MLB’s Chicago White Sox to Honor Pope Leo XIV With Graphic
The Chicago White Sox are set to honor Pope Leo XIV with a commemorative graphic installed at their home ballpark, Rate Field.
The new graphic will mark the exact location where the future pope attended and cheered during the 2005 World Series, a landmark moment for both the team and the city of Chicago.
The White Sox plan to officially unveil the artwork on Monday.
This tribute comes after Chicago native Robert Prevost publicly revealed his fandom for the White Sox.
Prevost’s attendance at Game 1 of the 2005 World Series resurfaced recently, drawing attention to the unique connection between the team and the new pope.
Video footage that circulated on social media showed Prevost at U.S. Cellular Field during the first game of the World Series on October 22, 2005.
In the broadcast by MLB on FOX, Prevost was captured during the top of the ninth inning as the White Sox were closing in on a 5-3 victory against the Houston Astros.
This Game 1 victory was significant as it was the start of the White Sox’s four-game sweep of the Houston Astros, securing their first World Series championship in 88 years.
The graphic at Rate Field will pinpoint the seat where the future pope watched the game and supported the team, according to Fox News.
The White Sox organization described the new pillar artwork as a tribute to Pope Leo XIV’s Chicago roots and a symbol of baseball’s ability to bring people together worldwide.
The team’s statement emphasized how baseball serves as a unifying force, transcending cultural and national boundaries.
According to the White Sox, Pope Leo XIV attended the game with Ed Schmit, a longtime season ticket holder and family friend.
The two men were connected through their work at a Catholic high school on Chicago’s South Side, where they had formed a friendship.
Ed Schmit has since passed away, but his son, Nick Schmit, continues to hold the account for the World Series seat originally used by the pope.
This continuity reflects the ongoing relationship between the pope and the White Sox community.
Since the election of Pope Leo XIV, the White Sox and their fans have warmly embraced their connection to the pontiff.
The team notably sent a White Sox jersey and cap to the Vatican shortly after the pope’s announcement, celebrating the unique link between the religious leader and the Chicago baseball team.
The pope’s connection to Chicago and the White Sox adds a distinct dimension to the city’s sports and cultural heritage.
It also highlights the global reach and influence of both the Catholic Church and Major League Baseball.
The White Sox, who have experienced challenges on the field in recent years, have found renewed enthusiasm and pride in their association with Pope Leo XIV.
This gesture of installing the graphic serves as both a tribute and a morale boost for the team and its fanbase.
In a related event, a group of White Sox fans recently dressed in pope-themed costumes and gathered at Wrigley Field to watch a game between the White Sox and their crosstown rivals, the Chicago Cubs.
Despite witnessing a 13-3 loss for the White Sox, the fans celebrated their team’s connection to the pope in good spirits.
The installation of the Pope Leo XIV graphic at Rate Field marks a significant cultural moment for the White Sox franchise.
It acknowledges not only the historic 2005 World Series victory but also the unexpected link between baseball and one of the most prominent figures in the world today.
The White Sox hope the graphic will inspire fans and visitors, reminding them of the shared history and unique stories that make baseball a deeply cherished American pastime.
Continue Scrolling for the Comments
Leave a Comment