Kongratulations to the Kernels

The Cedar Rapids Kernels will now be referred to as the Johnson Trophy Winning Cedar Rapids Kernels.

Minor League Baseball announces that the Cedar Rapids Kernels are the winners of the John H. Johnson President’s Trophy for all of minor league baseball in 2008. The Kernels will receive their major award at the Baseball Winter Meetings™ Banquet at the Las Vegas Hilton on December 11.

The President’s Trophy, Minor League Baseball’s top award, is presented annually to honor the complete baseball franchise--based on franchise stability; contributions to league stability; contributions to baseball in the community; and promotion of the baseball industry. Cedar Rapids has had professional baseball since 1890 and the Kernels have been in the Midwest League since 1962. It’s safe to say the Midwest League club has never been more valuable to its community than it was in 2008 when devastating floods overwhelmed the city.

General Manager Jack Roeder saw the Kernels’ history of genuine community relations as no longer an option, but a duty, after 20% of Cedar Rapids was ravaged by the floods. The club’s stadium parking lot, spared from the flooding, served as a staging area for The National Guard, FEMA, city officials and emergency vehicles.

“The Kernels organization is appreciative and humbled to win this prestigious award from Minor League Baseball,” stated Roeder. “We will dedicate this award to the citizens of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Our friends and neighbors have shown, and continue to demonstrate, their spirit, determination and enthusiasm in the face of the unbelievable destruction brought on by the devastating floods in June of 2008.”

I have nothing sarcastic to say. They earned and deserved this honor.