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A.J. Pierzynski Gives Pope Leo XIV the Final-Out Ball From 2005 World Series Game

The exchange reinforces the pope's long-standing White Sox ties and prompts the team to stage a tribute at its Aug. 11 game.

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 and a statement on June 25 saying he met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and gave him the baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series.
  • That final out occurred when closer Bobby Jenks struck out Adam Everett with Pierzynski catching, a play that helped launch the White Sox’s four-game sweep and end an 88-year title drought.
  • Pierzynski described the meeting as an honor and said the ball is the same one from the game the future pope attended in person as Father Robert Prevost.
  • The White Sox have already built on the connection by planning a pope-themed giveaway for fans at their Aug. 11 game against Cincinnati.
  • The ball joins other Chicago sports gifts the pope has received since his May 2025 election, including a signed Paul Konerko jersey and a Nellie Fox bat, underscoring the symbolic link between the pontiff and South Side baseball history.