The Gift of a Final Out
When A.J. Pierzynski tossed the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series into the hands of a young Robert Prevost, the moment was more than a ceremonial handshake; it became a tangible link between a future pontiff and the city’s baseball lore.
Pope Leo XIV, then known simply as Father Bob, had grown up on the South Side of Chicago, his childhood filled with the crack of bats at Comiskey Park and the roar of the White Sox faithful. The memory of that October night stayed with him, shaping a lifelong devotion that would later surface in the Vatican’s own collection of sports relics.
From Fan to Pontiff
Since his election, the pontiff has been the recipient of a series of memorabilia that blur the line between sacred office and secular pastime. A jersey signed by Hall of Fame slugger Paul Konerko now hangs in his private quarters, while a bat once wielded by Nellie Fox rests beside a stack of papal documents.
More recently, a custom Chicago Bears jersey, presented by Vice President JD Vance, and a Bulls shirt bearing the number 14 and the name “Pope Leo” were added to the growing trove.
The White Sox have announced plans to honor the pontiff during their August 11 matchup against the Cincinnati Reds, distributing pope‑themed hats to fans and displaying a special tribute on the field. The gesture reflects a broader effort to celebrate the unique intersection of faith, sport, and community that the former Chicago resident now embodies.
The collection of gifts, from a baseball commemorating a historic final out to jerseys from the city’s major professional teams, serves as a reminder that even the highest spiritual authority can share in the simple pleasures of a hometown fan. For many in Chicago, the pope’s connection to their teams is a source of pride and a symbol of the city’s enduring cultural reach.