Image Source: MLB.com
White Sox fans turned Rate Field into one of baseball’s most memorable scenes Tuesday night, wearing thousands of Pope Hats during a special celebration honoring Pope Leo XIV. The Chicago club distributed hats to a sellout crowd of 38,113 for its series opener against the Cincinnati Reds, creating a striking atmosphere throughout the ballpark.
The evening combined baseball, faith, charity and Chicago sports tradition. Although the White Sox ultimately lost to the Reds, 5-4 in 10 innings, the event delivered a major win for fan engagement and community spirit.
A Historic White Sox Pope Hat Night Takes Over Rate Field
More than 40,000 Pope Hats had been prepared for the event, which became the White Sox’s ninth sellout of the season. The giveaway celebrated Pope Leo XIV, a native of Dolton, Illinois, and a known White Sox supporter.
The promotion began on a much smaller scale. The original plan called for 2,500 Pope Hats to be distributed through a special ticket offer. Those tickets were quickly claimed, prompting the organization to increase the order by another 500 hats. As interest continued to surge, the target was eventually raised to 40,000.
Mike Downey, the White Sox senior director of marketing and promotions, and Brooks Boyer, the club’s executive vice president, said the response created an unusual level of excitement inside the organization. The scale of the giveaway even caused team officials to question whether any previous promotional item had generated comparable demand.
Powerful Home Run Celebration Adds to the Spectacle
The players embraced the unusual theme once the game began. Brenton Doyle, Edgar Quero and Miguel Vargas each hit solo home runs for Chicago. After their trips around the bases, the players donned Pope Hats in the home dugout as part of a special celebration.
Those home runs helped keep the White Sox competitive in a game that eventually went into extra innings. Cincinnati scored the decisive run in the 10th, but the loss did little to dampen the energy created by the packed stadium and the creative home run tribute.
Colson Montgomery, who started at designated hitter, compared the team’s collection of unusual good-luck traditions to having “a pope and a wizard.” The wizard reference pointed to Mike Vasil and his magic dugout wand, another memorable White Sox promotion that has entertained fans during the 2026 season.
Emotional Tributes Honor Pope Leo XIV
Tuesday’s program extended beyond the giveaway. Chicago White Sox Charities presented a check to the Midwest Augustinian Province, the religious order with which Father Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was associated during his time in Chicago. Prior Provincial Father Tom McCarthy accepted the donation.
Sister Mary Jo Sobieck also returned to the spotlight by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Her 2018 pitch became an internet sensation after the ball bounced off her right biceps. This time, her pitch to Chase Meidroth was low and outside, but it still generated a warm reaction from the crowd.
Fans also applauded Nancy Faust, the legendary White Sox organist, whenever she appeared on the video board. Former White Sox pitcher Donn Pall, whose nickname was “The Pope,” handled the “Play Ball” announcement, adding another layer of history to the occasion.
Why the White Sox Promotion Resonated With Fans
The organization took care to keep the Pope Hat generic while recognizing Pope Leo XIV’s connection to the team. Fans who purchased tickets through the initial special promotion received Pope Leo XIV jerseys, but the club decided against producing a bobblehead or an item that could appear disrespectful to the papal office.
That balance allowed the White Sox to celebrate the pope’s fandom while maintaining a thoughtful tone. The team has also honored his connection to Chicago through a mural referencing the 2005 World Series, when he attended a game at the ballpark.
- 38,113 fans attended the sellout game.
- More than 40,000 Pope Hats were prepared.
- Brenton Doyle, Edgar Quero and Miguel Vargas hit solo home runs.
- The Reds defeated Chicago, 5-4, in 10 innings.
- White Sox Charities presented a donation to the Midwest Augustinian Province.
White Sox right-hander Erick Fedde said the pope’s connection with the club has become a positive source of conversation among players and supporters. For many fans, the idea that Pope Leo XIV follows the team adds a distinctive sense of pride to the 2026 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was White Sox Pope Hat Night?
It was a special White Sox promotional event at Rate Field featuring Pope Hats, tributes to Pope Leo XIV and a charity presentation.
How many fans attended the game?
A total of 38,113 fans attended the sellout game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Who hit home runs for Chicago?
Brenton Doyle, Edgar Quero and Miguel Vargas each hit solo home runs for the White Sox.
What was the final score?
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the White Sox, 5-4, in 10 innings.
Why was Pope Leo XIV honored?
Pope Leo XIV is a native of Dolton, Illinois, and a known White Sox fan with longstanding ties to Chicago.
