Former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski has presented Pope Leo XIV with the baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. Pierzynski shared photos on social media Thursday showing the moment at the Vatican, though the exact date of the exchange was not disclosed.
Pope's White Sox Connection
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, grew up in Chicago and has been a lifelong White Sox fan. In 2005, then known as Father Bob, he attended Game 1 of the World Series at U.S. Cellular Field (now Rate Field), where the White Sox defeated the Houston Astros 5-3. The game ended when pitcher Bobby Jenks struck out Adam Everett with Pierzynski behind the plate. A graphic installation at Rate Field now marks the section where the pope sat that night.
"7 year old me, at my First Communion, would have never thought that I would get to meet The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV," Pierzynski wrote on Instagram. "I was honored to give him the last out ball from Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, the game he attended."
Sports Gifts for the Pontiff
Since his election in May 2025 as the first U.S.-born pope, Leo XIV has received several sports-related gifts. These include a pinstriped No. 14 White Sox jersey with "Konerko" and "Pope Leo" on the back, signed by former first baseman Paul Konerko (who wore No. 14). He also received a bat once belonging to Hall of Famer Nellie Fox, a White Sox legend. In addition, Vice President JD Vance gave him a custom Chicago Bears jersey, and Bulls radio broadcaster Chuck Swirsky presented a Bulls jersey with No. 14 and "Pope Leo" in November 2025.
White Sox Tribute Planned
The White Sox will honor Pope Leo XIV at their August 11, 2026 game against the Cincinnati Reds. The team plans to distribute pope-themed hats shaped like a miter, featuring the team's sock logo in the middle.
