Kernels to Hold Job Fair February 24th and 26th

Kernels to hold Job Fair

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Jessica Fergesen (319) 896-7608

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels are hosting a two-day job fair to hire part-time employees for the 2022 season. Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 24th from 3-7pm and Saturday, February 26th from 8-11am at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Candidates will complete the application and interview at the job fair in the Kernels conference room and suites. The Kernels are looking for people who are reliable, hard-working, and passionate about pleasing our fans. All employees must be at least 16 years of age or older to work at the Kernels. The Kernels are an equal opportunity employer.

Applications will be available at the job fair or apply online! Visit www.kernels.com to learn more about the positions we are hiring.

The Kernels Opening Night for 2022 is Friday, April 8th at 6:35 PM vs. Beloit. Single-game tickets will go on sale Monday, March 14th. Our full promotional schedule with theme nights and daily specials will be released on March 1st.

To keep up to date on information regarding the Kernels 2022 season please visit www.kernels.com or follow our Facebook and Twitter feeds and subscribe to our Kernels email newsletter.

Top Black Players in Cedar Rapids Kernels History

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at six of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at six of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Cedar Rapids Ball Club.

Eric Davis:

Drafted in the 8th round of the 1980 MLB draft by the Cincinnati Reds. Eric Davis played in 111 games for the Cedar Rapids Reds in 1982. Eric hit .277 with 15 home runs, 56 RBIs, and stealing 53 bases.

Eric debuted with the Cincinnati Reds in 1984. Eric became a member of the 30/30 club in 1987, hitting 37 home runs and stealing 50 bases. Eric was a key member of the Reds 1990 World Series Championship team. Over his 17-year career Eric was a .269 hitter with 282 home runs and 349 stolen bases. The two-time All-Star also won three Gold Gloves.

Reggie Sanders:

The Cincinnati Reds used their 7th round pick in the 1987 draft on Outfielder, Reggie Sanders. Reggie played for Cedar Rapids in 1990, playing in 127 games. Reggie hit .285 with 17 home runs, 63 RBIs and 40 stolen bases.

Reggie debuted with the Reds in the 1991 season playing in just 9 games. In the 1992 season Reggie finished 4th in the Rookie of the Year voting. Reggie was part of the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks team that would win the World Series. In total Reggie played for 8 big league teams over 17 seasons. A career .267 hitter with 305 home runs and 983 RBI’s. Reggie has 1666 career hits and 304 Stolen Bases.

Howie Kendrick:

The Anaheim Angels drafted Howie Kendrick in the 10th round in 2002. Howie played 75 games for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2004 and he did not disappoint. Howie hit an incredible .367 over those 75 games.

Howie would make his MLB debut in 2006 and would enjoy a 15-year career. His only All-Star appearance came in 2011, but his best season was in 2019 when he helped lead the Nationals to the Franchises first World Series title. The NLCS MVP hit a career high .344 in 121 games with 17 home runs during the regular season. Howie recently retired after the 2020 season, as a career .294 hitter with 1747 career hits to his name.

Reggie Jefferson:

Reggie Jefferson was a first baseman out of Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida. The Reds would draft him in the 3rd round in 1986, he would play 15 games in Cedar Rapids in 1987 and would return for a full season in 1988. Reggie blasted 18 home runs and drove in 90 runs during the ’88 season.

Reggie Debuted with the Reds in 1991 but would only play in five games before being traded to Cleveland. Over his 9-year big league career Reggie would average 17 home runs 71 RBIs. He finished his career with a batting average of exactly .300. Reggie would also spend some time playing in Japan, as well as coaching in the Minor Leagues and College level.

Chili Davis:

Born in Jamacia, Chili Davis was drafted in the 11th round by the Giants out of High School in 1977. He would play in 124 games for the Cedar Rapids Giants in 1978. That year Chili hit .281 with 16 home runs, 73 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. He was a Midwest League All-star and named the team MVP.

In 1981 Chili made history, being the first Jamaican born player to reach the big leagues. He would finish 4th in the Rookie of the Year votes in 1982 and would spend 19 years as a player in the big leagues playing for 5 teams. Chili would be on three World Series Championship teams (Minnesota 1991, New York Yankees 1998-99). A .274 career hitter with 2380 hits and 350 home runs. After retiring as a player Chili would go on to be a coach making stops in Oakland, Boston, Chicago (Cubs), and New York (Mets).

John Roseboro:

John played for the Cedar Rapids Raiders (Brooklyn Dodgers) in 1955 where he played in 55 games. John hit .235 that year but was better known for his defense.

He would make his MLB debut in 1957, playing in 35 games. The next season he would take over full time catching duties for the Dodgers after Roy Campanella was seriously injured in a car accident. John made his first of six All-Star teams that year. John was known as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball during his 14-year career. He would win two Gold Gloves and win 3 World Series titles. Following his retirement John would coach for the Senators, Angels, and Dodgers in both the Major and Minor Leagues. John passed away in 2002 at the age of 69.

Nick Adenhart Scholarship 2021

 

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The application deadline for the ninth annual Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Kernels Foundation, is Friday, April 9th.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006, and he was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, Nick was tragically killed by a drunk driver on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family would like to honor him by awarding two $1,000 scholarships in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarships on behalf of Nick’s family.

Applicants must be a graduating high school senior from an area high school and attend a two or four-year accredited college or university and take 12 or more hours per semester. The applicant must have played an organized sport in the last two years, must be a great teammate, must demonstrate hard work and determination, and must have a clear vision of their career goal.

With the closure of Veterans Memorial Stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic scholarships can are being accepted one of two ways:

ATTN: Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship
Cedar Rapids Kernels
PO Box 2001
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406-2001

OR

Via email to [email protected]

For questions, please contact:
Doug Nelson, Chief Executive Officer Cedar Rapids Kernels
319-896-7614 [email protected]

Scholarship applications may be downloaded online, just click here.

2020 Nick Adenhart Scholarships Awarded

 

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels in collaboration with the Kernels Foundation and the Adenhart Family recently awarded to two Eastern Iowa high school graduates with a $1,000 scholarship. On Sunday, June 7th, Ella Popenhagen from Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School and Logan Schmitt from Independence High School were recognized during a special check presentation on Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium in front of their families and members of the Kernels Foundation.

Ella Popenhagen participated in track and field, cross country and swimming. She was named Captain and to the Metro Team for both swimming and track and field for the Cougars. Popenhagen served as a member of Student Government at Kennedy High School and was a member of National Honor Society. Her other school and community activities include Best Buddies Club, Show Choir, St. Luke’s Hospital Volunteer and Special Olympics. Popenhagen plans to attend The University of Northern Iowa and pursue a degree in Movement and Exercise Science.

Logan Schmitt participated in football, basketball, track and field and baseball all four years of high school for the Mustangs. Schmitt was named Captain of the baseball team his junior and senior seasons. Schmitt was a member of National Honor Society, a school mentor and participated in numerous community activities in Independence. Schmitt plans to attend Kirkwood Community College this fall and eventually earn a degree in medicine. Congratulations to these two outstanding youths in Eastern Iowa. Photos of the check presentations attached.

Read More: Cedar Rapids Kernels

Read more about the Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship

2020 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship Deadline Approaching

Cedar Rapids, IA – The application deadline for the eighth annual Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Kernels Foundation, is Friday, April 10th.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006, and he was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, Nick was tragically killed by a drunk driver on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family would like to honor him by awarding two $1,000 scholarships in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarships on behalf of Nick’s family.

Applicants must be a graduating high school senior from an area high school and attend a two or four-year accredited college or university and take 12 or more hours per semester. The applicant must have played an organized sport in the last two years, must be a great teammate, must demonstrate hard work and determination, and must have a clear vision of their career goal.

With the recent closure of Veterans Memorial Stadium and area high schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic scholarships can are being accepted one of two ways:

Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship
C/O Cedar Rapids Kernels
PO Box 2001
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406

Scholarship applications may be downloaded from the Kernels website at www.kernels.com under the ‘COMMUNITY’ tab.

For more information, please contact Doug Nelson at 319-363-3887 or email at [email protected].

 

Nominations Open for 2020 Kid Heroes Ceremony

 

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels are seeking nominations for their third annual Kid Heroes Recognition Ceremony sponsored by O’Brien Family McDonald’s. This special group will represent kids who have used the services of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

The ceremony for the 2020 Kid Heroes will be at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Sunday, July 26, 2020. Those children selected as Kid Heroes and their families will be honored on the field prior to the game and will receive four complimentary tickets to that game.

The Kernels will begin taking nominations for the third annual Kid Heroes Recognition Ceremony on Monday, March 30th. The first 20 submissions will make it into the group, so we urge people to turn in their nominations right away. Nominations will be taken until Friday, May 8th, OR, until 20 submissions are received.

To give all these outstanding kids the opportunity to be honored in the Kid Heroes Recognition Ceremony, we ask that those kids included in previous ceremonies from 2018 and 2019 not be nominated.

Nominations can be made online with our online form. A special thank you is extended to our loyal sponsor, O’Brien Family McDonald’s restaurants and the partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

For more information on the Kid Heroes Recognition Ceremony, or if you have questions, please contact Jessica Fergesen at (319) 896-7608 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Click here to access the online form | Kid Heroes Nomination Form
Single-game tickets for the Kernels 2020 season are available online now from May 11-August.  https://www.milb.com/cedar-rapids/tickets/single-game-tickets

 

Kernels hosting Spring/Summer Job Fairs

During the job fair, the Kernels management staff will be holding on-site interviews for the following positions: concessions, warehouse, ticket office, ticket takers, promotions team, ushers, souvenirs and stadium operations.

The Kernels are looking for people who are reliable, hard-working and passionate about pleasing our fans. Applicants must be 16 years of age to work at the Kernels. The Kernels are an equal opportunity employer. Applications are also available online at www.kernels.com.

Job Fair Times:
Friday, February 28 | 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 29 | 9:00-11:00 am

The Kernels Ticket Office opens for single-game ticket purchase on Monday, March 23 at 10:00 am. Opening night for the Kernels is Monday, April 13 vs. Wisconsin at 6:35 pm.

 

The Kernels Foundation is now excepting Grant Applications Online

Awards for the Spring Cycle will be selected in March

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Kernels Foundation is now accepting grant request applications online at www.kernels.com. All information, including the application form, guidelines, and application cycles, can be found at the following link: https://www.milb.com/cedar-rapids/community/grants.

The Kernels Foundation is currently accepting grant applications for the Spring Cycle, which runs from January 1 – February 15. Approved grants will be announced in March.

The purpose of The Kernels Foundation is to ensure that all youth in Eastern Iowa have the opportunity to experience the thrills and life-enhancing lessons that come from engaging in athletics and recreational activities.

All grant applications that are submitted online will be evaluated by The Kernels Foundation Board of Directors.

Nominations now open for Kernels sixth annual Military Heroes Baseball Card Set

Cedar Rapids, IA – Nominations are now open for the Cedar Rapids Kernels sixth annual Military Heroes Baseball card set. The card set will represent each branch of the military and honor those who are currently serving our country, veterans who have served in the past but are no longer active, and those who bravely fought for our country, but have since passed away.

Nominations forms are available by visiting the Kernels offices during normal business hours, or online by clicking here. Nominations can be submitted online by clicking here, mailed directly to the Kernels offices or dropped off at the stadium during normal business hours. Please include a photo of the Military Hero with your completed nomination form.

The first 30 submissions will make it into the 2019 card set, so we urge people to turn in their nominations right away. Nominations will be taken until Thursday, January 31st, OR, until 30 submissions are received.

To give all past and current military the opportunity to be honored in the Military Heroes Card Set, we ask that those veterans included in card sets from 2014 to 2018 not be nominated.

The card set will be given away to the first 1,000 fans that enter Veterans Memorial Stadium on Thursday, July 4th, 2019. Those military heroes selected to appear in the card set and their families will be honored on the field following the July 4th game, and will receive four tickets to that game.

For more information on the Military Heroes Baseball card set, or to access a nomination form, please contact Andrea Brommelkamp at (319) 896-7603 or by e-mail at andrea@kernels.com.

Cedar Rapids Kernels release 2018 Community Report

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels have released their third annual report showcasing how the organization supported the Cedar Rapids community in 2018.

The twenty-page report highlights the work inside and outside of Veterans Memorial Stadium throughout the calendar year. The Kernels Organization as a whole gave over $429,000 in charitable donations which includes money granted by the Kernels Foundation for local recreational projects. Other community efforts showcased include the 20th Annual Kernels Summer Reading Program that promoted the importance of reading to 25,000 local children in Eastern Iowa and the “Home Run for Hunger” program that, since 2017, collected 7,200 pounds of food from farmers’ market vendors for the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) food reservoir.

The entire 2018 Cedar Rapids Kernels Community Report can be viewed by visiting www.kernels.com and clicking on the Community tab on the home page.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. For more information, visit www.kernels.com and follow the Kernels on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Alliant Energy Foundation to match a portion of Harry Potter Jersey silent auction proceeds this Friday

Cedar Rapids, IA – Alliant Energy, the sponsor of the Harry Potter Jersey Night set for this Friday, June 22nd, and the Alliant Energy Foundation have announced they will match a portion of the total money raised from the jersey silent auction at the game.

The Alliant Energy Foundation will match up to $5,000 of the total amount raised by the jersey silent auction that will take place during Friday’s game between the Kernels and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Both teams will be wearing special Harry Potter Jerseys and the proceeds from the silent auction will benefit HACAP’s Operation Backpack.

Gates open at 5:30 PM on Friday, June 22nd with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 PM. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kernels.com or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at (319) 896-7560.

The Kernels are currently enjoying the MWL All-Star Break through June 20th. They begin the second half of the MWL season by hosting the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Thursday, June 21st at 6:35 PM, which kicks off a seven-game home stand that continues until Wednesday, June 27th.

Chris Kleinhans-Schulz and Morgan Hawk bring you all of the play-by-play on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM. Fans may listen on-line at www.kmryradio.com, or www.kernels.com. Fans may also stream all 70 Kernels home game and selected road games via a MiLB.TV subscription. Visit MiLB.TV for subscription information.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

2018 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship winners: Mackenzie Redmond and Logan Hadsall

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels and Kernels Foundation are pleased to announce Mackenzie Redmond and Logan Hadsall as the winners of the 2018 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarships. They were recognized in an on-field ceremony before the Kernels game with Peoria on Sunday, June 17th.

Mackenzie Redmond will be graduating from Marion High School and plans on attending Mount Mercy University to major in Nursing. Logan Hadsall will be graduating from Center Point-Urbana High School and plans on attending Kirkwood Community College, pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. Both winners are members of the National Honor Society at their respective high schools.

Nick Adenhart was a bright young pitcher who played for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2006 and was a rising star in the Los Angeles Angels organization. Only hours after Nick’s 2009 season debut on the mound for the Angels, a drunk driver tragically killed him on April 9, 2009 at age 22.

Nick’s family continues to honor him with the awarding of two $1,000 scholarships in his memory. The Kernels Foundation is privileged to administer the scholarships on behalf of Nick’s family.

The Kernels are currently enjoying the MWL All-Star Break through June 20th. They begin the second half of the MWL season by hosting the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Thursday, June 21st at 6:35 PM, which kicks off a seven-game home stand that continues until Wednesday, June 27th.

Chris Kleinhans-Schulz and Morgan Hawk bring you all of the play-by-play on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM and 93.1 KMRY FM. Fans may listen on-line at www.kmryradio.com, or www.kernels.com. Fans may also stream all 70 Kernels home game and selected road games via a MiLB.TV subscription. Visit MiLB.TV for subscription information.

Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560. Ticket office hours are 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

Kernels Kids Heroes card set nominations closed

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels are proud to announce that we have collected all the nominations for the 2018 Kids Heroes Baseball card set and nominations for this year’s card set are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a hero for this year’s set!

We still encourage all fans to attend our Kids Heroes Night on Friday, June 15th at 6:35 PM as the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a free set of Ronald McDonald House Kids Heroes Baseball Cards, sponsored by McDonalds. Gates open at 5:30 PM.

With the strong interest in our first Kids Heroes Baseball Cards sets, the Kernels plan to continue this annual tradition by releasing a second Kids Heroes Set for the 2019 season. Nominations for this set will open in mid-January of 2019.

Kernels seeking nominations for Kids Heroes Baseball Card Set

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels have partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (RMHC-EIWI) to release a Kids Heroes Baseball Card Set, sponsored by McDonald’s. The card set will spotlight kids who have used RMHC-EIWI services and showcase some of the incredible kids they meet and serve every day.

The card set will be given away to the first 1,000 fans that enter Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, June 15th. Those kids selected to appear in the card set and their families will be honored on the field prior to the June 15th game, and will receive four tickets to the game.

The Kernels will begin taking nominations for the Kids Heroes Card Set on Thursday, February 1st. The first 20 submissions will make it into the card set, so we urge people to turn in nominations right away. Nominations will be taken until Friday, March 30th OR until 20 submissions are received.

Nomination forms can be accessed by visiting the Kernels offices during normal business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday) or online by clicking here. A PDF version of the nomination form can be accessed by clicking here. Nominations can be submitted online, or mailed directly to the Kernels offices. Please include a photo of the Kid Hero that will be used on the baseball card, along with the completed nomination form.

For more information on the Kids Heroes Baseball Card set, or to access a nomination form, please contact Jessica Fergesen at (319) 896-7608 or by email at jessica@kernels.com.

Kernels Military Heroes card set nominations closed

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels are proud to announce that we have collected all the nominations for the 2018 Military Heroes Baseball card set and nominations for this year’s card set are now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted a military hero for this year’s set!

We still encourage active duty personnel, veterans and their families to attend our Military Heroes Night on Wednesday, July 4th at 5:05 PM. The Kernels will wear special patriotic jerseys that will be sold via a silent auction with the proceeds to benefit the ALS Association – Iowa Chapter and we will be honoring all veterans and active duty personnel during the game.

With the strong interest in each of our Military Heroes Baseball Cards sets, the Kernels plan to continue this annual tradition by releasing a sixth Military Heroes Set for the 2019 season. Nominations for this set will open in mid-November of 2018.