White Sox hire Ventura as manager

CHICAGO, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- The Chicago White Sox hired Robin Ventura as their new manager Thursday, choosing a former all-star third baseman who spent a decade playing for the team.

It will be Ventura's first managerial job.

Ventura replaces Ozzie Guillen, who was released by the White Sox with two games remaining in the regular season. Guillen, who guided the White Sox for eight years, was hired by the Florida Marlins to manage that team.

"I wanted someone who met very specific criteria centered around his leadership abilities," Chicago General Manager Ken Williams said in announcing the hiring of Ventura. "Robin Ventura was that man. His baseball knowledge and expertise, his professionalism, his familiarity with the White Sox and Chicago and his outstanding character make him absolutely the right person to lead our clubhouse and this organization into the seasons ahead."

Ventura hit .267 with 294 home runs and 1,182 RBI during his 16-year career in the majors. He hit 18 career grand slams, tying him for fifth on the all-time list.

His playing career with the White Sox ended in 1998.