Both the Baltimore Orioles and the Washington Nationals have made it to the playoffs this year, which means it’s possible–though not necessarily likely— that this will be the year of the Beltway World Series. Talk about some serious DC-Baltimore rivalry. And Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake isn’t afraid to get in on the fight.
The Washington Post asked Rawlings-Blake and DC Mayor Vincent Gray a number of hypothetical questions about a Os-Nats match up. Both mayors are politicians first, and that comes across in their answers; SRB manages to work in sentences like “I am committed to improving our communities” into her answers. Fortunately, we’ve scraped away all the fluff; here are the best examples of (gentle, political) smack-talk by SRB from the WaPo’s interview:
If you made a bet on the World Series, what would you wager with each other?
SRB: If the Nationals were to win, I would be willing to join a Presidents Race at Nationals Park. If the Orioles were to win, Mayor Gray should have to take an Adam Jones-style pie in the face here at Camden Yards. I think I could at least beat Teddy; but outrunning Adam Jones? Wait on it!
Is there a Washington-Baltimore rivalry beyond baseball?
SRB: Why did you list Washington first?
What’s been your most memorable moment at Camden Yards?
SRB; I had the amazing opportunity to watch Cal Ripken break Lou Gehrig’s record in 1995 for consecutive games played. The “2,131 moment” caught the attention of the nation, and it is a record that will most likely never be broken. No disrespect to Robert Downey Jr., but Baltimore will always have a different “Iron Man.” On the field, Cal embodied the characteristics of Baltimore: toughness, perseverance and charm. On that night, all of Baltimore felt enormously proud.
Why is your team going to win the World Series?
SRB: Despite facing numerous injuries and setbacks — not to mention, never once getting the credit they deserved — this gritty, resilient team refused to give up and kept fighting. And I don’t think they are done yet. Buck likes our guys, and so do I. Why will the Orioles win the World Series? Because #WeWontStop!
