White Sox Climb From 121 Losses to First Place as Pope Leo XIV Fandom Fuels Lore
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 9
White Sox Climb From 121 Losses to First Place as Pope Leo XIV Fandom Fuels Lore
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 9
Summary
Jacob Gonzalez hit his first home run seconds after catcher Drew Romo, on a live mic during a June 26 game, asked Pope Leo XIV to say a quick prayer.
That moment fed a growing White Sox mythology since Robert Prevost was elected pope and identified as a fan of the team.
Chicago’s turnaround has been stark: after a modern MLB-record 121 losses in 2024 and a last-place start in 2025, the White Sox now lead the A.L. Central.
The club’s revival also has baseball explanations—better management and talent added during the down years—but the pope connection has become the season’s defining bit of lore.