Milwaukee Mayor Johnson Joins St. Petersburg Mayor Walsh in a Friendly World Series Bet
The Bet has a Twist Benefitting Some Good Causes
The leaders of the cities facing off in the World Series, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Walsh, have entered into a friendly wager on the outcome of the Brewers-Rays baseball matchup. The mayor of the losing city will wear the opposing team’s jersey, in addition to delivering some local products to the winning city.
What’s different about this wager is its connection to some positive local causes. In Milwaukee, during this Year of Housing, there is a baseball themed sweepstakes hosted by the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County encouraging a $20 donation to support local homeless shelters called the “Step Up To The Plate Housing Challenge.” That donor enters a sweepstakes for a chance to win four 2027 Brewers tickets, a parking pass, and an opportunity to throw out the first pitch. More information, including the sweepstakes rules, is available at https://www.unitedwaygmwc.org.
St. Petersburg is supporting St. Pete Free Clinic, a local community partner that operates one of the largest food banks in Pinellas County.
“On the field, the stakes are high, but between mayors, it’s a friendly wager," said Mayor Johnson. "By incorporating a charitable element, everyone in both cities is a winner during this World Series.”
"We’re challenging our cities to harness our enthusiasm for baseball into positive impact for our community," said Mayor Welch. "I'm excited to team up with Mayor Johnson and proud to support St. Pete Free Clinic during the World Series. St. Petersburg has been through some tough times. But just like Tropicana Field, we know a thing or two about a comeback. We’re resilient, we’re strong, and this is our chance to show the world what the Sunshine City is made of."
The City of Milwaukee is grateful for support from United Way, the Brewers Community Foundation, Visit Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee Fire Department.