The Chicago White Sox will mark the unusual fandom of Pope Leo XIV by handing out pope-themed hats to some fans who buy tickets for their Aug. 11 game against the Cincinnati Reds. The limited-edition caps, shaped like a papal miter and marked with the team’s sock logo, will be distributed to ticket buyers seated in certain sections the club is calling “pews.”
The team said the giveaway will be restricted to a limited number of hats and that eligible tickets must be purchased directly from the White Sox, not from third-party resellers. The promotion continues a series of tributes to Pope Leo XIV that have played out at the ballpark this season.
Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and longtime White Sox supporter, became widely known to fans for attending the 2005 World Series opener in Chicago, sitting in Section 140, Row 19, Seat 2 as the White Sox beat the Houston Astros 5-3 en route to a four-game sweep and the franchise’s first championship since 1917. In May the club unveiled a graphic installation near that seat honoring the moment; the pillar artwork includes a waving image of Pope Leo XIV alongside a photo from the broadcast showing him sitting with friend Ed Schmit and his grandson, Eddie.
The ballpark has staged other events recognizing his profile this year. In June, Guaranteed Rate Field hosted a ceremony honoring his election as the first American pope, and in July a pregame event that celebrated the 2005 World Series team included a moment in which White Sox great Paul Konerko was presented with a jersey signed by Pope Leo XIV — a gift noted by the club as a symbolic exchange from one No. 14 to another.
Club officials and fans have pointed to several lighthearted episodes that have highlighted the pope’s connection to the team. The White Sox say Pope Leo XIV broke Vatican protocol last year by donning a White Sox cap. He has also been caught on camera and in crowds at the ballpark reacting to opposing fans — shouting “they lost” toward someone cheering the Cubs last October and giving a thumbs-up when another spectator called out “God bless the White Sox!”
The upcoming hat giveaway is the latest example of the White Sox leaning into the unlikely relationship between the city’s team and a high-profile, border-crossing fan figure. By limiting distribution to ticket buyers in designated sections, the club appears to be blending a collectible promotion with an in-stadium tribute intended to draw fans to the Aug. 11 game.
Tickets for the Aug. 11 matchup must be bought from the team to qualify for the hat giveaway; the White Sox did not disclose exactly how many mitre-style hats will be available or which specific sections will be designated as “pews.” Fans interested in attending are being advised to purchase through the club’s official channels while supplies last.