Erick Fedde hilariously reacts to Pope Leo XIV's White Sox fandom

In the United States, the Chicago White Sox experienced a historically bad season in 2024, resulting in a record-setting 121 losses. This dismal performance marked the highest number of losses by a team in modern Major League Baseball history, surpassing the previous record held by the 1962 New York Mets. Throughout the 2024 season, the White Sox faced numerous challenges, being outscored by 306 runs over the course of the year. Erick Fedde, a pitcher who was part of that team, had a notably better season personally, posting a 7-4 record with an impressive 3.11 ERA before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. Following his transition to the Cardinals, Fedde continued to perform well, showcasing his skills with a complete-game shutout against the Washington Nationals during this season. As the season progressed, the Colorado Rockies began to threaten the White Sox’s losing record. With a current record of 7-33, the Rockies found themselves desperately trying to avoid the embarrassment of exceeding the White Sox's record. Their struggles included a shocking 21-0 defeat to the San Diego Padres, drawing parallels to the historic failures of teams like the 1988 Baltimore Orioles, who started their season with 21 consecutive losses. The plight of the Rockies reflects a broader trend in baseball where multiple teams have struggled significantly in recent years, with half of the 14 teams that lost 110 or more games since 1961 having done so within the last dozen years. The White Sox, despite their dismal performance last year, still managed to generate some interest when Pope Leo XIV was revealed to be a fan of the team. Former pitcher Erick Fedde humorously remarked that the Pope may have needed to pray a few times while watching the White Sox's poor performance. This fun anecdote emerged after a video surfaced of Pope Leo XIV wearing White Sox gear during the 2005 World Series—a historical moment for the franchise, as the team swept the Houston Astros to win the title. However, since that triumph, the White Sox have since struggled to maintain competitive performance. As baseball continues to evolve, the narratives surrounding these teams and their players remain compelling. Organizations are often in the spotlight for their performances, but also their fan engagements and player developments. Each season brings with it the potential for a turnaround, whether through trades, draft picks, or unique fan-base connections, as illustrated by Fedde's transition from a struggling team to one with a chance at competing for better results. While the Chicago White Sox are focused on rebuilding their image and performance, the Rockies might need to consider their next steps as they attempt to avoid repeating a historical worst season in modern MLB history.