Hard to Manage

The Chicago White Sox have lived under the shadow of their cross town rival Cubs throughout the history of the franchise. But there was one magical year in 2005 the White Sox were known for more than just a scandal in the 1920's and 87 years of mediocrity. The Chicago White Sox, for one postseason, were able to step outside of the Cub's shadow when they defeated the Houston Astros and were crowned World Series Champions. Leading the way for the team that ended the second longest championship drought in major league history was a former shortstop with a fiery personality and loud comments. He was a man with a love for the game of baseball that could be heard through every post game interview. Even when people did not like his swearing, sports journalists gathered, microphones at the ready to listen to what he would say next. This man may have been one of the most scrutinized managers in White Sox history, but he was also one of the best. Now after an entertaining eight year marriage, Ozzie Guillen and the Chicago White Sox have parted ways. 

Ozzie Guillen's career with the Chicago White Sox was similar to a dysfunctional celebrity marriage. First there was the honeymoon phase. Ozzie Guillen was introduced as the Chicago White Sox manager in the 2003 off season as the successor to Jerry Manual, and the White Sox were happy to have their shortstop of 13 years manage their franchise. The White Sox had success early on in the relationship, for the team finished with at least 83 wins for the first three years of Guillen's career. And a World Series win in 2005. Then the honey moon phase ended as the White Sox did not make the playoffs for the next two years. But the marriage did get rekindled for the 2008 season when the White Sox won the American League Central. But from 2008 to 2011, the marriage was on the rocks as the White Sox performance suffered and Guillen and general manager Kenny Williams reportedly began to feud behind closed doors. And yesterday, the divorce papers  finally had been filled out and baseball's most compelling love-hate relationship ended.  

But there was more to Ozzie Guillen  than just a 668-617 record, two playoff appearances and one World Series Ring. Ozzie Guillen always had something interesting to say, whether fans liked it or not. Guillen's comments ranged from not quitting on his team, to blasting Wrigley Field , to calling Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia a G*Da&% Jockey. Every comment that Ozzie Guillen made was instant television in the world of sports because no manager seemed as real as Ozzie Guillen. He was different from the cliche plagued managers who gave post game comments for the sake of giving post game comments. Ozzie Guillen was very forward with the media, sometimes to forward for his own good. But we all watched and waited for what Guillen had to say because it was always entertaining. 

The fact of the matter was that it was time for Guillen to go. His relationship with the White Sox had been so strained that it was doing both the team and the manager more harm than good. So yesterday, Ozzie Guillen managed his last game with the Chicago White Sox and announced his new deal with the Florida Marlins. Was Guillen a dark cloud over the city of Chicago? At times certainly. But Ozzie Guillen brought the White Sox success, controversy, and attention unlike anything the franchise had never seen before.