Jake Burger’s Unique Celebration After Rangers’ Win

ARLINGTON, Texas — Jake Burger celebrated a key moment in the Texas Rangers‘ 8-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday with a unique gesture that evoked attention. After hitting a two-run double to right center, Burger slid into second base, turned to the dugout, and performed a two-handed wave that resembled a greeting one might see in the Vatican.

“New Pope, new me,” Burger said after the game, referring to the recent election of Pope Leo XIV. The celebration reflects his pride in being a Midwesterner and his religious faith. “Basically, I kind of thought: New Pope, new me. He’s a Midwestern guy like me. I was proud. And since he’s been elected Pope, we’ve been rather hot.”

As a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, Burger humorously suggested that Pope Leo’s support could be influencing his performance. “I’d like to think he didn’t like the trade and maybe he put in a little blessing for me,” Burger noted. Perhaps inspired by a viral clip of the Pope greeting visitors, Burger’s new signature move might not become as popular as past celebrations but still serves to uplift team spirits.

Meanwhile, the Rangers are reinforcing their roster as they prepare for the upcoming series against the Houston Astros. They recently recalled pitcher Cole Winn from Triple-A Round Rock, who has not allowed a run in 23 1/3 innings this season. Manager Bruce Bochy expressed hope that his struggling bullpen can recover soon, as injuries to key pitchers continue to be a concern.