A tremendous SABR Chicago event starring Charles Comiskey researcher Mary O’Malley brought me to Rate Field, formerly known as Guaranteed Rate Field, formerly known as U.S. Cellular Field, formerly known as Comiskey Park (but not THE Comiskey Park), for my second White Sox game of the year.
Though the Sox blew a 9th inning lead and 9th inning comeback, it was hard to remember a better day at the ballpark. Apart from the game action, which was as dramatic as it was inevitable, the “bonus content” was almost too much to fathom. For one thing, our suite enjoyed a visit from Charles Comiskey’s great-granddaughter Patti Bellock, who couldn’t have been a warmer guest or better storyteller.
There was also a meet-and-greet with legendary organist Nancy Faust after the game, complete with signed trading cards!
Finally, the game afforded a chance to visit the ballpark’s most newest, albeit unofficial, SABR Landmark, a mini-mural of the world’s most famous White Sox fan, Pope Leo XIV.
The installation is the latest in the Rate’s “Great Ballpark Moments, 1991-Present” series, somehow not yet rebranded as “First Rate Moments” to go with the stadium’s new name. As a testament to the new Pope’s popularity, a pre-game photo-op in front of Leo might have been the longest line of the day.
The mural’s placement, at the entrance to section 140, was selected to mark the former Father Bob’s seats at the 2005 World Series. A small inset graphic on the mural captures a moment from the first game of the series when Prevost was somewhat miraculously captured on camera.
Following an interview with the new Pope’s brother and the unearthing of this Fall Classic footage, there was no lingering mystery as to whether Leo was a Cubs fan or a Sox fan. However, that’s not to say the World Series image is wholly (or is that Holy?) without mystery. Beneath Pope Leo’s jacket, he appears to be wearing a jersey, but here’s the question: Which one?
Though today Leo may issue any number of Papal Bulls, a Greg Luzinski jersey is out of the question given that the four-time All-Star retired several years before the Sox donned the black pinstripes. Besides, if the Pope was looking to go throwback, would he not choose Don Pall? Similarly, Frank Thomas seems unlikely. After all, how could one reconcile the Pontiff’s pleas for peace and compassion with a hero known as the “Big Hurt?”
Given that Leo is not just Leo but Leo the Fourteenth it would be fitting indeed if he was rocking a Paul Konerko #14 jersey. Of course, how could Leo have known back then that he would someday be Pope? Lacking such prophecy, perhaps his fondness for the Apostle’s Creed might would instead have led him to a number 24 jersey.
Potentially, Prevost might have gone double duty with a 23 jersey, paying homage not only to Michael Jordan but to key Sox pickup Jermaine Dye. Provided he could forgive Baseball’s greatest sin, could the clergyman rep Easter weekend any better than Dye on Friday, Rose on Sunday?
As with much in this world, we may never know the answer. About all we can do is petition the Lord in prayer. “Willie Harris?” you might ask, but you tell me: Is the Pope Catholic?!
The Hardball Voyager 