Fisk returns to the Cell as Sox ambassador

Carlton Fisk was back at U.S. Cellular Field on Thursday night. The Hall of Fame catcher wasn't quite sure why.

"They (White Sox) have defined me as an ambassador, whatever an ambassador's duties are,'' Fisk said. "I just hope it's not an ambassador to Iraq or some place and they send me over there. I guess it means I'm a jack of all trades and a master of none. I was a master of one, but not anymore.''

Fisk signed with the White Sox in 1981 and played until '93, when he was unceremoniously released. That seemed to set off a period of bad blood, but Fisk denies he ever had a problem with Sox management.

"I think there is a big misunderstanding here by a lot of people that think I didn't like playing here,'' Fisk said. "That's just so far from being the truth.

"There are a lot of people that are Sox fans that recognized me. I'll go up to people who are wearing Sox hats and T-shirts and stuff. There have never been any problems that way. So that's why I'm here, for sure. This is baseball, White Sox baseball, and here we are at the ballpark.''

In his undefined role, the 60-year-old Fisk is expected to represent the White Sox in public from time to time.

Jerry Reinsdorf said it's just good to have Fisk back in the organization, regardless of the capacity.

"Carlton Fisk means so much to a generation of White Sox fans,'' said Reinsdorf, who has been the Sox' chairman since 1981. "It's a pleasure to have him back in the ballpark tonight, seeing friends and spending time with former teammates. Tonight is about our fans and the White Sox welcoming Pudge back to Chicago.

"I am very proud of the fact that so many of our former players remain with the organization in various capacities, from general manager to manager to coaches to broadcasters to helping us off the field, like Carlton, Moose (Skowron), Ron Kittle and others. We believe that you never leave the White Sox family.''

Former teammates Ozzie Guillen, Harold Baines, Greg Walker and Joey Cora were on the field for Fisk's video tribute. Fisk entered the playing field on a motorcycle, as did Bo Jackson and Kittle.

"It's a real positive night, a joyful night,'' Fisk said. "It's a chance to reconnect with the organization, the team, my friends and the fans. So it's a pretty special night.''