A.J. Pierzynski gifts 2005 World Series baseball to Pope Leo XIV
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 6:21 PM
Last updated Jun 25, 2026
A.J. Pierzynski has presented Pope Leo XIV with the baseball used for the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. The pope attended the game while it was held at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, where the Chicago White Sox defeated the Houston Astros 5-3. The moment highlights a unique connection between the pope and his sports fandom, as he was a fan before his papacy. The White Sox went on to complete a four-game sweep over the Astros, securing their first championship in 88 years. This gifting occurred on June 25, 2026, marking a significant sentimental exchange between the former player and the pope.
- •A.J. Pierzynski gifted the baseball to Pope Leo XIV on June 25, 2026.
- •The ball was from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series.
- •The White Sox won Game 1 against the Houston Astros 5-3.
- •Pope Leo XIV attended the game as a fan prior to becoming pope.
- •The White Sox won the 2005 World Series, their first in 88 years.
- 7:57 PMYahoo Sports — Pope Leo XIV receives World Series baseball from former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski
- 6:21 PMYahoo Sports — Pope Leo XIV gifted baseball from Game 1 of 2005 World Series by White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski
"Pope Leo XIV has received a special gift from former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski. The pontiff has been given the baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. It was unclear when exactly the exchange occurred, but Pierzynski posted pictures on social media on Thursday showing the moment at the Vatican.
"Pope Leo XIV was in attendance for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, which the White Sox won.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 25, 2026, 7:57 PMPope Leo XIV receives World Series baseball from former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski
Pope Leo XIV has received a special gift from former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski. The pontiff has been given the baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series. It was unclear when exactly the exchange occurred, but Pierzynski posted pictures on social media on Thursday showing the moment at the Vatican.
- Yahoo SportsJun 25, 2026, 6:21 PMPope Leo XIV gifted baseball from Game 1 of 2005 World Series by White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski
Pope Leo XIV was in attendance for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, which the White Sox won.
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