During a public appearance at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV was spotted wearing a Chicago White Sox cap. This sparked a unique promotion by the White Sox. On August 11, during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Rate Field, each fan will receive a White Sox version of the pope’s mitre.
The event was initially planned for only 1,500 attendees, but interest skyrocketed. “We tripled our ticket sales within 24 hours of the announcement,” said Mike Downey, the team’s senior director of marketing and promotions. Given the enthusiasm, the giveaway expanded to include all attendees, totaling over 40,000 people.
The idea emerged when Robert Francis Prevost, a long-time White Sox fan from Chicago, was announced as Pope Leo XIV. Downey explained, “No major league team has conducted a pope-themed promotion before.”
Initially, the White Sox considered different promotional items but could not secure approval from the Vatican to use the pope’s likeness. Fans at games started wearing homemade pope attire, which caught Downey’s attention.
Downey consulted Father Tom Hurley in Chicago for advice on maintaining respect for religious symbols. They decided that a mitre-shaped hat, lacking any direct religious symbols or images, was appropriate. The hat’s design is not copyrighted, allowing more freedom in its creation.
Producing the hats proved challenging. Downey noted, “Finding a company to manufacture a unique item like this was difficult.” The White Sox chose Cotopaxi to handle production, which was able to meet the increased demand without issue.
The White Sox prioritized quality over cost, opting for a sturdy fabric rather than a cheaper alternative. “We want our promotional items to be high quality,” stated Downey. “Our fans will notice the difference.” The club takes pride in offering items perceived to be valuable.
Although the Vatican was not informed of the giveaway, Downey hopes Pope Leo is aware. While the pope’s approval wasn’t necessary for this promotion, a box of the hats will be sent to the Vatican. Both White Sox and Reds players will have the option to receive a hat.
The hats’ distribution will add to the cultural experience at the ballpark. “Imagine 40,000 people wearing ‘pope hats,’ celebrating Pope Leo,” remarked Downey. The team also plans in-game tributes to the pope and the church, aiming for a respectful atmosphere.
While the hats are expected to arrive shortly before the game, Downey remains confident, “We have the pope on our side.” He suggests the event is not only for White Sox fans but anyone in Chicago seeking a distinctive experience.