Pope Leo sends letter to White Sox chairman as South Siders and Cubs fans gear up for playoffs

· Yahoo Sports

The Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs both begin their Wild Card Series Tuesday, giving local fans plenty to follow after the Bears' win the night before.

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The White Sox opened their series against the Astros in Houston at 4 p.m., while the Cubs face the Padres in San Diego with a 9 p.m. central start.

The Blackhawks also play Tuesday night, creating a busy stretch for Chicago sports fans.

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A letter from White Sox fan and Chicago native Pope Leo XIV to the team's chairman, Jerry Reinsdorf, arrived at Rate Field.

The letter thanks the team for their "pope night" tribute over the summer.

Earlier Monday outside Rate Field, fans said the city is energized by the run of games.

"Feeling great, really excited about what's going on in the city. The Bears game last night was awesome, so fun, excited for the Cubs, excited for the Sox. So, a lot of fun to be a Chicago sports fan," said Mark Burden, a White Sox and Bears fan.

The South Side team's postseason appearance has surprised some longtime supporters after several difficult seasons.

"We didn't expect them to be here. They struggled for the last few years. So it's really, I mean, it's just awesome, almost unexpected that they're in this position," Burden said.

White Sox manager Will Venable said the team is focused on the challenge ahead after its regular-season success.

"We understand all that is behind us as far as regular season success but we're proud of the fact that we won 84 games and all the progress we've made leading to that," Venable said.

Later Tuesday, the Cubs begin their series against the Padres in San Diego. Some fans are welcoming the late start time.

"I love the fact that they're not playing at 1 p.m. I love the fact that I actually get to watch it after I'm done with work. And a lot of us folks who work 8 to 5, we finally get to watch the game," Cubs fan Pierre Stephens said.

Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong said he is looking forward to another postseason appearance.

"It's exciting to do it in a new place. This is a fun place to play in the regular season; it's gonna be rockin', and I'm just looking forward to year two of playoff baseball," Crow-Armstrong said.

Fans crowd bars as to watch Peacock-streamed games

Fans of both teams filled bars across the city Tuesday. Both teams are opening postseason play on games streamed by Peacock, leaving some fans without a way to watch at home.

A crowd gathered at Wings and Rings in Bridgeport as the White Sox got underway in Houston. Meanwhile, baseball fans got an early start to the day watching the Phillies-Braves game before turning their attention to the Cubs-Padres matchup later that evening.

At the Billy Goat Tavern in Wrigleyville, Cubs fans settled in despite having hours to wait before first pitch.

"We're excited. We've waited all season to eat to this point. Gotta wait until 9 p.m. now," said Jimmy Haritos of the Billy Goat Tavern.

For fans without access to Peacock, bars offered one of the few places to watch the games.

"We have to line up a Peacock subscription for tonight," Cubs fan Aaron Soboloski said.

Outside Wrigley Field, fans stopped to take photos with the Cubs marquee while reflecting on what might have been. Many had hoped the Cubs would secure the top wild-card spot and host postseason games at Wrigley.

Caroline Dobbe, a Cubs season ticket holder from California, traveled to Chicago expecting to attend a playoff game at Wrigley Field.

"I flew in hoping the wildcard would be here. So, I'm hanging out and hopefully I'll be here next week," Dobbe said.

Fans on both sides of town said they were happy to see playoff baseball, even if the games were being played elsewhere.

"This is good, but it would be better if it was at home," White Sox fan Rich Konagel said.

Some fans had already made plans in anticipation of home playoff games. Dan Becker said he had tickets ready if the Cubs were playing at Wrigley on Tuesday.

"You probably won't be able to come back next week."

"Not unless the wife lets me."

"She's standing right there. She's listening."

"A little nudge."

Whether Chicago fans get another chance to gather for postseason baseball next week will depend on the results on the field. The Cubs needed a win in San Diego to continue their playoff run, while the White Sox also opened their postseason game in Houston.

And other fans are already thinking beyond the opening game.

"I am hoping for a good, steady game, not rushed, um, a confidence in our players is, I think, they have all the potential to get us to get win the Wild Card and move forward in the series," Cubs fan Elsie Albelo said.

With the White Sox and Cubs in playoff action and the Blackhawks also taking the ice, fans said they are preparing for another late night of sports.

"It's gonna be a long day, fun day. Be up late again tonight, two nights in a row. Tough start to the week. But it's good," Burden said.

The wild card series continue Wednesday. The Bears are scheduled to host the Jets at Soldier Field on Sunday.

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