October 16, 2008 12:01 AM
Free pizza in Lakewood . . . if Rays win Series
For a guy who might have to give away a few thousand one-topping pizzas soon, John Keiley keeps a devilish smile on his face.
Bold words painted on the window of his Lakewood restaurant, Johnny's New York Pizza and Pasta, explain why.
"Get rid of the devil & good things happen . . . Free pizza if Tampa Bay wins the World Series."
Tampa Bay Rays removed "Devil" from the team's nickname this season. When they took a series from the Boston Red Sox in July Keiley decided to make the freebie pizza offer.
Rays officials visited Denver in August to discuss playoff-related issues with the Rockies. They also paid a surprise visit to Keiley's restaurant.
Since then, Keiley's received items from the Rays' organization, as well as a visit from the first deputy mayor in St. Peterburg, Fla., Tish Elston.
If the Rays close out the series against Boston, Keiley is hopeful of traveling to Tampa to see a World Series game. He's a big New York Mets fan who despises the Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies.
A Rays-Mets World Series matchup "would be horrible and I don't know what I'd do there," Keiley said.
"The way it sits today, I want them to beat the heck out of the Phillies."
Last year Keiley gave away 2,500 free pizzas when the Rockies swept the New York Yankees at Coors Field. Before the '07 NFL season began he painted the window with a sign offering free pizzas if a team finished the season 16-0.
The New England Patriots went 16-0. The offer in what some have called the "magic window" cost Keiley hundreds more free pizzas.
Next year, on April1, Keiley plans to paint a new sign in the window featuring a new offer for free pizzas.
"Guys who come in want me to put the Cubs up there next year," Keiley said. "They've been waiting a while to win the World Series."
October 16, 2008
4:44 PM
Peter Rossi writes:
Sam:
This guy is awesome. You never see these kind of deals anymore.
There has to be a limit though, right? I can't go in there and request 40 pizzas or anything like that can I?
By the way I saw you strolling in downtown last week. You are a lot taller than it appears on FSN.
Who do you like in the series?
October 16, 2008
4:48 PM
Mike Wheaton writes:
Awesome story and this Keiley guy is a genius when it comes to making a prediction and even more of a genius when it comes to a viral marketing idea.
Even if the Ray's don't win the World Series - something Brian Clark would prefer, what a prediction on Keiley's part. "Want a prediction with your pizza? Come to Johnny's" should be his motto.
Next week my team is playing for the state championship and rumor has it that the opposing team has already been to Johnny's and touched his magic window for good luck.
October 17, 2008
9:15 AM
Gary Hughes writes:
Sam : Great story. I had to chime in. I'm pulling for Mr. Kelley to put the Cubbies in his window next year. The result can't be any worse than what occured this year when the Greek Orthodox priest sprinkled holy water in our dugout prior to the playoffs. "Johnny's New York Style Pizza" will become my favorite (east of Amici's in the SF Bay Area) should Mr. Kelley decide to honor the Cubs. Be well my friend. Sincerely, Gary Hughes, Special Assistant To The General Manager, Chicago Cubs Baseball Club
October 23, 2008
5:02 PM
Peter Keiley writes:
Johnny, my younger brother; surely much bigger in many ways - is creative, hard worker, and I along with many of your readers are happy for him. Next thing we will see him on ESPN, offering predictions and a national following. Reality is that he is touching many people with his creativity and good nature and in return I wish him the greatest success and happiness. Reading Gary's comments - he is right on -- the Cubbies should hire John next year for spring training and remove the 100+ year jinx.