Cedar Rapids Kernels

2018 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship applications now being accepted

January 22, 2018

Cedar Rapids, IA – Applications are being accepted through The Kernels Foundation for the eighth annual Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship.

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

The deadline for submitting applications for this scholarship is Friday, April 13, 2018. 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.

Scholarship applications are available through area schools guidance offices, or may be downloaded from the Kernels website by clicking here.

For more information, please contact Doug Nelson at 319-363-3887 or email at doug@kernels.com.

2018 season ticket packages and 10-game coupon books are on sale now at the stadium, or by calling the Kernels at (319) 363-3887. Individual game tickets go on sale Monday, March 19th at 10 AM. The Kernels open the 2018 Midwest League season at Quad Cities on Thursday, April 5th. The home season begins on Saturday, April 7th vs. Quad Cities at 5:05 PM.

Cedar Rapids Kernels release 2017 Community Report

January 5, 2018

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels have released their second annual report showcasing how the organization supported the Cedar Rapids community in 2017.

The eleven page report features new community programs “Catch with a Cop” and “Home Run for Hunger” while also breaking down the $256,000 in charitable donations contributed by the Kernels organization. Other highlights include a recap on the thriving “Kernels Summer Reading Program” and a page dedicated to The Kernels Foundation in their efforts in supporting recreational activities for the youth in Eastern Iowa.

“The work we do in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities is something we are very proud of.” says Ryne George, Kernels Director of Community Relations. “Back in 2016 we started the “Take the Lead” community relations initiative to help brand our efforts and today it has really grown into a way of thinking here at the ballpark and pushes us to do more.”

The 2017 Cedar Rapids Kernels Community Report can be viewed by clicking here.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Kernels players and front office to take ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on Wednesday

July 31, 2017

Cedar Rapids, IA – Kernels players and members of the Kernels front office staff will take the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS Awareness on Wednesday, August 2^nd at 2:30 PM on the main concourse at Perfect Game Field right inside the main gates.

In 2014 the Facebook and other social media pages were filled with people accepting and fulfilling the Ice Bucket Challenge. The moto now of the ALS Association is “Every August until a Cure”. The Kernels staff and players are also making a cash donation to the ALS Association as a group.

The purpose of the challenge is to accept the challenge and pour a bucket of ice water over your head, make a donation to ALS or both. Donations can be made by visiting the ALS website at www.als.org.

The Kernels continue a seven-game home stand tonight at 6:35 PM vs. Clinton. Gates open at 5:30 PM and the current home stand continues through Friday, August 4^th.

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.

2017 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship winners

July 9, 2017

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels and Kernels Foundation are pleased to announce Nicole Toppin and Matt Condon as the winners of the 2017 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarships. They were recognized in an on-field ceremony before the Kernels game with Peoria on Sunday, July 9^th.

Nicole Toppin is a member of the Class of 2017 at Marion High School and plans on attending the University of Iowa and majoring in Business and Spanish. Matt Condon is a member of the Class of 2017 at Linn-Mar High School and plans on attending the University of Iowa and majoring in Business and Sports Management.

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 wrap up a seven-game home stand against the Peoria Chiefs on Monday, July 10^th at 12:05 PM with the gates opening at 11 AM.

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.

First Federal Credit Union & Cedar Rapids Kernels present HomeRun for Hunger

June 15, 2017

Cedar Rapids, IA – First Federal Credit Union and the Cedar Rapids Kernels have created the HomeRun for Hunger program, a collaborative initiative to support the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) Food Reservoir. Working together, volunteer employees will gather fresh food donations at the conclusion of each Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market where items will then be donated to the HACAP Food Reservoir (our community food bank distributing food to the 12.2% food insecure in our area through 114 non-profit organizations and a variety of programs).

HomeRun for Hunger volunteers from First Federal Credit Union and the Cedar Rapids Kernels will pick up acceptable food donations from vendors near the end of each Downtown Farmers’ Market. These volunteers will be wearing “Home Run for Hunger” t-shirts and will have wagons to transport donated items. All donated items will be taken to the on-site HACAP Mobile Food Pantry truck and delivered to the food reservoir that serves Linn and six surrounding counties.

“We are pleased to bring the HomeRun for Hunger program to the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market”, stated First Federal Credit Union CEO Tom Chalstrom. “Working with the Cedar Rapids Kernels, together we can provide the resources to commit to making Home Run for Hunger a program that will make a difference for families that use HACAP’s programs”.

Ryne George, Community Relations Manager for the Cedar Rapids Kernels added, “The HomeRun for Hunger program is another means by which our team, our employees and our fans can help make our community a better place. We are looking forward to making this program an important resource for HACAP’s food bank”.

Linda Gorkow from the HACAP Food Reservoir remarked, “We are so appreciative of the time, resources and effort that First Federal and the Kernels have given to create the Home Run for Hunger program. The employees of both organizations are volunteering their time to ensure the program is a success. The vendors of the Downtown Farmers’ Market can help us alleviate hunger in the area by donating unsold food items that will make its way to the homes that most need it.”

The HACAP Food Reservoir is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax deductible. Receipts will be available upon request.

Acceptable food donations include: All fresh fruits and vegetables, honey (with producer label), eggs, cans of food (proper labeling with ingredient labels), non-food items (personal care and home care items especially).

The following items cannot be accepted: home-canned items or preservatives, home-made baked items (must be prepared in professional kitchen with ingredient label, and no alcoholic beverages.

For more information please visit CRDowntownMarket.com.

Kernels Military Heroes card set nominations closed

January 31, 2017

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Kernels are proud to announce that we have collected all the nominations for the 2017 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 Tuesday, 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 local veterans groups 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 fifth Military Heroes Set for the 2018 season. Nominations for this set will open in mid-November of 2017.

2017 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship

January 15, 2017

Cedar Rapids, IA – Applications are being accepted through The Kernels Foundation for the sixth annual Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship.

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

The deadline for submitting applications for this scholarship is Friday, April 14, 2017. 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.

Scholarship applications are available through area schools guidance offices, or may be downloaded by clicking here.

For more information, please contact Doug Nelson at 319-363-3887 or email at doug@kernels.com.

2017 season ticket packages and 10-game coupon books are on sale now at the stadium, or by calling the Kernels at (319) 363-3887. Individual game tickets go on sale Monday, March 13^th at 10 AM. The Kernels open the 2017 Midwest League season at Beloit on Thursday, April 6^th. The home season begins on Saturday, April 8^th vs. Beloit at 5:05 PM.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Kernels seeking nominations for Military Heroes Card Set

November 7, 2016

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels are seeking nominations for their fourth 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.

The card set will be given away to the first 1,000 fans that enter Veterans Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017. 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.

In honor of Veterans Day, the Kernels will begin taking nominations for the Military Heroes Card Set on Friday, November 11th. The first 35 submissions will make it into the 2017 card set, so we urge people to turn in their nominations right away. Nominations will be taken until Tuesday, January 31st, OR, until 35 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 the 2014, 2015 and 2016 set not be nominated.

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

For more information on the Military Heroes Baseball card set, or to access a nomination form, please contact Ryne George at (319) 896-7617 or by e-mail at ryne@kernels.com.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Cedar Rapids Kernels 2016 Community Report

November 7, 2016

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels are proud to release their first comprehensive community report. This report highlights the organization’s 2016 off the field efforts such as charitable donations, the Al Smith League of Dreams and the popular Kernels Summer Reading Program.

In conjunction with the “Take the Lead” community relations initiative, the Kernels want to show their commitment to being the community beacon for education, social and recreational programs in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities.

Notable achievements this year include 150 community appearances by the team mascot Mr. Shucks, contributing donations totaling $314,744 and local children reading 2,618,750 total minutes in the Kernels Summer Reading Program.

Ryne George, the Kernels Community Relations Manager, says, “As a front office staff we all love Eastern Iowa and enjoy finding ways to give back. This report is a great example of what we do as an organization. We are looking to expand our efforts in 2017 and can’t wait to do even more for this great community.”

Click here to view the Kernels 2016 Community Report.

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. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Kernels Take the Lead charities raise over $36,000 in 2016

October 14, 2016

Cedar Rapids, IA – This season, three Kernels Take the Lead charities: Transamerica K’s for Kids, Millhiser Smith Home Runs for the Iowa Donor Network, and CarePro Health Services Plating for Plates, helped raise over $36,000.

Transamerica K’s for Kids: The Transamerica Foundation donates $25 for each strikeout recorded by a Kernels pitcher, at home and on the road, to Kids First – an organization that provides focused legal services for children. This season, Kernels pitchers recorded 1,231 strikeouts for a total of $30,775 to Kids First.

Millhiser Smith Home Runs: Millhiser Smith and West Bend Insurance donate to the Iowa Donor Network for every home run the Kernels hit at Perfect Game Field. This season the Kernels hit 36 home runs as Millhiser Smith and West Bend Insurance donated $2,500 to the Iowa Donor Network.

CarePro Health Services Plating for Plates: CarePro Health Services donates one plate of hot, nutritious food, the equivalent of $5, for every run the Kernels score at home and on the road to Horizons Meals on Wheels. This season, the Kernels scored 669 runs and CarePro Health Services donated $3,345 or 669 plates of food to the Horizons Meals on Wheels program.

The Kernels would like to thank the continued support of the Transamerica Foundation, Millhiser Smith, West Bend Insurance and CarePro Health Services for their continued support of these Take the Lead charities.

Take the Lead Mission Statement
From the Front Office to the dugout “Take the Lead” exemplifies how teamwork and collective efforts support and benefit the Cedar Rapids Corridor. The Kernels are committed to being the community beacon for education, social and recreation programs.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

2015 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship winner Niki Sharma

May 13, 2015

Niki Sharma is the winner of the 2015 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship, presented by the Kernels and The Kernels Foundation. (Ed Kempf / Impact Photography)

Cedar Rapids, IA – The Cedar Rapids Kernels and Kernels Foundation are pleased to announce Niki Sharma as the winner of the 2015 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship. She was recognized in an on-field ceremony before the Kernels game with Peoria on Wednesday, May 13^th.

Niki is a member of the Class of 2015 at Linn-Mar High School where her school activities, academic accomplishments and accomplishments in basketball and track were quite impressive, making her an excellent choice for the scholarship. Claire plans on attending Washington University in St. Louis as a pre-med student.

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

The Kernels continue a seven game home stand on Thursday, May 14^th with a 6:35 PM game against the Peoria Chiefs, the Midwest League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. The current home stand continues through Sunday, May 17^th.

Fans can enjoy all the action with Morgan Hawk on the radio home of Kernels baseball, 1450 KMRY AM, 93.1 KMRY FM, or listen on-line at www.kmryradio.com, or www.kernels.com.

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.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Click here to view the original story.

2015 Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship

February 16, 2015

Application deadline is Friday, April 17.

Applications are being accepted through The Kernels Foundation for the fifth annual Nick Adenhart Memorial Scholarship.

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

The deadline for submitting applications for this scholarship is Friday, April 17, 2015. 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.

Scholarship applications are available through area schools guidance offices, or may be downloaded from the Kernels website by clicking here.

For more information, please contact Doug Nelson at 319-363-3887 or email at doug@kernels.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels . Click here to view the original story.

Fundraising with the Kernels

February 6, 2015

Three ways for your non-profit group or organization to raise money this season

The Cedar Rapids Kernels have three ways for your non-profit group or organization to raise money this season – before, during and after Kernels games!

Kernels 4-Pack Ticket Fundraiser

Selling Kernels tickets is an easy way to raise money for your team or organization! Each 4-Pack of tickets sells for $30.00, and you get to keep $10.00 of each sale. That can really add up with just a few sales! The 4-Pack consists of four plaza ticket vouchers, which can be redeemed at the Kernels box office for any home game during the 2015 season.

Who to sell to: Mom and Dad, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, Neighbors, Teachers, Coaches, Your parents’ co-workers, People at church.

How it works: The Kernels supply a form for you to track your sales during the fundraising period. People purchasing a package complete their personal information and the seller collects $30 for each 4-pack sold. Cash and personal checks made out to the Cedar Rapids Kernels are accepted. Your group coordinator will turn in all orders to the Kernels and in 3-4 weeks, the Kernels will mail out all ticket vouchers and cut a check back to your organization for the total amount raised.

Questions? Please contact Sammy Brzostowski at the Cedar Rapids Kernels by phone at (319) 896-7622 or by e-mail at sammy@kernels.com.

Stadium Alcohol Purchase Wristbanding

The Kernels are looking for non-profit organization to man alcohol purchase wristbanding stations at various locations throughout the stadium at all 70 Kernel home games. People who wrist band should be at least 18 years of age and be able to verify a customer’s ID and issue a wristband so they may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages at the stadium. The wristbanders must be at their posts when the gates open one hour before the scheduled first pitch, but may leave the game upon the completion or the 6th inning (at the latest). The number of wristbanders needed at each home game varies and the number needed will be sent to the group leader.

For more information about wristbanding, contact Scott Wilson at the Kernels by phone at (319) 896-7612 or by email at scott@kernels.com.

Post-Game Stadium Cleanup

The Kernels are looking for non-profit organization to assist in the post-game cleaning of Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium following Kernels games. Cleaning crews will pick up general trash from the main seating bowl and group areas, separate recyclable items, such as soda and water bottles from the general trash, put the items into the proper bins and take them to either the bottle storage area or trash compactor. The cleaning crew will also empty the various trash bins from around the stadium and return them to their usual location. The cleaning crew will arrive at the stadium approximately 30 minutes before the end of the game and the cleaning process takes between 60 and 90 minutes following the end of the game.

A cleanup group will earn $125 per night cleaning the stadium and most groups commit to a home stand, consisting of 3-4 consecutive games.

For more information about post-game stadium cleanup, contact Scott Wilson at the Kernels by phone at (319) 896-7612 or by email at scott@kernels.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Click here to view the original story.

Kernels donate MWL fine money to HACAP Food Reservoir

October 17, 2014

The Cedar Rapids Kernels donated their share of the Midwest League fine money, collected from the 16 MWL clubs, to the HACAP Food Reservoir.

As a member of America’s Second Harvest and the National Food Bank Network, the HACAP Food Reservoir distributes donated products to area soup kitchens, pantries, senior & child care centers, drug & alcohol rehabilitation centers and other non-profit food programs that feed the needy. Annually, the HACAP Food Reservoir Programs distribute 2.4 million pounds of food to local organizations and provide 4,000 food boxes to families in need.

The Midwest League collects fine money from players and coaches throughout the season when they are ejected from a game, and the total amount collected this season was $8,450 of which the Kernels’ share was $529.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are pleased to support HACAP, a diverse, community-focused non-profit dedicated to empowering and improving the lives of families living with the everyday barriers of poverty.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Click here to view the original story.

Kernels season-long charity partners raise over $35,000

September 23, 2014

The Cedar Rapids Kernels partnered with three local companies during the 2014 season to raise over $35,000 for local charities through three different season-long promotions.

For the fifth consecutive season, The Transamerica Foundation has sponsored K’s for Kids, where for every strikeout (or K) recorded by Kernels pitchers this season (home and away, plus playoff games) Transamerica donated $25 to Kids First Law Center for Childr en of Divorce. This season, Kernel pitchers struck out 1,188 batters for a grand total of $29,700 for Kids First. This is the fifth consecutive season that Transamerica has sponsored the K’s for Kids promotion and the highest pledge total to date.

“At Transamerica, we believe in supporting the communities in which we work and live. Since 1994, the Aegon Transamerica Foundation, through a combination of financial grants and the volunteer commitment of our employees, has supported a wide variety of non-profit organizations focused on the education, health and the well-being of community members” said Terrie Rethamel, VP of Specialized Operations with Transamerica. “Our $25 donation for every strikeout pitched by the Cedar Rapids Kernels supports the good work of the Kids First Law Center as they help children and their families through difficult circumstances. We appreciate all that they do to assist families, and consequently, our entire community.”

CarePro Health Services sponsored Plating for Plates, where for every run scored by the Kernels (home and away plus playoffs) CarePro donated $5 to Horizons Meals On Wheels, a program that delivers hot, nutritious meals to local homebound citizens. This season, the Kernels scored 643 runs and that means that CarePro Health Services donated $3,215 or 643 plates of food, to Meals on Wheels. This is the seventh consecutive season that CarePro Health Services has sponsored Plating for Plates.

“It has been a privilege for CarePro Health Services to support the Horizons Meals on Wheels program over the past seven Kernels seasons” said Chris Nichols, Marketing Director at CarePro Health Services. “The Plating for Plates program has been a fun way to be able to support the community and has provided thousands of meals to area community members.”

For the fourth consecutive season, Millhiser Smith Agency, Inc. and West Bend Insurance have partnered to make a donation to Junior Achievement for every home run the Kernels hit at Perfect Game Field this season. In 2014, the Kernels hit 42 home runs and Millhiser Smith and West Bend Insurance donated $2,500 to Junior Achievement.

“One of our fundamental philosophies at Millhiser Smith is to reciprocate the support we receive from Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities – this is why we chose to support Junior Achievement” said Jessica Rhatigan, Risk Consultant with Millhiser Smith Agency, Inc.. “Their focus is on educating our children in preparation for a successful future and we’ve been honored to contribute to their efforts.”

These three companies combined to raise $35,415 for local non-profits in our community this season. The Kernels would like to thank The Transamerica Foundation, CarePro Health Services, Millhiser Smith Agency, Inc. and West Bend Insurance for their continued support of these local charity programs.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Click here to view the original story.