Mayors' bet adds flavor to World Series

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

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BAY AREA (Bay News 9) -- A day before the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies get down to business in the 2008 World Series, it was time to make a friendly bet.

Tuesday, 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. NewmanCigar 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 Cafe and a Rocky statue, a symbol of a true champion.

"The Philadelphia Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays are two great teams sure to have an exciting series," said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. "That said, I'm looking forward to a nice dinner of Florida seafood next week."

"St. Petersburg and Philadelphia share a rich baseball tradition," said Mayor Baker.

St. Petersburg's former Mayor Al Lang and Pennsylvania native, known as "Mr. Baseball," brought the Philadelphia Phillies to St. Petersburg for one of Florida's first spring training camps from 1915.

The Phillies trained in St. Petersburg through 1918 and now hold spring training in Clearwater.