The White Sox named Robin Ventura their new manager:

“I wanted someone who met very specific criteria centered around his leadership abilities,” general manager Ken Williams said in a news release. “Robin Ventura was that man.”

Ventura, 44, has never managed and only rejoined the Sox’s front office last June as a special assistant to Buddy Bell, the team’s director of player development.

“I am excited to begin my career as a manager surrounded by former teammates, staff, media and White Sox fans I know very well,” Ventura said in a statement. “I already am looking forward to talking to our players, to this offseason and to getting things underway at spring training next February.”

Ventura was known for his clutch hitting with the White Sox. He’s a hero to White Sox fans, but there’s no way of knowing if that will translate to managerial success. Like Ozzie Guillen before him, he’s a White Sox icon. He does bring a different temperament to the job, however.