Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and Judge Lina Hidalgo of Houston, TX have agreed to a friendly wager on the Houston Astros vs. New York Yankees Major League Baseball (MLB) championship series.

If the Yankees win, Hidalgo has wagered Houston’s favorite brisket from Blood Bros BBQ, root beer from Saint Arnold’s Brewery, and tamales from Alamo Tamales.

Yankees fans celebrate their team’s win over the Cleveland Guardians at East 161st Street and River Avenue in The Bronx on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022. Video courtesy of John Norwood.

If the Yankees lose, Gibson has agreed to send Hidalgo the best of New York City, including beer from the Bronx Beer Hall, pasta from Little Italy in The Bronx, hot sauce from the Bronx Hot Sauce, food from Mike’s Deli, and carrot cake from Lloyd’s Carrotcake.

“We can’t wait to try the best of what New York has to offer,” said Hidalgo. “The Astros’ consistent success shows they have what it takes to bring the title back home to Houston and Harris County where it belongs.”

Meanwhile, Gibson said, “I am getting ready for a taste of those tamales from Alamo Tamales and some of the other Houston favorites being offered by Judge Hidalgo.” She added, “We want to wish our friends in Harris County all the best, but know that when it comes to taking on the Bronx bombers, we know who is bringing home the championship title.”

There was plenty of jubilation in The Bronx on Tuesday night, Oct. 18, when the Yankees beat the Cleveland Guardians 5-1, to win the fifth and final game of the American League Division Series, winning the series 3-2, after the Yankees Vs Guardians game was delayed from the previous Monday night due to rain.

The Yankees now face the Houston Astros in a best of 7 series, with the winner facing the National League Division Series in the World Series.

pic.twitter.com/jKn7UzyQoO

— Norwood News (@NorwoodNews) October 18, 2022

In a packed Yankees Stadium, as the rain came down on Monday night, Yankees fans had some fun, nonetheless, playing catch with a few of the Cleveland Guardians players, as seen in the below Tweet.

During the weather delay, the Cleveland Guardians players have been playing catch with a football with New York Yankees fans at Yankee Stadium! This is the best thing I’ve seen all day! Credit to @LaurenShehadi for the scoop!pic.twitter.com/jtHaWgVN5O

— Jack Vita (@JackVitaShow) October 17, 2022

 

In addition, the New York Rangers helped keep the crowd amused as their Monday evening ice hockey game was shown live on the big screen inside Yankee Stadium. The Rangers later tweeted out, “Gotchu, Yankee Stadium. .-)”

Gotchu, Yankee Stadium. 😉 https://t.co/2SbkNVSBIB

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 18, 2022

 

According to Hidalgo, her championship series selections include local businesses that showcase the rich diversity of Harris County. Blood Bros BBQ, located in Southwest Houston, has strong multicultural roots, serving a fusion of traditional barbecue mixed with Asian flavors.

Meanwhile, Saint Arnold’s Brewery, based just north of downtown Houston, is Texas’ oldest craft brewery, and reportedly provides world-class brews across the state and the Gulf Coast. Alamo Tamales, a popular North Houston stop that has been serving delicious traditional tamales for over 50 years, offers homemade pork tamales and holiday sweet tamales that are a staple for any Houston household.

*David Greene contributed to this story.