Ozzie is no comsymp.
Venezuelan President Chavez congratulates Guillen
Associated Press
Chicago White Sox: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez congratulated White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen for leading his team to the playoffs.
Chavez spoke to Guillen, who's from Venezuela, by phone Sunday during his weekly program on state-run television and radio, "Hello President."
"Congratulations, Oswaldo. All of us here in Venezuela are so proud of you," Chavez said in their live conversation, broadcast nationwide in the South American country.
Guillen, the first Venezuelan manager in the majors, said his spirits were raised when his team won AL Central.
"Now I want to win more than ever," said Guillen, whose team hosts the Boston Red Sox in the opener of the first-round series Tuesday in Chicago.
Chavez, who said he once dreamed of pitching in the major leagues, told Guillen he has always been an example to follow.
"We are with you, always following your success," Chavez said. "And we'll be waiting for you when you come back, hopefully as world champion."
CARACAS, Venezuela -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez congratulated Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen on his World Series victory and hailed him as a national hero Sunday.
"I dare to say you are like the king of Venezuela," Chavez told Guillen, who appeared by telephone on the president's weekly television and radio program, "Hello President."
"Your triumph is the triumph of all of Venezuela," Chavez told Guillen. Chicago swept Houston 4-0 in the best-of-seven series.
"I'm going to try to bring the World Series trophy so that my country may enjoy what the people of the United States enjoy," Guillen said, though it was not immediately clear when Guillen next plans to visit the South American country.
Baseball is the national sport of Venezuela, and among its biggest fans is Chavez, who says he once dreamed of playing in the major leagues.
"You are a true leader, friend," Chavez told Guillen. "The whole nation is waiting for you."