The Chicago White Sox distributed roughly 40,000 pope hats to a sellout crowd at Rate Field on August 11, 2026, transforming a planned 2,500-item promotion into a giveaway celebrating native Chicagoan Pope Leo XIV.
From 2,500 Vouchers to a 40,000-Hat Stadium Giveaway
What began as a modest special ticket promotion quickly ballooned into one of the most unusual giveaways in Major League Baseball history. When the Chicago White Sox realized tickets were selling fast following the papal conclave in 2025 that elected Pope Leo XIV—an identified fan of the club—team executives scrambled to expand their order. Originally capped at 2,500 items, demand forced marketing officials to scale the distribution to cover every seat in the ballpark.
We couldn’t remember anything where we had to put it to 40,000, White Sox marketing chief Brooks Boyer told a throng of reporters in the dugout prior to Tuesday’s series opener against the Cincinnati Reds.
Pre-Game Festivities and Ceremonial Tributes at Rate Field
The papal theme permeated every corner of the ballpark during the Tuesday night matchup. Sister Mary Jo Sobieck of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield delivered the ceremonial first pitch, recreating the spotlight she earned in 2018 when her pre-game throw went viral.
The pre-game ceremonies also included musical performances by the band Chitown Popes and an appearance by students from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy, who joined players on the field after previously staging a mock papal conclave (noted by ABC7 Chicago). Additionally, Chicago White Sox Charities presented a financial check to the Midwest Augustinian Province—the religious order to which Pope Leo XIV, formerly Robert Francis Prevost, belonged while serving in Chicago. Prior Provincial Father Tom McCarthy accepted the donation.
“Not only is he the first American pope. He’s our pope.”
Players, Manager Will Venable, and Dugout Celebrations
Although several players admitted they were initially unaware of the scale of the promotion until hours before first pitch, the team enthusiastically embraced the theme once the game got underway. Manager Will Venable voiced strong support for the event ahead of the opening pitch.
Photo: aol.com
“Anytime we get to celebrate the pope and his fandom of the White Sox is something we’ll lean into. Hopefully it gives us some good favor for us tonight.”
Photo: ABC7 Chicago
Will Venable, White Sox manager
That early favor showed on the field immediately. Brenton Doyle hit the very first pitch of the night from Reds starter Nick Lodolo for a solo home run, marking his first long ball in a White Sox uniform. Edgar Quero added another solo shot in the second inning, and Miguel Vargas homered in the fourth to build an early 4-0 lead. Every home run triggered a dugout celebration featuring the distributed headwear as props.
We got a pope and we got a wizard. We have a lot of good luck on our side, designated hitter Colson Montgomery said, referencing teammate Mike Vasil’s dugout magic wand.
Extra-Inning Comeback Spoils the Papal Night
Despite the festive atmosphere and early offensive surge, the White Sox were unable to secure a victory to cap off the promotion. The Cincinnati Reds chipped away at the four-run deficit, eventually forcing extra innings before securing a 5-4 win on an Elly De La Cruz sacrifice fly in the top of the 10th inning.
The White Sox are using tonight's Pope hat giveaway as their home run celebration 😭
Even with the loss, fans in the stands embraced the communal spirit of the evening, exchanging peace be with you greetings while wearing their papal headwear.
Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.
