Two names were trending Monday morning following the news of Pope Francis’ death: JD Vance and Nick Castellanos. Vance was notable as one of the pope’s last visitors, having met him at the Vatican on Easter Sunday, while Castellanos drew attention for his knack for hitting home runs in the wake of significant events, a skill that fascinated sports bettors.
Castellanos’ flair for the dramatic began in 2020 when he hit a homer that interrupted then-Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman’s apology for a homophobic slur on-air. His penchant for timing has only grown, as he has homered while broadcasters were eulogizing a World War II veteran and again during a solemn Memorial Day message in 2022. Though it wasn’t a homer, Castellanos also clinched a walk-off hit last summer on the day Willie Mays passed away. He famously homered on the day of an assassination attempt against Donald Trump and when then-President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race.
With the news of Pope Francis’ passing in the morning, bettors eagerly checked to see if Castellanos would be playing Monday night. To their delight, he and the Philadelphia Phillies were set to face the New York Mets in Queens for a three-game series. According to John Ewing, Castellanos became the most bet player to hit a home run, attracting three times as many bets as any other player at BetMGM after the death of the pope. Other sportsbooks likely experienced similar increases in wagering on the Phillies outfielder, and at one point, FanDuel even temporarily halted betting on Castellanos to hit a homer that evening.
Nick Castellanos has a history of hitting dingers during major news events or noteworthy deaths.
Pope Francis just passed away.@Phillies outfielder (+625) is the most bet player to hit a Home Run today.
3X as many bets on Castellanos as any other player at @BetMGM pic.twitter.com/w8mJO2kJWz
— John Ewing (@johnewing) April 21, 2025
With a pattern of timely or untimely home runs, Castellanos has established himself in the realm of dramatic sports moments. If he delivers yet again on Monday night, one can expect increased betting activity whenever white smoke rises from the top of the Sistine Chapel.
