The city of Countryside is again hitching its wagon to two local pro sports teams, one that is red-hot and another that can only get better.
The city council on Dec. 10 unanimously approved a deal to pay $241,520 to Karma Brands – also known as ESPN Radio – for two years of commercials touting Countryside during Bears and White Sox broadcasts.
The Bears had a winning season and made the playoffs while the Sox are coming off a third straight season of 100 or more losses.
City Administrator Gail Paul said the deal includes commercials, live reads and pre- and post-game commercials.
The city had the option of one-year which would have cost $148,450, but opted for two, saving money in the process.
One perk is that Karma Brand has assured Paul “that a White Sox legend, I don’t have a name yet, will attend our car show on June 6 and be available for autographs.”.
The June 6 car show will be part of the city’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of Route 66, now known as Joliet Road, in Countryside.
McDermott, a big fan of the White Sox, noted that the team recently got the No. 1 pick in the draft. He quipped that the legend doesn’t have to play in 2026.
“I’m excited about the first draft pick. That’s huge,” he said.
After the meeting, McDermott said he hopes the Sox legend will be former South Side slugger Harold Baines, a first-round pick for the team in 1977 whose career landed him in the Baseball Hall of Fame.