Nationals Vs. Cubs: Mayors Put Meat, Beer On The Line For NL Division Series

WASHINGTON, DC — No pro sports postseason is complete without the obligatory friendly wager between mayors, and the National League Division Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Washington Nationals is no exception. But this year's bet between Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser over the series outcome won't just be about bragging rights; it will help Puerto Rico residents following Hurricane Maria.

The terms of the wager were announced Friday before the Cubs and Nats face each other in Game 1 of the NLDS at Nationals Park in D.C. Here's what the two elected officials agreed on:

• If the Cubs win … Bowser ponies up half-smokes from Ben’s Chili Bowl and DC Brau beer.
• If the Nationals win … Emanuel will provide sausage from Publican Quality Meats, prime bone-in ribeye steaks from Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse and two growlers of Vice District Brewing Co’s Habitual beer.

The losing mayor also will donate to hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

With the wagering also comes the smack talk, which sadly, didn't reach WWE levels in a release about the bet Friday. (Maybe Emanuel is saving all his sick burns for his ongoing back-and-forth with President Donald Trump.). Here's what they had to say:

• Emanuel: "The Chicago Cubs are on a roll, and there is no doubt that they will Fly the W and take the series. But in the extremely unlikely event that the Cubs are not victorious, I thought my friend Mayor Bowser would enjoy some great local delicacies from the best restaurant city in America.”
• Bowser: "With our all-star lineup and home field advantage, I am confident that that Nationals will come out of this series victorious. I was already looking forward to celebrating our win, and now I can also look forward to enjoying some of Chicago’s most delicious treats."

The first pitch of Game 1 between the Cubs and Nats is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. Check out Patch's preview of the game and and the series.

Reporting by Patch editor Joe Vince

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser (Emanuel Photo via City of Chicago; Bowser photo by Mark Tenally | Associated Press)