In a surprise move the Chicago White Sox have named 44-year old Robin Ventura as the next skipper of the Chicago White Sox. Ventura will be taking over for the recently traded Ozzie Guillen. It comes as a surprise as the former big league third basemen will be thrown directly into the fire without any previous managing experience.
Chicago general manager Kenny Williams was quoted at MLB Trade Rumors as saying-
"I wanted someone who met very specific criteria centered around his leadership abilities,"Williams said in a statement. "Robin Ventura was that man."
A three-time All American in college at Oklahoma State University, Ventura was drafted 10th overall by the White Sox in 1988, would make his major league debut in 1989, and play with the White Sox until 1998. Ventura would continue his career through 2004, retiring with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ventura was twice an All-Star and a six-time recipient of the Gold Glove Award. After retirement from baseball, Ventura has worked for ESPN as a commentator before moving into the White Sox front office this summer as an advisor to former Royals manager Buddy Bell. Bell is currently the Director of Player Development with Chicago.
In being named manager, Ventura becomes the 17th former White Sox player to lead the club, and 38th manager in the history of the organization.