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A.J. Pierzynski Gifts Pope Leo XIV the Final‑Out Ball From 2005 World Series

The exchange connects the pope’s South Side White Sox fandom to the team’s 2005 title.

FILE - Pope Leo XIV delivers his blessing as he visits Pavia's Cathedral, northern Italy, on June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)
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Overview

  • Former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski posted photos Thursday showing him meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and giving the pontiff the baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series.
  • The images and social posts, shared by Pierzynski and outlets such as Foul Territory TV, place the exchange at the Vatican and show the pope accepting the ball in person.
  • The ball is the last out of a 5-3 Game 1 win that ended when Bobby Jenks struck out Adam Everett with Pierzynski catching, a tangible link to the White Sox’ four‑game sweep that ended an 88‑year title drought.
  • The White Sox have formalized the connection by announcing a stadium tribute for the pope on Aug. 11 that will include pope‑themed giveaway hats for fans.
  • The gift builds on earlier White Sox memorabilia given to the pope and deepens a cultural tie that the team is using for fan engagement and public programming at Rate Field.