WASHINGTON, DC — With baseball’s Opening Day upon us, even Republicans and Democrats on the Hill can agree that nothing captures the spirit of spring and summer better than enjoying a fresh, delicious hot dog at the ball game.

For that reason, Opening Day 2011 is truly monumental for Washington, DC hot dog lovers and baseball fans, as there is a new top “dog” at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals and Kayem Foods announced today a new sponsorship and licensing agreement to manufacture and distribute Kayem Beef Hot Dogs at Nationals games, and make Kayem Franks the Official Hot Dog of the Washington Nationals and Nationals Park.

As part of the agreement, Kayem has introduced new and improved products at Washington Nationals home games. Kayem Hot Dogs at Nationals Park feature Kayem’s special all-beef recipe, offering a unique blend of spices for a distinct bolder flavor. The plump and juicy skinless hot dogs have no fillers and are MSG and gluten free.

Kayem Foods, founded in 1909, is the largest meat processor in New England. Owned and operated by the same family for more than 100 years, the company manufactures Kayem Franks, the #1 brand of franks sold in New England. Best known for its Old Tyme Natural Casing franks, Kayem produces over 100 varieties of hot dogs and 300 varieties of deli meats, sausage and dinner hams under the Kayem, al fresco, Schonland’s, McKenzie, Triple M, Genoa, Jordan’s, Deutschmacher, Kirschner, and Essem brands.

In 2009, Kayem Foods began manufacturing and distributing the iconic Fenway Franks line of hot dogs, the Official Hot Dog of the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park. In 2010, Kayem Foods became the Official Hot Dog and Sausage of the Tampa Bay Rays and Tropicana Field.