Posted on 02/10/2006 10:15:56 AM PST by Chi-townChief
CHICAGO -- Getting the chance to privately tour the White House in the nation's capital and meet with President Bush would be a fairly interesting and exciting experience, in and of itself, for any average American citizen. Being recognized for their 2005 World Series title by President Bush after their tour, as announced Thursday by White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, simply adds to that particular brand of excitement. But for Aaron Rowand, the Gold Glove caliber center fielder who was traded to Philadelphia just a month after the celebration ended, Monday's trip holds an even higher level of personal significance.
"It's even more exciting now then it would be if I was still on the team," said Rowand, speaking from his car Thursday afternoon while on his way to Philadelphia's Spring Training site in Clearwater, Fla. "It's going to be the last time I get to see the guys for a while.
"This will be a good reunion, and a lot of the guys have called to see if I'm going. It's going to be a great time."
Rowand won't be the only White Sox World Series contributor with a new address to be on hand in Washington, D.C. Players such as Damaso Marte, Luis Vizcaino, Willie Harris and Geoff Blum, to name a few, were all invited and are scheduled to be part of the ceremony. Part-time contributors such as Brandon McCarthy, Brian Anderson and Joe Borchard were also extended an invitation and will be taking advantage of the chance to meet the president.
The traveling party will include coaches, trainers and strength and conditioning coordinators, and selected front office personnel will be part of the White Sox traveling party. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and general manager Ken Williams will make the trip, but manager Ozzie Guillen will not be in attendance.
Guillen, who had a family vacation previously planned for Feb. 13, is one of six players or coaches with ties to the organization who won't be going to the White House. Tadahito Iguchi is being recognized in his homeland of Japan with a ceremony that could not be changed, while Scott Podsednik currently is on his honeymoon. Freddy Garcia (preparing for the World Baseball Classic), Frank Thomas and Bobby Jenks also will not be in attendance.
Most of the White Sox contingency is scheduled to arrive in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, with the festivities starting with the private tour Monday afternoon. There will be a meet and greet with President Bush and a private time for the team to speak with him, outside of the photo opportunity and public statements.
For a history buff like Rowand, checking out the different White House bedrooms and the Oval Office figures to be a very memorable afternoon. Rowand laughed and agreed that it could have been even more entertaining if Guillen, the proud new American citizen and colorful manager, would have come along.
With pitchers and catchers scheduled to report to Tucson on Feb. 17, the trip to the White House almost serves as a changing of the guard for the White Sox. Guillen has previously mentioned that once Feb. 18 arrives and workouts begin, he no longer considers the White Sox the champions. All eyes will be honed in on the 2006 season.
That change for Rowand will be a little more permanent following Monday's trip out East.
"I'm looking forward to catching up with all those guys," said Rowand, who is driving to Orlando to visit with A.J. Pierzynski before the two fly out on Sunday. "This is a neat experience not a whole lot of people get to have.
"Basically, I'm non-partisan. I always vote for who the better guy is. But I like President Bush. I was always a fan of his. I'm a little biased maybe because he's a baseball fan."
CHICAGOLAND (Sout' Side) PING
Poor President Bush...
Why? I would imagine that President is as thrilled to meet the Sox as they are to meet him.
Early returns say that the Sox will be better next year...
Hey--watch out for my Twins. They slammed the Central division shut with their off-season signings. sarc/
BTW, are you still playing the triangle?
BTW, are you still playing the triangle?
What triangle?
January 20, 2009 - W leaves the Whitehouse.
January 21, 2009 - W. is named commissioner of Major League Baseball.
What do you think? Can we get this to happen?
I bet he would have rather had the Astros at the White House instead. BUT, next Tuesday the National Champion Texas Longhorn football team will be at the White House.
That makes my day.
Hook'em!
No reason why not!
I thought Ed Grimley played a triangle (?). One ding and then dance around like you are on hot coals.
I gues your right I must say, I must say!
Woo Hoo!!!
Get a life, go drown out your misery at the Cubbie Bear North with the other sore loser Cub Fans.
"Basically, I'm non-partisan. I always vote for who the better guy is. But I like President Bush. I was always a fan of his. I'm a little biased maybe because he's a baseball fan."
That comment alone almost makes me sorry that they traded him.
Poll to freep:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/
Should Ozzie Guillen visit the White House?
37.2%
Yes (836 responses)
62.8%
No (1414 responses)
2250 total responses
(Poll results not scientific)
Nah, but he certainly had time to bring the World Series trophy to Venezuela and hobnob with Chavez, didn't he?
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