When his beloved Chicago White Sox snapped a 21-game losing streak on Tuesday, Ozzie Guillen wanted to be part of the celebration.
While he no longer plays or coaches the team, Guillén has been one of the most entertaining parts of Chicago's brutal 2024 season. As part of Live after the Chicago White Sox game At NBC Sports Chicago, Guillén has harshly criticized players and manager Pedro Grifol throughout the season and particularly during he recent losing streak.
Guillén was not on Tuesday's post-match show, however, at least not officially.
After an interview with outfielder Andrew Benintendi, the camera returned to the studio. Host Chuck Garfien, who has experienced the struggle With Guillén Throughout the season, he told co-host Frank Thomas that Guillen was trying to call.
“Frank, I’m looking at my phone and someone is calling me; he’s called me twice,” Garfien said. “Ozzie Guillen is calling me right now. Does he know I’m on TV? Is he watching? Does he want to come on the show?” Garfien tried calling Guillen again on air, but got no answer.
Ozzie tried to call in earlier, but Chuck Garfien tried to call him back on the air to no avail. image.twitter.com/2rRGqPylkm
— Horrible announcement (@awfulannouncing) August 7, 2024
Guillén, however, would not be silenced. A few minutes later, he called Garfien back. Garfien answered… on the air.
—Ozzie, you know we're on TV, right? —Garfien asked.
“Hello,” Guillén replied.
“You know we're on TV right now. You're on TV right now.”
“It’s over,” Thomas shouted.
“It’s over,” Garfien repeated. “You’re calling because the Sox finally won a game?”
—Yes, I know —Guillén said, laughing—. I just tried to call them.
“Do you want to add some ideas to the program?” Garfien asked.
“Happiness,” Guillén said. “Happiness, when you sleep well and deeply.”
“It’s okay,” Garfien replied. “Sleep well. See you tomorrow, okay?”
“Sleep peacefully and happily,” Guillén said.
Ozzie Guillen was not on the White Sox postgame show, but he did have to call out Chuck Garfien and Frank Thomas after the Sox snapped their losing streak.
“Sleep deeply and be happy.” photo.twitter.com/ZRUgoH8jU5
— Horrible announcement (@awfulannouncing) August 7, 2024
“This is the kind of analysis you expect from Ozzie Guillen,” Garfien joked.
It wouldn't have been right to remove him from the post-match show after this near-record losing streak was finally broken. Guillén has A strong connection with the White Sox. So if anyone deserves a good night's sleep and happiness, it's him.
[Photo Credit: NBC Sports Chicago]