The Chicago White Sox received a memorable tribute to franchise history Thursday when former catcher AJ Pierzynski presented Pope Leo XIV with a treasured piece of the club’s 2005 World Series championship.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, became the first American-born pope in May 2025. Raised on Chicago’s South Side, he has long been known as a passionate White Sox fan and attended Game 1 of the 2005 World Series at Guaranteed Rate Field before becoming pontiff.
The World Series opener helped propel the White Sox to the organization’s first championship in 88 years. They took down the Houston Astros 5-3 behind early power from Jermaine Dye, important contributions from Joe Crede, and another strong outing by Jose Contreras before eventually capping off a four-game sweep in the 2005 Fall Classic.
Foul Territory TV shared the special moment Thursday on X, formerly Twitter, after the former 19-year MLB veteran met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and gave him one of the most meaningful keepsakes from Chicago’s championship run.
“The last out ball from Game 1 of the 2005 World Series now belongs to Pope Leo XIV, as gifted by @AJPierzynski12.”
The last out ball from Game 1 of the 2005 World Series now belongs to Pope Leo XIV, as gifted by @AJPierzynski12. pic.twitter.com/azJzXv3Ukr
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) June 25, 2026
The baseball carried deep significance because Pierzynski was behind the plate when Chicago recorded the final out of Game 1. During the 2005 postseason, he hit .262 with three home runs and nine RBIs while helping guide a pitching staff that controlled October. He also batted .286 during the 2005 World Series and remained central to the White Sox’s 2005 championship identity.
For the Pope, the gift represented more than a baseball souvenir. It offered a direct connection to a championship he witnessed in person long before leading the Catholic Church.
For White Sox fans, the exchange created another lasting chapter linking one of the franchise’s greatest moments to one of the world’s most recognizable baseball supporters and showing how deeply that October run still resonates in Chicago.
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