Q&A: On Aparicio, Sarasota and activating  myself

How is everyone doing?? Hope you all dug yourselves out of the snow in Chicago. I answered some more of your questions. Keep them coming, I enjoy reading all of them. Before I answer them, I would just like to say this post is dedicated to Fermin Marmol Leon — may you rest in peace. 

On to your questions… 

Q: Ozzie, when I was growing up, I was a huge fan of Luis Aparicio, who of course if from your home country of Venezuela. Did Luis’ career inspire you, and do you know how he’s doing? I haven’t heard much about him since he retired in 1975. Best regards, and go Sox! — Mike W. 

A: I grew up with Luis Aparicio’s uncle, who helped me out a lot. But no, Luis was not one of my inspirations. I was a little too young for his time. Luis right now is in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, enjoying life! 

Q: Who was your favorite speaker at your Roast? — Bob C. 

A: My favorite speaker at the Roast was my son, Ozzie Jr., and Peggy Kusinski was also very good. But the best all around was probably the host, Chris Rongey. 

Q: Miss Spring Training in Sarasota at all? Speaking for many Sox fans here, we miss you guys! Once enjoyed having a cold one with Ron Schueler after a round of golf and saw him call the dugout during a game to talk to Terry Bevington about you playing right field. Remember that game? — Scott H. 

A: No, I don’t remember that game, but I do miss Sarasota; had some great times and memories there! I have to say, though, that I love where the Sox are right now in Arizona. 

Q: You seem to like looking into the crowd during games, so what is the craziest thing you have seen in the crowd? — Anthony D. 

A: Once back in the ’80’s, when I was playing at Old Comiskey Park, I saw a couple being … let’s say “intimate.” (hahaha)

Q: Which Venezuelan will be part of your team this year? Who is the White Sox’s No. 1 Venezuelan prospect? — Hector F. 

A: I am very proud of once again having Omar Vizquel on my team this year. I can’t answer who the best prospect is because the Minor League system is very large and my focus is on the big team. 

Q: If you could play ball with any player on today’s team, who would it be and why? — Kyle B. 

A: Good question, but I would play with my whole team if I was playing. They all play hard and have fun doing it. That’s the way I played. 

Q: Ozzie, would you ever wanna be the owner of the winter ball team Tiburones de La Guaira? Would you ever want to be their manager? — Juan C. 

A: I have always wanted to be the owner of the winter ball team Tiburones de La Guaira. If I had the money and time to invest in the team, I would. Right now, I have to take care of my three kids — imagine me taking care of a whole team. (haha) But you never know what the future might bring! 

Q: Once the Sox clinch the division in September, is there any chance that you will activate yourself for one game and come in as a defensive replacement and play alongside Vizquel? That would be great! — Jimmy Z. 

A: I would never activate myself. I respect baseball, the players and the fans too much to do that.

Q: Hello, Ozzie. You had your extension picked up through 2012, but you will be managing the Sox way past that, right? Please. — Will O. 

A: I hope I am managing the White Sox for the rest of my life; that’s my goal. But it’s not my choice. 

— Ozzie