White Sox surprise Ozzie Guillen by retiring his No. 13

There have been few things in baseball that have reduced Ozzie Guillen to tears. This was one of them.

The long-time White Sox player, World Series-winning manager and beloved broadcaster was caught by surprise Friday during the early innings of the CHSN telecast when one of his former players on the 2005-title winning team, Scott Podsednik, read from a statement announcing that the ballclub was retiring Guillen’s No. 13.

The number will be retired in pregame ceremonies on Aug. 8, the club announced.

“That’s one of the biggest surprises I’ve ever had in baseball,’’ said Guillen, of an honor that gained impetus last year during the 20th anniversary celebration of the 2005 team, when numerous former players said he deserved it.

“I guess [the White Sox] did it the right way, because they made me cry,’’ Guillen said. “I know how important this moment is for my family, myself. That shows you, shows myself that the White Sox cared what I did for them.’’

Guillen, who began his big-league career with the White Sox in 1985, said he originally asked for the number 9, but was told he could not have it because it had been worn by Minnie Minoso and was retired. Guillen then asked for No. 13, worn by his baseball hero and fellow Venezuelan shortstop, Davey Concepcion of the Reds.

He said he hopes that Concepcion, who will be 78 this summer, will be able to attend the retirement ceremony. He also is looking forward to the team’s 90-year-old owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, being there as well. “I just talked to Jerry a few minutes ago,’’ Guillen said. “He said, ‘I did want to see you cry once.’ ’’

Guillen has made a lasting impact on the organization in multiple ways.

“I’ve been lucky in Chicago, man,’’ he said. “A lot of people knew me as a manager, a lot of people knew me as a manager, and a lot of kids know me as that crazy guy on TV.’’

Guillen, naturally, delivered a classic Ozzie-ism when describing how much Reinsdorf means to him.

“I never deny it, I love Jerry Reinsdorf more than my own dad,’’ Guillen told a media scrum gathered at the back of the press box during the game. “You know why? My dad, every time he calls me, he asks me for money. Jerry makes me money.’’

Burke delivers

Few people would quibble with Reinsdorf’s assertion that the Sox need to pitch better. The Sox came into the game having allowed 52 runs in their first six games. That’s the most they’ve surrendered in the first six since 59 in 1995. Before the game, GM Chris Getz insisted things would get better.

“We certainly don’t need to get ahead of ourselves and start, you know, doing significant interventions,’’ Getz said, fielding the usual questions about top pitching prospects Noah Schultz, Hagen Smith and Tanner McDougal.

“To have three significant like that at the Triple-A level is very comforting … but we certainly don’t feel like it’s the right time to bring those guys.’’

Grant Taylor and Sean Burke made a compelling case against panic Friday afternoon.

Taylor, serving as opener, set down the defending AL champion Jays in order in the first, and Burke, after yielding back-to-back doubles to start the second, did not allow another run in six strong innings, with a total yield of four hits and no walks while striking out seven.

“I think just in general, coming off a bad week of baseball, I really wanted to go out there in front of our home fans…not necessarily to quiet any noise or anything like that. Our bullpen has been working hard, and I just really wanted to give us some length.’’