Paul Connelco, a celebrated player from the White Sox, received a special gift commemorating the 20th anniversary of the team’s 2005 World Series Championship. At a pre-game event with the Cleveland Guardians, Chicago’s archbishop, Cardinal Brans Capicch, added his new clergy signature to Connelco’s jersey, featuring “Pope Leo” above his name and number 14. In a historic moment on May 8th, Robert Prevost became the first American pope in the Catholic Church. Prevost attended the 2005 World Series opener against Houston, watching the White Sox secure a 5-3 win, marking their first four-game sweep since 1917. Earlier in May, the team honored Pope Leo with a graphic installation near their seats, depicting him alongside images from his TV broadcast with close friends. The 2005 team members are gathering in Chicago for the anniversary celebrations, which include a new uniform patch to honor the late Bobby Jenks and a statue unveiling for former star Mark Buhl.
Fan Take: This celebration not only honors the White Sox’s legendary 2005 victory but also intertwines baseball with unique cultural moments, highlighting its broad impact beyond the sport. For fans, it’s a reminder of how baseball connects communities and celebrates icons both on and off the field, enriching the sport’s legacy.
