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.
- 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 was in attendance for Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, which the White Sox won.
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