With the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets set to square off in the first round of the MLB playoffs – the National League Division Series – Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and Steve Israel (D-NY) announced last week they had placed a “friendly” wager on the outcome of the series.

Rep. Adam Schiff, left, made a “friendly” wager with Rep. Steve Israel over the outcome of the Dodgers and Mets playoff series. (photo courtesy of Congressman Adam Schiff’s Office)

The winner of the bet shall receive local food from the loser’s district.

Schiff, who represents the areas surrounding Dodger Stadium, wagered gourmet popcorn from Pauline’s Premier Sweets in Burbank, befitting his Hollywood district. Israel, who is a Mets fan representing areas surrounding Citi Field, wagered New York bagels, flown in fresh. Additionally, the loser will wear the tie of the winner’s team and deliver a one minute speech on the House floor extolling the virtues of the team moving on to the next playoff round.

“There isn’t any question in my mind that the boys in blue will best the ‘loveable losers,’ and I can already taste the delicious New York bagels that will be flown in the day the Mets blow it,” Schiff said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the Dodgers continue in their hunt for ‘Blue October’ after the Mets are long vanquished. Please make sure the lox is fresh, Steve.”

The last time the New York Mets met the Dodgers in the

playoffs was during the 2006 National League Division Series, when the Mets won three games to zero; and the time before was during the 1988 National League Championship Series, which the Dodgers won 4 – 3. 1988 was the last year the Dodgers won the World Series.

Schiff and Israel are friends in Congress, having both entered the House together in 2001.

“I hope that (Schiff) will also consider sending a broom so that I can sweep his fancy L.A. popcorn off my floor in the same way my beloved Mets will sweep the Dodgers,” Israel said. “Let’s face it; once his team left New York, it was all downhill from there.”