Lt. Bud Rice, WWII Vet, Throws First Pitch at Memorial Day Dodger Game

The ceremonial honor of throwing the first pitch at yesterday’s Dodger Game went to well-known local resident US Army Air Fore Pilot Lt. Julian “Bud”Rice, a World War II veteran who is 98 years young.  Rice served as a C-47 pilot of the 37th Troop Carrier Squadron, and along with 800 other pilots, participated in D-Day, the largest invasion ever attempted. In all, Rice flew more than 700 daily transport and combat missions during the War.

We heard from another reader that Mr. Rice wasn’t thrilled with his pitch, and thought he could pitch better next year…so we hope he’s invited back to give it another try!

Rice was escorted at the game by his son Mark, long time local resident, formerly of Fremont Place and now in Windsor Square with his family.

Mark Rice gave the Buzz permission to share the video of his father, saying, “he’s been in the neighborhood for over 70 years and has many friends who might like to see it. It was a lot of fun and he enjoyed it. The Dodgers were especially kind to us.”

The Rice family has deep roots in the neighborhood and is active in St. Brendan’s Church and School, Loyola High School, Notre Dame High School and Wilshire Country Club.