Healthy Wagers

(photo via nbc.com)

New Yorkers are serious about their sports. I'll tell ya, they have a ton of pride. Arizona - eh, the Phoenix Suns have a big-time following, but everything else - not so much.

Since the Yankees are heading to the World Series for their 50 millionth time, there's quite a bit of friendly jesting with the opposing team - the Phillies. However, there have been several healthy wagers established in light of the Turnpike Series.

I'm giving major props to the city mayors - Michael Bloomberg (New York City) and Michael Nutter (Philadelphia) for coming up with a creative way to stay competitive. Pending the completion of the series, the losing team's mayor will have to devote himself to a community service project in the winning city sporting the winning team's colors. (AKA - If the Yankees win, Nutter will come to NYC and wear pinstripes for his community service project. If the Phillies win, Bloomberg will head to Philadelphia for a community service project wearing the classic Phillies red.)

But, it doesn't stop there. Two markets - The New York City Hunts Terminal Market and the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market - have agreed on a bet as well - and it's definitely a good one! The loser will donate TEN TONS of food to the winner's choice food bank in the winner's city. How phenomenal is that?? It's so heartening to see the community use their pride for their city as a way to give back. The next two weeks should be pretty amazing. :)