Brodt putting down microphone

CEDAR RAPIDS - Dale Brodt has decided to turn over his microphone to someone else.

The longtime Cedar Rapids Kernels public-address announcer was honored before Thursday night's 9-6 win over Kane County at Memorial Stadium for his dedication to the ballclub. It's a dedication that covered 25 years and roughly 1,700 games.

“This PA position gave me the opportunity to pursue two of my passions: baseball and announcing,” Brodt said. “Family comes first, of course ... But I've been involved in baseball since I was a little kid.”

The Kernels awarded Brodt, 73, with a commemorative plaque, $60 gift certificate and lifetime pass to future home games.

A 30-year veteran of television and radio, including a stint at KCRG-TV9, he retired as chief zoning inspector for the city in 2003.

Brodt was hired by former general manager Don “Bucky” Buchheister to announce for the Cedar Rapids Reds in 1987.

“At the old stadium, you opened the (window doors) to the press box and attached them to the roof,” he remembered. “So you'd freeze your butt off in the spring and sweat your butt off in the summer.”

The Kernels improved to 60-76 with this come-from-behind victory, rallying from a 6-1 deficit. The first seven hitters in a six-run sixth inning had hits, including two-run doubles from Ricky Alvarez and Brian Hernandez.

Alvarez had three doubles to improve his team-leading total to 31. The Kernels finished with 13 hits, at least one from every player.

Erik Gregersen, Tyler Kehrer, Dakota Robinson and Manny Correa combined for six shutout innings out of the bullpen. Gregersen got his first victory, Correa his third save.

Robinson was named the Fan's Choice Award winner for 2011 before the game.

Cedar Rapids closes its home campaign Friday night at 6:35 against Kane County. Then it's a three-game commuter series at Burlington before the boys of summer head home for the winter.