The rivalry between New York and Los Angeles, Yankees and Dodgers, Judge and Ohtani took on a new element on Friday.
Hours before the opening tip of the World Series, Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gómez and New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, leaders of the country's two largest Catholic archdioceses, made their own bi-coastal bet on the result of the Fall Classic.
Gomez selected Randy's Donuts as his prize to give up should the Yankees defeat the Dodgers, while Dolan said he would give out New York-style bagels if Los Angeles prevails.
The bet also aims to raise awareness about a fundraising campaign for schools in both archdioceses. The winning team will take 60% of the cake and the remaining 40% will go to the runner-up.
The Los Angeles-based alms will go to the Catholic Education Foundation of Los Angeles, while the New York dollars will go to the John Cardinal O'Connor School in Irvington, New York.
For more information on how to donate, visit baseballunites.com.
“This is going to be a great World Series,” Gomez said in a statement. “Baseball really unites us as a country, but in every competition there has to be a winner, and that will be the Dodgers!”
Gomez's office said his choice of Randy's, known for its famous giant 32-foot steel sign visible from the 405 Freeway, was a nod to his local cultural status.
“It is a Los Angeles institution similar to Pink's, Philippe's and Porto's that reflects a great history in the city,” said archdiocese spokeswoman Carolina Guevara. “Randy's is not to be missed and is something that can be easily enjoyed.”
While Gomez said he is a fan of Randy's, he also said it was very difficult to choose his favorite type of candy.
Dolan's office said the cardinal was “pretty traditional” and enjoyed a sesame bagel with cream cheese.
“I am grateful to my brother, Archbishop Gomez, for accepting this friendly bet,” Dolan said in a statement. “I'm looking forward to three things: 1. A great World Series with the Yankees winning their 28th Championship; 2. Enjoy Randy's Donuts; 3. Raise awareness and support for John Cardinal O'Connor School and the Los Angeles Catholic Education Foundation.”
While Dolan's office said New York was “blessed with the best bagel shops in the world,” the cardinal hesitated to announce which establishment he would purchase the products from.
Gomez agreed to a similar bet with Cincinnati Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr on the outcome of Super Bowl LVI. The Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20, raising 60% of donations worth $22,000 to LA. Gomez also personally claimed a box of Graeter's ice cream from Cincinnati. He had bet the Oporto cakes.
“I know my friend Cardinal Dolan is a good sport and I'm going to enjoy the New York bagels he will send me,” Gomez said. “I am also grateful for this opportunity to highlight the great work of our Catholic schools in Los Angeles and New York and across the country.”
Friendly sports bets between cities are not unique to the clergy, as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and New York Mayor Eric Adams also agreed to a bet, although the terms were still unclear as of Friday.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also agreed to a bet on Friday. The loser will decorate their respective office with the colors and paraphernalia of the opposing team.
In 2014, then-Mayor Eric Garcetti bet his New York counterpart, Bill de Blasio, for the Stanley Cup between the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers.
The Kings won and de Blasio was forced to sing Randy Newman's “I Love LA” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” If Garcetti had lost, he would have sung the Frank Sinatra classic “New York, New York.”
