About three months ago, A.J. Pierzynski, an MLB analyst for FOX and former catcher for the 2005 World Series champion Chicago White Sox, met with Pope Leo XIV. During the visit, Pierzynski gifted the pope the ball from the final out of Game 1 of that championship series. Since the pope is a lifelong White Sox fan, he readily recognized Pierzynski without needing an introduction.
Now, with the White Sox earning the last wild-card spot, fans including Pope Leo will witness their team’s first postseason appearance in five years. Before the playoffs began, Pierzynski shared insights about the White Sox, the vibrant playoff atmosphere in Chicago, underdog teams to watch this October, advice for rising Padres catcher Ethan Salas, and reflected on that memorable meeting with the pope.
Pierzynski recalled his own postseason debut at age 25 after starting his MLB career at 21, advising Salas, who will soon become the youngest catcher ever to play in the playoffs, to savor every moment. He emphasized that postseason chances are limited and urged Salas to learn from veterans like Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts, advising him to “enjoy the moment” instead of solely focusing on the grind.
Reflecting on the 2008 season when both Chicago teams—the White Sox and Cubs—made the playoffs, Pierzynski described the electric city-wide energy and intense rivalry. He shared how eagerly players anticipate those yearly matchups, especially the electric atmosphere at Wrigley Field and the home stadium. Those encounters fueled passionate fan interactions and sometimes heated confrontations, creating a unique energy unlike any other.
Pierzynski maintains strong ties with many of his 2005 White Sox teammates, praising the lifelong bond forged through winning a World Series. He noted that people often ask players if they’ve won a championship, and having a ring is considered the ultimate “flex.” Even decades later, reconnecting brings back unforgettable memories and a special camaraderie.
Looking at the current White Sox squad, Pierzynski stressed the need for improved starting pitching, as their starters logged the fewest innings in MLB this season. He highlighted the challenge of managing relievers in the postseason due to roster rules and asserted that teams with strong starting pitching generally triumph in long playoff series.
On the National League side, he sees the as favorites to win their third consecutive title, given their formidable pitching staff. However, he acknowledged that teams like the Brewers, Phillies, Braves, Cubs, and Padres each have the talent and opportunity to dethrone them. The Brewers, in particular, stand out as a potentially underestimated threat due to their disciplined style, aggressive baserunning, and effective bullpen management.
Pierzynski warned against the idea that the White Sox are “playing with house money” after clinching a postseason berth. While reaching the playoffs is a success compared to past struggles, the ultimate goal remains winning the World Series. He encouraged viewing the playoffs as a real opportunity to compete for a championship, just like any other team in the hunt.
Finally, Pierzynski reflected on the surreal experience of meeting Pope Leo XIV, who not only knew him but was genuinely excited to talk about the White Sox. He described the pope as humble and gracious, delighted that he is following the team’s postseason run, and hoped this spiritual backing might bring some “divine intervention” for Chicago.
Fan Take: This piece is significant because it bridges the worlds of baseball and unexpected cultural icons, like the pope, highlighting the deep ties sports can foster worldwide. It also shines a light on the evolving postseason landscape and underscores the excitement and unpredictability that keep baseball compelling for fans year after year.
Source: www.foxsports.com
