{
  "id": 12877439,
  "title": "If Pope Leo throws out a first pitch he’ll be the latest in a long time of baseball popes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/if-pope-leo-throws-out-a-first-pitch-hell-be-the-latest-in-a-long",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T13:22:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SB Nation",
    "slug": "sb-nation",
    "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/1131578/pope-leo-first-pitch-white-sox"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "If Pope Leo were to throw out the first pitch at a Chicago White Sox game, he would join a select list of historic figures who have taken the mound for the sport's spiritual leaders. This group includes notable names like Pope Leo XIV, Pope Pius V, Pope Adrian VI, and even Pope Urban V, who earned the nickname \"Killjoy\" for his quick game-ending splitters. While it might seem unusual, there's a wealth of artistic and papal data suggesting numerous popes possessed impressive pitching skills. From Pope John VIII's enigmatic changeup to Pope Gregory V's notorious \"Crazy Fingers,\" these pontiffs left their mark on the game. Even Pope Benedict V, with his famously angled head, showcased a notable splitter. Clearly, baseball history is rife with surprising examples of spiritual leaders who clearly had a special connection to the sport, even if their legacies are largely forgotten today.",
  "summary": "The hype behind the Chicago White Sox is at a fever pitch, with rumors are swirling over who could throw out a first pitch for the team in the ALCS, and perhaps beyond. There’s no shortage of celebrity superfans of the Sox, including Barack Obama, Michael Jordan, and Snoop Dogg — but easily the most […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Pope Leo could throw out first pitch, joining historic figures",
    "Includes Pope Leo XIV, Pius V, Adrian VI, Urban V",
    "Examples show pontiffs with pitching skills and connection to sport"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}