The Chicago White Sox will pay tribute to one of their most famous fans by offering papal-themed caps to some in attendance at the Aug. 11 game against the Cincinnati Reds.
The team will distribute a limited number of caps shaped like a papal miter, with the team logo in the center. They will be available to fans in certain sections that the White Sox called “benches.” To receive caps, tickets must be purchased directly from the team and not through resale.
The Pope Leo XIV is a Chicago native and long-time White Sox fan. He attended the opening game of the 2005 World Series against the Houston Astros in Chicago from Section 140, Row 19, Seat 2, as his favorite team beat the Astros 5-3 to en route to a four-game sweep and their first title since 1917.
Read also América fans stage a pitched battle against Nashville fans
The White Sox unveiled a graphic installation near the seat in May to pay tribute to the pontiff and that moment. The pillar-shaped work shows Pope Leo XIV waving, along with an image from the television broadcast in which the future pontiff appears seated with his good friend Ed Schmit and his grandson, Eddie.
Rate Field hosted an event in June to celebrate its election as the first american pope. A month later, at a pregame ceremony honoring the 2005 team, White Sox star Paul Konerko received a jersey signed by the pope, a gift from one No. 14 to another.
Pope Leo XIV broke Vatican protocol by wearing a White Sox cap last year. When a person yelled “come on Cubs” last October, the pontiff responded “You lost!” And just a few weeks ago he gave a thumbs up to a person who yelled, “God bless the White Sox!”
Read also Parking at the Banorte Stadium for América vs Cruz Azul will cost more than a thousand pesos
