Former MLB All-Star and current Chicago White Sox TV analyst Ozzie Guillén has sparked outrage with his vitriolic comments about umpire Hunter Wendelstedt, calling him "bad" and expressing a desire to physically assault him. Guillén's tirade, which was aired during the postgame show on NBC Sports Chicago, has drawn widespread condemnation.
Ozzie Guillén, a three-time MLB All-Star and current Chicago White Sox TV analyst, has ignited a firestorm of controversy with his venomous comments about umpire Hunter Wendelstedt. Guillén's verbal assault, which was broadcast on the postgame show on NBC Sports Chicago, has been met with widespread condemnation.
Ozzie Guillén's Venomous Rant: "I Wish I Punched Him in the Face
"I wish I punched him in the face," Guillén said of Wendelstedt, who threw out White Sox interim manager Grady Sizemore during Chicago's 9-0 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday.
Guillén, known for his outspoken personality, did not hold back in his criticism of Wendelstedt, calling him "bad" and "embarrassed" to wear his uniform. He also made a disparaging remark about Wendelstedt's physique, saying, "Look at how fat he is."
Ozzie Guillén's Venomous Rant: "I Wish I Punched Him in the Face
Wendelstedt is the son of Harry Wendelstedt Jr., who umpired for 33 seasons in the majors. Guillén, who played in the majors from 1985-2000, overlapped with the elder Wendelstedt as a player.
Guillén's comments have been widely condemned by baseball experts and fans alike. Former MLB umpire Dale Scott called Guillén's words "disgraceful" and said they "have no place in our game."
"As an umpire, it's our job to enforce the rules," Scott said. "We make mistakes sometimes, but we don't deserve to be verbally or physically abused."
White Sox play-by-play announcer Scott Merkin also expressed his disapproval of Guillén's comments, calling them "inappropriate."
"We all get frustrated with umpires from time to time," Merkin said. "But there's no excuse for the kind of language Ozzie used."
Guillén's outburst is the latest in a series of incidents that have marred the White Sox's disastrous season. The team has lost 12 straight games, their third losing streak of 12 or more games this season. They are 31-109 and tumbling toward the worst season in baseball history.
Guillén's latest comments have only added to the chaos surrounding the White Sox. The team fired manager Pedro Grifol on August 8, but have had little success under Sizemore, who is 3-19 since taking over the job.
The White Sox will look to avoid their 13th straight loss when they take on the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. It remains to be seen whether Guillén's comments will have any impact on the team's performance, but they have certainly cast a dark shadow over the organization.
