Award is an honor given annually since 1983 to the best managers in the American League and the National League . The winner is voted on by 28 members of the Baseball Writers Association of America . Each places a vote for first, second, and third...
by the Baseball Writers Association of America
Baseball Writers Association of America
The Baseball Writers' Association of America is a professional association for baseball journalists writing for daily newspapers, magazines and qualifying Web sites. The BBWAA was founded on October 14, 1908, to improve working conditions for sportswriters in the early part of the 20th century...
.
On September 4, 2009, Guillén won his 500th game as manager of the Chicago White Sox as the White Sox defeated the Boston Red Sox
2009 Boston Red Sox season
The Boston Red Sox' 2009 season is the 109th in the team's history. The Red Sox came in off a loss in the American League Championship Series during their 2008 season. The team is in the 97th season at Fenway Park, the oldest active ballpark in Major League Baseball.-Roster:-Regular season:The Red...
by a score of 12–2. Guillen has publicly stated that he feels the 2003 steroids list should be released to the public.
Personal difficulties with White Sox General Manager
General manager (baseball)
In Major League Baseball, the general manager of a team typically controls player transactions and bears the primary responsibility on behalf of the ballclub during contract discussions with players....
Kenny Williams led to speculation dating back to October 2010
2010 Chicago White Sox season
The 2010 Chicago White Sox Season is the organization's 111th season in Chicago and 110th in the American League. The Sox opened the 2010 season against the Cleveland Indians at home on April 5. They closed the season also against the Cleveland Indians at home on October 3...
that the White Sox would allow Guillén out of his contract to manage the Marlins. On September 26, 2011
2011 Chicago White Sox season
The 2011 Chicago White Sox season was the club's 112th season in Chicago and 111th in the American League. The 2011 White Sox schedule was revealed at 7:00 pm CT on September 14, 2010 along with every other team in Major League Baseball.-Offseason:...
, an inability to get a contract extension worked out with the White Sox eventually led to his being released from his position, with the White Sox retaining the right to receive compensation should Guillén manage in the 2012 season.
On September 28, 2011, the Marlins introduced Guillén as their new manager.
Personal life
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
; his two younger brothers were born in Venezuela. When Ozzie Guillen turned 42 in January 2006, he, his wife, and son Oney became naturalized
Naturalization
Naturalization is the acquisition of citizenship and nationality by somebody who was not a citizen of that country at the time of birth....
as U.S. citizens
Citizenship in the United States
Citizenship in the United States is a status given to individuals that entails specific rights, duties, privileges, and benefits between the United States and the individual...
. Ozzie Jr. is the lead Spanish-language broadcaster on the White Sox radio network.
Guillen is known for being somewhat eccentric and outspoken, which sometimes lands him in the middle of controversy. In June 2006 he was quoted as calling Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti
Jay Mariotti
Jay Mariotti is a former national columnist for Fanhouse.com and has done work as a panelist on the ESPN show Around the Horn.-Life and career:...
a "fag." He later apologized for offending any homosexuals, but did not back down in his criticism of Mariotti.
In early 2010, Guillen set up a Twitter account, and he tweets in both English and his native Spanish.
In 2010 he spoke against Arizona's new law to deal with illegal immigration. Guillen described illegal immigrants as "workaholics." "And this country can't survive without them," he said. "There are a lot of people from this country who are lazy. We're not. Prove me wrong. A lot of people in this country want to be on the computer and send e-mails to people. We do the hard work. We're the ones who go out and work in the sun to make this country better." In August, Guillen said that Asian players were treated better than Latino players.
External links
- MLB Web Page – biography
- Baseball Library – profile
- Interview in The Heckler
- Ozzie Guillen: The Wit and Wisdom – slideshow by Life magazine
- Ozzie Guillen: He's Another Concepcion in the Making, Baseball Digest, August 1988
- Ozzie Guillen Still Retains Defensive Edge at Short, Baseball Digest, July 1996