Mayor Edwin M. Lee and St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay today agreed to a friendly mayoral wager on the outcome of the Giants-Cardinals National League Championship Series matchup. Game One begins tonight, October 14th at 5:15pm at AT&T Park in San Francisco.
The Mayor of the losing city will change his Twitter profile picture to the logo of the winning team for a day. Also, the losing Mayor will send food and beverages traditionally associated with the respective cities so the winning Mayor can invite the community into City Hall for a party to celebrate. Mayor Lee will send dim sum and Anchor Steam Beer. Mayor Slay will send St. Louis barbecue, toasted ravioli and a court of St. Louis brews, led by the King of Beers.
“I originally wanted to bet the Golden Gate Bridge for the St. Louis Arch, that’s how confident I am that the Giants are going to beat the Cardinals and advance to the World Series,” said Mayor Lee. “But having Mayor Slay change his Twitter avatar for a day and receiving St. Louis treats is a better, more appropriate bet, I’d say.”
“I appreciate Mayor Lee’s tough talk,” said Mayor Slay. “We’re a little more modest because we are so used to winning. The last five playoff series all started the same way: tough talk from opposing mayors. They also ended the same way: A St. Louis Cardinals victory, and the people of St. Louis enjoying some very good food.”
Both the Giants and the Cardinals survived hard-fought, 5-game contests in the National League Division Series, with the Giants defeating the Reds and the Cardinals defeating the Nationals. These two teams now face off for a best-of-seven series, with the winner advancing to the World Series.
As the Giants begin this next series of games, Mayor Lee and the San Francisco Giants urge all fans to treat each other with respect. Wherever fans choose to watch the game – AT&T Park or elsewhere – be safe and practice good sportsmanship. Rivalry should remain on the field.
Prior to the Giants-Reds series, Mayor Lee raised the San Francisco Giants flag over City Hall to celebrate the Giants playoff run. City Hall, Coit Tower and other City landmarks and buildings will continue to be lit in Giants Orange. Mayor Lee is also urging Giants fans and local businesses to show their pride in the National League West Champion team by wearing the Orange & Black or displaying signs, flags or any form of support for the hometown team.