The Mayors Have Placed Their Bets

Every year when we find out who the two teams that will face each other in the World Series are, it's quickly accompanied by the bet between the two cities represented mayors. This year will be no different.

Okay, so it's a little different. Tampa Bay is not a city as much as it's a body of water, and since fish and other forms of marine life don't have the right to vote, Tampa Bay does not have a mayor. Which is why Philadelphia's mayor, Michael Nutter, is going against three different mayors in a battle royale.

Today, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, joined by Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard and Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, issued the traditional food challenge to Philadelphia's Mayor Michael A. Nutter. Offering up a Florida Beach Picnic, it will include coconut shrimp from Cha Cha Coconuts at The Pier, stone crab claws from Clearwater's Frenchy's restaurant, Cuban sandwiches from the world-famous historic Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, commemorative championship label Cuesta-Rey Centro Fino Cortez Cigars from the J.C. Newman Cigar Company, and key lime pie from the Fourth Street Shrimp Store in St. Pete.

In return Philadelphia Mayor Nutter wagered Philadelphia cheesesteaks, delicious Tastykakes, Philly soft pretzels, mac-n-cheese from Delilah's Southern Café and a Rocky statue, a symbol of a true champion.

While the Rocky statue is a nice touch, I've always preferred embarrassing bets to food bets. I mean, what's the harm in losing the bet if you're not actually going to lose something because of it? It's the restaurants who prepare the food who are taking the loss.

The bets would be a lot better if the losing mayor(s) had to wear the other team's jersey around city hall, or even a dress (well, the male mayors). Or you could make the mayor call a press conference in which he announces that the other city rules, and his city sucks. Either would be better than the food wagers.