A Cheesy Bet Turns into Celebration
In a delightful twist during a recent Chicago Cubs game against the Milwaukee Brewers on August 21, a simple double play turned into a tasty reward for patrons at the Corner Taproom in Cascade, Iowa. The play, a textbook 6-4-3 double play, was the result of on-air banter between Marquee Sports Network announcers Boog Sciambi and Jim Deshaies, who made a playful bet involving free mozzarella sticks for the bar in Cubs pitcher Colin Rea's hometown. When the Cubs executed the double play in the top of the second inning, with Nico Hoerner fielding a grounder from William Contreras, flipping to Michael Busch at second, and Busch completing the throw to first, the bet was won, and the Corner Taproom erupted in cheers.
The lighthearted moment was a highlight of the game, which saw the Cubs secure a 4-3 victory over the Brewers, marking their third consecutive win against the NL Central leaders. Michael Busch also contributed significantly with a three-run double, while Matt Shaw added a solo homer, showcasing Chicago's strong performance as they won five of their last six games. But for fans at the Corner Taproom, the real victory was the free appetizers that flowed freely that night.
Colin Rea's Hometown Connection
Colin Rea, a native of Cascade, Iowa, has become a source of local pride, and this quirky bet only deepened the connection between the pitcher and his hometown. Though Rea did not pitch in this particular game, his name was front and center as the announcers tied the mozzarella stick giveaway to his roots. The Corner Taproom, a beloved local spot, became the epicenter of celebration as patrons enjoyed the unexpected treat, courtesy of the Cubs' defensive prowess.
Rea has been a steady presence for the Cubs this season, with posts on X noting his impressive stats, including a 4-0 record in his starts and only 2 earned runs allowed over 13.2 innings pitched in earlier games. His contributions on the mound have endeared him to Cubs fans, but this off-field moment of hometown recognition added a unique layer to his story, bridging the gap between professional sports and small-town life.
A Fun Twist in Baseball Broadcasting
The mozzarella stick bet exemplifies how sports broadcasting can bring an element of fun to the game, especially during the late-season grind of baseball. Boog Sciambi's promise of 'mozzarella sticks for everybody' if the Cubs turned a double play injected humor into the broadcast, making it memorable for viewers and listeners alike. This creative incentive not only entertained fans but also highlighted the personal stories behind the players, like Rea's ties to Cascade.
For the patrons at the Corner Taproom, the moment was a reminder of how baseball can unite communities, even over something as simple as a shared appetizer. The incident also underscores the power of local narratives in sports, turning a routine play into a celebration that resonated far beyond the diamond. As the Cubs continue their push in the NL Central, stories like this add a layer of warmth to the competitive nature of the game, reminding everyone why baseball remains America's pastime.