Just two years ago, the Chicago White Sox broke the modern-era single-season loss record in the MLB, losing 121 games and winning just 41.
So, two years later, why does everyone feel obligated to watch them succeed? Well, one could say it’s because they’re the Pope’s team, of course!
Chicago’s South Side team has quickly become a fan favorite as Pope Leo XIV continues to follow his beloved White Sox. That same team spirit has captured the hearts of baseball fans across the globe, even reaching our sweet Catholic grandmothers:
Unfortunately, the team was unable to move onto their “next set of games” after losing to the Cleveland Guardians in a 5-game ALDS series, but their dramatic turnaround has many people wondering whether divine intervention was involved.
When Pope Leo was asked if he had anything to do with the team’s success, he simply said, “No comment,” with a mischievous smile!
Regardless of this MLB post-season outcome, the Chicago White Sox have proven to be bigger than baseball, as seen in the comments of our sweet Sox fan Grandma:
@mark_d_budde said, “Catholic guy from Milwaukee here. My wife out of the blue said that if the Sox win it all, she's going to Sunday Mass. Never thought I'd hear those words.”
@somekindofstephen: “Im hardcore atheist, but the pope is a good dude and my team is out... so same”
@1.5beto: “These are the types of grandmas that get you out of purgatory”
So, if you’re a brand-new fan looking for a team, maybe put your faith in one that seems to have a little faith on its side!
Or, if your team isn’t one of the final four standing this postseason (Cleveland Guardians, Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers, or Milwaukee Brewers), but you’re still following along, ChurchPOP is happy to report that all four teams have welcomed Christian faith events at their ballparks this season.
Good things seem to come to those who praise! We pray that God continues to touch hearts throughout MLB.