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The 2024 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees features a friendly wager with a charitable twist. Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez and New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan have placed a bet that benefits Catholic students, as reported by Angelus, the news outlet of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Announced on October 25, just before Game 1 at Dodger Stadium, the wager involves sending local delicacies depending on which team wins. If the Dodgers emerge victorious, Cardinal Dolan will send Archbishop Gomez a box of New York-style bagels. Conversely, if the Yankees win, Archbishop Gomez will send Cardinal Dolan a box of Randy’s Donuts.
Both religious leaders are encouraging their followers to donate to baseballunites.com. The funds raised will support two educational institutions: the John Cardinal O’Connor School in New York and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Catholic Education Foundation. The winning team's region will receive 60% of donations, while 40% will go to the losing region.
Archbishop Gomez expressed his enthusiasm for both baseball and supporting Catholic education: “This is going to be a great World Series,” he said. He also mentioned his anticipation for receiving New York bagels should the Dodgers win.
Cardinal Dolan shared his excitement for three outcomes: "A great World Series with the Yankees winning their 28th Championship; Enjoying Randy’s Donuts; Raising awareness of and support for the John Cardinal O’Connor School and the Catholic Education Foundation of Los Angeles."
The John Cardinal O’Connor School offers specialized education for students with learning disabilities in grades 2-8, while LA's Catholic Education Foundation provides tuition assistance to students in need.
Archbishop Gomez previously engaged in similar wagers, notably during Super Bowl LVI when the Los Angeles Rams faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Historically, the Dodgers and Yankees have met in 11 World Series matchups, with eight victories claimed by the Yankees. Their last encounter was in 1981.
Game 1 commenced on October 25 at Dodger Stadium with an Eastern time first pitch at 8:08 p.m.
Further information and donation options are available at baseballunites.com.
