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."