CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox are preparing for a sold-out crowd tonight at Rate Field as they celebrate their most famous fan, Pope Leo XIV. The team will give away free black and green hats, shaped like the pope's miter, to every fan in attendance during the game against the Cincinnati Reds.
The White Sox also plan to use the pope hats in their home run celebration. The promotion originally offered hats as part of a ticket package for seats in five sections. Overwhelming demand prompted the team to expand the giveaway to all fans at the game, with approximately 40,000 hats expected for distribution.
This celebration comes as the White Sox experience a significant turnaround. After three consecutive 100-loss seasons from 2023 to 2025, the team currently holds first place in the American League Central Division. The New York Times described this shift as a "resurrection" for the franchise, which is now on pace for its first playoff appearance since 2021.
Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, ascended to the pontificate and is recognized for his ties to the Augustinian order and the Chicagoland community. Before becoming pope, he served as Father Robert Prevost, Prior Provincial of the Midwest Augustinians Province of the Mother of Good Counsel.
Pregame festivities will include the return of Sister Mary Jo Sobieck, known for her viral first pitch in 2018. Sister Sobieck will be back on the mound to start tonight's game. The "Conclave Kids" from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy will also attend.
Chicago White Sox Charities will make a $14,000 donation in honor of Pope Leo XIV. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats 30 minutes before first pitch. In-game features will invite fans throughout Rate Field to share a "Peace Be With You" greeting.
The promotion became a national story after its early April announcement. Brooks Boyer, White Sox chief revenue and marketing officer, said the team viewed the promotion as a creative way to celebrate one of the franchise's most popular fans. Boyer added that the overwhelming response showed White Sox fans agreed.
Fans will also benefit from the usual $5 Tuesday promotion, with concessions offering a specialty 24-ounce souvenir cup for purchase across the 100 and 500 levels. Standing room tickets remain available through whitesox.com or the Rate Field Box Office. Commemorative tickets are also available on the MLB Ballpark app or at whitesox.com/commemorative.
The White Sox are capitalizing on a unique local story while building momentum after years of struggle. Tying the hats into home run celebrations gives fans something to take home and a reason to get loud — a smart move for a team that badly needed one.
