Bing Makes World Series Bet With San Francisco Mayor
DETROIT (WWJ) - There will be no gift baskets, Texas barbecue, Dr. Pepper, Budweiser beer or St. Louis-style toasted ravioli exchanged following this year's World Series between the Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants.
Instead, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee have vowed to perform a day of community service in the victor's city.
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There was a bit of mayoral trash talking between Mayor Bing and Mayor Lee on ESPN Wednesday morning about the World Series.
"I don't think talking is going to win this series," Bing said. "It's about action on the field. So we got the greatest pitcher in baseball, we've got a triple crown winner in Cabrera, we got Fielder, so we got three great players."
Neither mayor seemed willing to formally offer up a wager at first.
Bing said Wednesday that he will speak to youth in San Francisco's Junior Giants program and tour high-tech companies if the Tigers fall. Lee said he will visit with young people in Detroit and tour a Chevy Volt factory if the Giants lose.
Bing, however, gave a warning about Lee visiting Detroit.
"He's gonna have to leave his heart in San Francisco because if he brings it here, we're gonna step on it," Bing said. "Be careful. We got three games here and we plan on winning all of them. We're gonna split out there and then we're gonna win the three here."
Online voters are picking the Tigers to win by a nearly two-to-one margin. Both mustaches and were asked if they'd be willing to part with them if their team lost.
"No, I'll just get a haircut," said Bing, who is bald as it is.
The first two games of the best-of-seven series are in San Francisco. The series then moves to Detroit on Saturday.
San Francisco Mayor Lee holds out hope that the Giants can pull off yet another miracle after winning six straight elimination games during this year's playoffs. "The San Francisco Giants are truly the comeback kids – this team never quits," Mayor Lee said. "With the steel nerves of Romo, Zito, Vogelsong, Cain, Scutaro, Posey, and Pagan, and the managing prowess of Bruce Bochy, this team can stare down the toughest of opponents."
Both mayors encourage all fans to treat each other with respect, to be safe and to practice good sportsmanship.
Hear the game live Wednesday beginning at 8 p.m. on 97.1 The Ticket.
(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
