From City Hall Press Releases
October 17, 2005

As World Series approaches, mayors are placing wagers on the outcome of the playoffs. These mayors are offering to give the winning mayor the best their city has to offer. St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay bet Houston Mayor Bill White on the outcome of the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros series. Slay is offering a package which includes: two round trip tickets to St. Louis, a personal escort by the Airport Director to their cab, a suite at the Pavilion Hotel next to St. Louis’ Busch Stadium, an interview on a local radio talk show, meals at some of the popular city restaurants, a tour of the new Busch Stadium, an all access pass to the City Museum, and a blog entry on the mayor’s personal website.

In response to Slay’s bet, White offered round trip tickets to Houston, a two night stay at the Houston Hilton of the America’s, two tickets to the Big 12 Championship game, and meals at city restaurants.

Slay says, “After sweeping the Padres with relative ease and defeating the Astros in the National League Championship Series last year, I’m confident the Cardinals will be headed to the World Series again this year.”

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino also placed a wager on the series between the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox. The winner, Daley, won from Menino a lobster dinner for four at Legal Seafoods, Dunkin Donuts and coffee, Pearl Club frankfurters, Sam Adams Colonial Ale, Boston cream pie, and Ron’s Gourmet Ice Cream. Daley is expecting to place a wager with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in the series between the Los Angeles Angels and Chicago White Sox and later on in the World Series.