AJ Pierzynski on Why He's NO LONGER a Chicago White Sox Ambassador

Join us for an exclusive interview with former Chicago White Sox catcher and MLB FOX analyst AJ Pierzynski, as he opens up about the surprising reasons behind his departure as a team ambassador. 🎙️⚾
In this candid discussion, AJ Pierzynski sheds light on the circumstances that led to his mutual exit from the ambassador role with the White Sox.
Additionally, Pierzynski discusses the current challenges facing the White Sox in 2024. What are the key issues plaguing the team, and what could they mean for the future of the franchise? AJ shares his expert analysis on what needs to change for the Sox to turn things around. 🔄📉
Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with one of baseball’s most recognized figures. Drop your questions and comments below - let's get the discussion going!
Remember to subscribe and click the bell 🔔 to catch all our exclusive interviews and in-depth sports coverage here on ESPN Chicago!"

[@jeffc1347]

As a huge Sox fan in the 90s-2000s I remember hating AJ when he was on the Twins. He turned out to be one of the most legendary Sox players ever and here he is on the radio talking about how the Sox are he and his kids favorite organization. Funny how things can change lol.

[@UpsonPrattJr.]

He should be the manager right now. Even if they were 3-14 with AJ, I'd still have faith in the team. I haven't watched or listened to one game and don't plan on it. Baseball was canceled for me this year.

[@damiencollado727]

@@UpsonPrattJr. Jim Thome would be a better choice . He at least as worked in the dugout in ST

[@UpsonPrattJr.]

@@damiencollado727 If I had to choose between AJ and Big Jim, I'd call that a good day.

[@havanaradio]

He was MLB consensus most hated player during his career. And not because he was good lol.

[@justinbaker2883]

AJs the best. I hope Foul Territory works out for him

[@TomServo101]

When Waddle asked whats ailing this franchise? Its Jerry Reinsdorf. Its Jerry. It always has been. For a man that made his money in investments originally, he is a dogshit investor in his baseball team. The problem is Jerry. And until he's gone, nothing is changing. The man is cancer to Chicago baseball and taxpayers.

[@UpsonPrattJr.]

Yep. Yep. And yep.

[@Da219StarWarsGuy]

If I'm not mistaken, he would buy real estate and rent it out and was a slumlord at that yet made a profit because of some tax loophole.

[@blackhorse11thACR]

Reinsdork has destroyed the team. He deliberately tanked the team so he can get Nashville or loop move. He needs to go. Sox fan since 1964.

[@RWildekrav66]

AJ should have been hired as manager of the SOX .

[@maverick1956hk]

And that’s exactly why he never will be. Theres no way Jerry would want him

[@damiencollado727]

Yeah another guy with no experience in the dugout 🙄

[@MrDuds1984]

I’ve been calling this for the last five years!!!!!!

[@brucestanley9330]

@@damiencollado727 AJ is the most knowledgeable non-coach in baseball. He could roll out of bed and outcoach most MLB managers.

[@UpsonPrattJr.]

@@maverick1956hk Yeah why would Jerry want someone with passion and a baseball IQ through the roof. That's definitely not a Jerry move.

[@wandtvdougwolfe1]

AJ is the best. Love hearing him.

[@jpizzle2150]

Hopefully the next manager!

[@UpsonPrattJr.]

It would make too much sense. Jerry wouldn't want to please the fans in any way.

[@phileichinger1532]

Great Comment. This Phillies series is so embarrassing

[@Soulmodulation]

Heres hoping that Jerry comes to his senses after a historically abysmal season, and listens to AJ. Can Getz, can Grifol, get some people who can develop talent, and put this team back on tracks. We're in a weak division, so it wont take a ton to make progress. Also, I'm not sure how coach ready AJ is, but he can't be much worse than guys like Grifol or Marmol. He is exactly the type of dude players would go to battle for; hes also competitive and loyal as hell.

[@brucestanley9330]

AJ would put those two guys to shame. Grifol NEVER should have been hired.

[@UpsonPrattJr.]

AJ is exactly the kind of guy you want as a manager. I hope a team hires him and he has all the success he can handle. And then pan the camera to the look on Jerry's face. F*ckin' a$$hole Reinsdorf.

[@mrlaw711]

That answer would be a "no."

[@user-jd2vz4my1w]

I'm a White Sox fan who admits the bitter history of this franchise: Since 1920, two AL pennants; Since 1960 one AL pennant; A 40 year pennant drought (1919-1959) and a 46 year pennant drought (1959-2005); 2-11-1 in regular seasons for 1968-1980; Since 1981 one AL pennant; 6 playoff series losses (6-17 in games) apart from 2005; 6-12-1 in regular seasons since 2006; 2-9-1 in regular seasons since 2013.

[@dougg2012]

And outside of 2005, 0 playoff series wins since 1906.

[@kavalere]

and never made two consecutive playoff appearances ever.

[@aidenawe9359]

@@kavalere2020 and 2021

[@kavalere]

@@aidenawe9359shit you’re correct thank you !

[@johantrenier1685]

Here they are closing off the clubhouse to White Sox 2005 members. Classic. 🤦‍♂️

[@UpsonPrattJr.]

That's just Jerry being Jerry.

[@mariocisneros911]

I lost it when they hired La Russa. Reinsdorf said after selling Sale , "We'll be rebuilding" , this after 4 stinking seasons ( 2013-2016). I've bailed out ..this from a fan since they wore red / 71-75, and NOW ALL DIE HARD WHITE SOX FANS ARE RED HOT MAD AT JERRY. Look at their win loss record in the last 13 seasons and you'll see near 100 losses 4 times . Just think 2-3 more might be coming

[@aidenawe9359]

Not sure about your last sentence

[@mariocisneros911]

@@aidenawe9359 2 to 3 "100 loss seasons" might be coming

[@WMusick]

Even though AJ is semi-Ahole 24/7, rubs people the wrong way, is rude, hated by opponents, hated less by teammates, I've always liked the guy, think he has great insight, and was an under rated great player for years.

[@davidenodirtymo1884]

It’s sad to see such low level of baseball from a glorious club : after last two years I was hoping this was a sort of redemption season , maybe not a lot of wins , but a sort of blood sweat and hustle thing. Changes need to happen, white sox can’t be so miserable .

[@ericg8045]

Doing a proper search would have cost him money & time...he doesn't want to put in either.

[@aidenawe9359]

I’m sure Jerry wants to win. The problem is it’s in “his way”.

[@jamestripp239]

Come back to the Twins AJ we really suck

[@thechi2848]

I see why isn't an ambassador to this organization. The problem with this organization is its incompetent owner and his questionable hirings. Can we just admit that resindorf is just a plain horrible owner, both his teams can leave chicago for all i care, take the Sox and bulls to Nashville.

[@watsonroadster3707]

Go back to Wrigley...

[@KazeShikamaru]

That is never happening.

[@mikegiammaria]

Sell the team, Jerry.

[@drakeequation521]

130 losses....at least.

[@mariocisneros911]

Hey JERRY . HOW CAN THE ORGANIZATION GET BETTER WHEN YOU DONT EVEN SEARCH FOR AN EXPERIENCED, YES EXPERIENCED GENERAL MANAGERIAL WHO IS QUALIFIED AND SUCCESSFUL. YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TURN THIS BUSINESS/ TEAM AROUND SO YOURE WASTING MONEY AND TIME

[@llee8825]

Caribbean players for the Sox do not play well in the cold weather of April and May where temperatures in Chicago are 40-55 degrees. Their home countries average 70 degrees+ in winter. So this is why they ride the injury list early in the season. I feel for players here because baseball is meant to be played in hot weather not cold, rainy and snowy April. It would be great if MLB eliminated April games and shortened the season. Ozzie said they're working out in the offseason but not doing baseball activities like running the bases. Running on a treadmill at a slower pace is totally different from running at top speed to first base.

[@johantrenier1685]

These guys have been here for over multiple years. Most players adapt. They are running to first base for Pete’s sake. Every year, same. Get on a treadmill or something.

[@dubya2621]

This is one of the dumbest things I've ever read, you know nothing about baseball

[@llee8825]

@@johantrenier1685 None of these guys live here year round except Tim Anderson. Soon as the season is over, they fly home to the Caribbean so I don't think they've ever acclimated and none of them have experienced a Chicago winter. Abreu (my favorite player) said it was hard for him to play in April/May due to cold weather which explains his slow start every year. I think Ozzie is right - they're not doing baseball activities like running the bases during the offseason. Running on the treadmill at a slower pace is different than running at top speed to first base.

[@johantrenier1685]

@@llee8825 They just mentioned today DeJong lives in Wisconsin in the off season. He’s having 0 issues. Sheets worked on his swing and changed a few things and is in a normal climate playing fine. DeJong and Sheets pickup truck guys. Jimenez, Robert, Moncada all imports and touchy. I agree with you.

[@mrlaw711]

What a stereotype cope out. Tell that nonsense to the families of Clemente, and many other Hall of Famer's who played in cold cities.

[@death_stalker]

I love AJ