Bets Surge on Nick Castellanos After Pope Francis' Death

Following the news of Pope Francis' death, social media and sports betting platforms saw a surge in wagers on Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos to hit a home run, continuing a meme linked to his history of homers coinciding with major news events. This trend began in 2020 when Castellanos homered during a broadcaster's on-air apology for a slur, and it has since extended to other somber or culturally significant moments, such as Memorial Day tributes and notable deaths. The phenomenon has made Castellanos the most bet-on player to homer after high-profile news, with sportsbooks like FanDuel reportedly locking or adjusting odds on his home run props in response to the betting frenzy. Fans and bettors now routinely watch for Castellanos' games following major news, expecting the pattern to repeat and fueling a blend of sports superstition and viral internet culture.