WASHINGTON, DC – On June 12, more than 30,000 attendees gathered at the Washington Nationals Ballpark here for the annual
Congressional baseball game with Democrats and Republicans going head-to-head through nine long innings to support the event that raised more than $2 million for local charities.
While the Republican team defeated the Democrats by 20 runs in a 31-11 blowout in the game played nearly every year since 1909, the real winner of the night was U.S. agriculture thanks to longtime USA Rice partner and member Anheuser-Busch.
Fourth-generation Arkansas rice farmer Eric Vaught delivered the game ball alongside one of the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales and was recognized as one of the many agricultural producers who supply quality inputs, like U.S.-grown rice, that are key ingredients in Anheuser-Busch’s iconic brands.
“Eric grows the rice that gives a distinctive crisp and refreshing taste to iconic American beers like Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra,” said the game announcer introducing Vaught. “American farm families like Eric’s keep our rural communities strong, and they ensure we continue to produce high-quality products right here in the USA.”
USA Rice also partnered with Anheuser-Busch along with others in the agriculture community on an inside-the-ballpark reception bringing in Members of Congress, including U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Congressional staff, and others by the hundreds.
“I was deeply honored to be chosen to deliver the game ball for the 2024 Congressional Baseball Game,” said Vaught. “It was a privilege to represent rice farm families like mine that supply the quality U.S.-grown ingredients that make Anheuser-Busch products leaders in the beer industry.”