John Tory bets local beer, flips bat in Blue Jays bet with KC mayor

Toronto Mayor John Tory will send three types of local craft beer to his counterpart in Kansas City if the Blue Jays lose the American League Championship Series to the Royals.

Tory was responding to Kansas City Mayor Sly James, who kicked off the friendly wager with an offer of ribs and sauces from three of his city's top barbecue joints.

Tory stood outside City Hall Friday in a Jays jacket holding a bat, and said the beer comes with a warning.

"Number one, our beer is stronger, number two, our pitchers are stronger, and number three, our hitters are stronger," Tory said. "So Mayor James: Game on, go Jays."

The mayor then tossed his bat Jose Bautista-style and walked off.

2 takes

Tory issued his challenge twice due to problems with his microphone, and on the second take he said he merely wanted to ensure that "the people in Kansas City up to and including the mayor have a chance for the first time in their lives to drink some real beer."

Tory said he plans to send the beer regardless of who wins.

Despite Tory's bravado, James was confident that the Toronto mayor wouldn't be sampling his city's wares anytime soon.

"I wouldn't start getting your knives and forks out, however, because we plan to win this thing," James said.

James posted his offer to YouTube, and challenged Tory to come up something other than maple syrup because "we have our own."

"I'm looking forward to hearing from you, mayor, we want to hear what you guys are going to put up. Make us something good, brother!"

The friendly wager marks the beginning of the ALCS, which begins on Friday night in Kansas City. Tory would not offer a prediction for the series, only saying that he is sure the team "will play their hearts out."