Kernels' Rodgers steps away from booth

The dean of Midwest League broadcasters is moving on.

Cedar Rapids Kernels radio play-by-play man John Rodgers has stepped down after 15 years, the Kernels announced Monday. The club said it would begin an immediate search to find a replacement.

"John is the most likeable, entertaining and sincere individual you'll ever meet," retiring Kernels General Manager Jack Roeder said. "When it comes to John's broadcast style, it is truly unique, entertaining and memorable. There will never be another John Rodgers."

The 51-year-old Rodgers, whose real name is John Pfeiffenberger, has not returned messages seeking comment. It is believed he will seek a job outside of baseball.

Rodgers spoke this past season about how he felt he was "slowing down" after so many years in the game. He was a top-notch advertising seller for the Kernels whose various other duties included managing a highly successful kids summer reading program he created 12 years ago that included 50 schools this past season.

"I'm just not as good as I used to be, because of my age, at being able to get everything done I'd like to get done," he told Source Media Group last April. "That doesn't mean I dread it. I'm looking forward to going to two more schools tomorrow morning. But like all of us humans, I wish I could buy time from God. Say 'God, would you give me a half-hour extra today?'" 

A former college track and field coach, the Missouri native was hired in 1996 after making an audition tape while sitting in the upper deck at a Kansas City Royals game. He had a unique and enthusiastic broadcasting style and his pleasant demeanor made him highly popular with fans and his peers.

"John is one of the most positive people I have ever met," said Wisconsin broadcaster Chris Mehring, who becomes the dean of Midwest League play-by-play men at 11 years. "He always had a kind word or encouragement for whenever we spoke. I always looked forward to visiting Cedar Rapids during the season because I got to see John in his element. I don't know how he handled all of the things that he did, but it was a joy to watch."

"It's hard to come across a nicer, more energetic man in any walk of life, let alone broadcasting, than John," said Clinton radio broadcaster Dave Lezotte. "He was a great friend and influence to me immediately from the day I met him in 2006. He'll be a tough man to replace."

The Kernels agree.

"Not only was John the voice of the Kernels," Kernels General Manager Doug Nelson said. "He was the heart of the Kernels."

Here is the press release from the Kernels and a link to a late April story from Source Media Group in which Rodgers talked about the grind of his job:

10-11 John Rodgers