Papal Bobblehead: A First for the Kane County Cougars

Baseball fans, get ready for an unprecedented giveaway! The Kane County Cougars, an independent baseball team in Geneva, Illinois, is honoring Pope Leo XIV with a bobblehead night. The first 1,500 fans at Northwestern Medicine Field for Thursday’s game against the Southshore RailCats will receive a special Pope Leo XIV bobblehead.

“We wanted to commemorate the pope. It’s really exciting for the whole Chicago area.”

Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, is a Chicago native who grew up loving baseball. As a child, he rooted for the Chicago White Sox, and his passion for the team hasn’t wavered.

Pope Leo XIV’s White Sox Fandom Goes Global

Earlier this summer, Pope Leo XIV was spotted wearing a White Sox cap at the Vatican, showing his team support to a global audience.

“It’s pretty cool. Worldwide, baseball is growing a lot more. But in Europe, it’s not very big. So if he’s over there in the Vatican wearing a White Sox hat, maybe all of them will become White Sox fans. Grow the fan base a little bit.”

Game Details and Team Records

The Kane County Cougars, with a 45-50 record, are currently third in the East Division of the American Association League, trailing the Lake County DockHounds by 7.5 games. The White Sox, on the other hand, have struggled this season, with a 48-85 record, the worst in the American League.