Scott Wilson steps down as general manager of the Cedar Rapids Kernels

CEDAR RAPIDS - Baseball’s a grind.

Certainly for players, managers and coaches. For front-office folks, too.

Scott Wilson made it through 19 seasons for the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the last 14 as the club’s general manager. But he feels it’s time to move along.

He and the Kernels announced Tuesday that Wilson is leaving the organization to take the executive director position at NewBo City Market.

“Big change, but I need some family time back,” Wilson said in a text.

Wilson was integral in helping the Kernels achieve many things. The club made it through the COVID-19 pandemic in which the 2020 minor league baseball season was cancelled and later that summer Veterans Memorial Stadium was heavily damaged by a derecho.

He also helped Cedar Rapids retain its MLB affiliation in 2021, a 10-year agreement with the Minnesota Twins. As part of that agreement, the Kernels upgraded clubhouses and got a building constructed adjacent to the ballpark called The Annex that includes batting cages, weight facilities and video rooms.

They are now fully compliant with MLB rules for its minor league affiliates.

“I have loved every minute here at the Kernels,” Wilson said in a statement. “I will certainly miss the board, staff, fans, and the players I have had the opportunity to get to know. Many great friendships were made on and off the field.

“I think it’s time for something different, that is less physical and gives me some of my summers back to spend more time with my family. Nineteen years is a long time in baseball, and I think I have seen it all: two floods, a pandemic that halted baseball for a year, a derecho, an MLB takeover, a major upgrade to meet MLB standards, Mother Nature every day, a CHAMPIONSHIP, and numerous Hall of Fame players.”

Kernels CEO Doug Nelson also stepped down after this season and is working with the Prospect Meadows complex in Marion. Steve Brice is the new CEO of the ballclub, which is owned by men and women in the community.

“Thank you to everyone for allowing me this opportunity at the Kernels,” Wilson said. “You all have made my summers at the ballpark awesome. I am staying in the community and doing something that I believe gives me a chance to make a greater community impact. I know I will see you all around town.”

“We greatly appreciate the 19 years that Scott has dedicated to the Kernels,” Cedar Rapids Baseball Club board of directors president Greg Churchill said. “While we will miss Scott, we are excited for him to continue to make a positive impact on the Cedar Rapids community.”

Comments: (319)-398-8258, jeff.johnson@thegazette.com