Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Expect several references to 2005 and how the White Sox need to figure out a way to get back to postseason prowess.

The Chicago White Sox have a challenging first month-plus  to begin the 2023 season. It all starts on Thursday, March 30 when the South Siders visit the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros. The Opening Night game will be televised nationally on ESPN.

The network's broadcast team will consist of the usual suspects, Karl Ravech, Eduardo Perez, and reporter Buster Olney, plus a special guest. Former Astros pitcher Roger Clemens will join the program as a special guest game analyst.

White Sox fans should be familiar with Clemens, especially from his stint with the Astros. "Rocket" started Game 1 of the 2005 World Series against the Sox, though he only pitched two innings before leaving the game early due to a sore hamstring that had previously been an issue. In his abbreviated outing, Clemens allowed four hits and three runs , including Jermaine Dye’s first-inning home run.

When the White Sox and Astros clash to open the 2023 season, there will likely be many references to 2005 and how the South Siders need to figure out a way to get back to postseason prowess.

First pitch between the American League foes on Opening Day is at 6:08 PM CT. The broadcast will be available on ESPN and the ESPN app.

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