White Sox expand Pope Leo XIV hat promo to answer fan demand
The Chicago White Sox are expanding their tribute to Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and longtime fan of the baseball team.
The White Sox announced Friday that they will hand out Pope-themed hats to all fans who attend their Aug. 11 game against the Cincinnati Reds. The promotional item was originally limited to fans who purchased tickets to a specialty theme party.
“The fans have spoken, and unlike some of our more limited quantity promotions, the White Sox Pope Hat is one we think all fans should have the opportunity to take home,” Brooks Boyer, the team’s chief revenue and marketing officer, said in a statement. “We saw this promotion as a creative way to celebrate one of the franchise’s most popular fans, and given the overwhelming response we received, White Sox fans certainly agreed.”
you wanted them, you will ALL get one pic.twitter.com/kayk67cEid
– Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 10, 2026
The hats are shaped like the pope’s miter, with the sock-shaped team logo in the middle. The White Sox said fans who had already purchased the special tickets would receive the hat and an additional item.
Pope, the former Robert Prevost, attended Chicago’s 2005 World Series opener against Houston and watched his beloved team beat the Astros 5-3 en route to a four-game sweep and its first title since 1917.
In May, the White Sox unveiled a graphic installation near headquarters honoring Pope Leo and this moment. The pillar illustration features Pope Leo XIV waving, along with a photo from the TV show of the future pope sitting with his good friend Ed Schmit and his grandson, Eddie.
In June, Rate Field hosted an event honoring his election as America’s first pope. A month later, at a pregame ceremony honoring the 2005 team, White Sox great Paul Konerko was presented with a jersey signed by the Pope, a gift from one No. 14 to another.
Pope Leo broke Vatican protocol by donning a White Sox cap last year. In October, he yelled “they lost” to someone who yelled “go Cubs.” And a few weeks ago he gave a thumbs up to someone who shouted “God bless the White Sox!” »
