During a papal audience at the Vatican, a surprising gift arrived from the world of baseball, linking a small Indiana community with the highest echelons of the Catholic Church.
A Hobbyist’s Vision
Kevin Workman, a 65‑year‑old human resources manager from New Haven, Indiana, has spent the past seven years turning his devotion to the rosary into a modest online business. A lifelong Catholic since his baptism in 1981, he is a father of eight and grandfather to 19, and his faith has guided a hobby that began as a personal prayer tool.
The idea of a Chicago White Sox‑themed rosary emerged when Workman was approached by the nonprofit Catholic Athletes for Christ, an organization that supports athletes in integrating their sport with their spirituality. The group commissioned him to craft a rosary that would honor both his Indiana roots and his love for the White Sox.
Former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski traveled to the Vatican to present the finished rosary to Pope Leo XIV. Alongside the rosary, Pierzynski handed the pontiff a baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, a relic that had been witnessed by the pope during the White Sox’s 5‑3 victory over the Houston Astros.
Pope Leo XIV received the items with visible excitement, his reaction underscoring the personal connection he feels to the team’s historic triumph. The moment was captured in a brief exchange that highlighted the pontiff’s appreciation for the gesture and the symbolic weight of the baseball.
Workman, who had been in tears upon learning that his creation had reached the pope, expressed a deep sense of awe and gratitude. He hopes to receive a photograph of the pope holding the rosary, a keepsake that would encapsulate the surreal convergence of faith, sport and family.
A Surreal Moment for a Devoted Fan
The presentation was not merely a novelty; it reflected a broader narrative of the White Sox’s resurgence after years of disappointment. Pierzynski reminded the pontiff of the team’s recent comeback, a story that resonates with many fans who have waited decades for a championship.
The involvement of Catholic Athletes for Christ, alongside media partners such as OSV News, Fox Sports and The Foul Territory Network, illustrates how institutions from different sectors can collaborate to amplify a shared message of hope and community.
For Workman, the experience has reinforced the idea that a simple hobby can evolve into a meaningful ministry, bridging personal devotion with global symbols of faith. He remains hopeful that the rosary will inspire other Catholics to explore creative expressions of their spirituality.
As the Vatican audience concluded, the gift stood as a testament to the unexpected ways in which everyday passions can intersect with the highest levels of religious life, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.