Before I answer some of your questions this week. … I know I told you in
my last post I had the opportunity to meet The Great Muhammad Ali this week
when he came to our clubhouse. I
just wanted to share a picture with you all. It was definitely a great experience
and something I won’t soon forget! 

Now to your questions … 

Q: I love your site and the Q&A! I am so glad you want to be
accessible to the fans. My question is: Going to U.S. Cellular is so much fun,
not only watching the Sox play, but also because they do a great job of
entertaining the fans between innings. Do you or the players in the dugout ever
watch the “Kiss Cam” or the dance contest or any of those moments on the big
screen? — Lisa (Arlington Heights, Ill.)

A: Thank you, glad you like the site. Of course I notice all that stuff, and
it is very entertaining.  The only
difference between me and the fans is I can’t eat or drink during the game and
you guys can’t make moves. Besides
that, we are pretty much the same people.

Q: Ozzie, as a big fan of “Dancing with the Stars,” I would love to see
you on the show. I think you would be a hit, plus you would get to dance with a
beautiful dancer. My money would be on you, Oz! Would you ever consider
it? — Eric (Crown Point, Ind.)

A: Yes, I would, but I don’t think I can be wearing those tight outfits
they have on there. I’m a very
good dancer. I’m the John Travolta of Venezuela (haha).  If I was one of the “Jersey Shore” guys
and I had their stomach, then hell yeah I would do it.

Q: Ozzie, what type of music do you like to dance to? Are you a good
dancer? — Manny (Chicago)

A: I am a good dancer, but I only like to dance with my wife
because we’re good at it. I like
Salsa and some Merengue — old-school Merengue, that is.

Q: Hey, Ozzie, love you! Who would you have liked to play with the most
when you were still playing? Who would you most like to manage past or present?
Stay in Chicago forever! — Mike (Wauconda, Ill.)

A: Thank you. The player I
always wanted to play next to was Roberto Alomar, and I did that and also got to
manage him.

Q: Your reading glasses are awesome. What brand are they, and where did
you get them? — Eric (Geneva, Ill.)

A: Clic Reading Glasses. I get them online in as many colors
as I can find. Try them, for sure
they are awesome.

Q: Can you explain a little on how your relationship is with other
managers and umpires? Do you have friends before and after the games that you
can go grab dinner with when on the road? — DJ (Antioch, Ill.)

A: I have respect for all the managers. I am friendly with a couple guys like Ronnie Washington,
Bruce Bochy, Dusty Baker, and Gardy (Ron Gardenhire). I get along great with so many of them, but have dinner … not
really. I have dinner with my
family or Harold Baines pretty much. As for the umpires, we are not allowed to eat with them.

Q: Have you ever argued with a player before?  And how do you maintain harmony in the clubhouse? — Miguel
(Maracay, Venezuela)

A: Yes, I have argued with my players before. It’s part of the game, and
I just hope they can see my point of view. Thank God my players are always professional. And harmony is
created by winning.

Q: Why No. 13? When I was in Legion ball, I was 13, too. — Brian
(Minneapolis, Minn.)

A: David Concepcion was my favorite player as a child.

Keep the questions coming. We are getting closer and closer to Opening
Day, and I hope you all are getting as excited as I am!

— Ozzie