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| Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers prepares to throw one of the ceremonial first pitches at Werner Park. |
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Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers threw out one of the ceremonial first pitches. This was his first time at Werner Park. He said they had to give him directions to find the stadium.
The 1972 Heisman Trophy winner spent some time warming up before he took the mound. Afterward, he appeared to be pretty happy about getting the ball to the plate.
“I’m impressed that I was able to make it to the catcher after all these years,” the 59-year-old said. “They always remember if it bounces.”
Even though everybody remembers Rodgers as being a standout Nebraska running back who really was more of a receiver for the team from 1970-72, he is quick to tell you that he’s more than just a nominal baseball fan.
“I got drafted by the Dodgers out of high school [in 1969],” Rodgers said. “I was All-American in baseball. I got a contract to play with the Dodgers and I played baseball at the University of Nebraska – along with football. They [Nebraska football officials] made me an offer that if I quit baseball they would endorse me for the Heisman … and the rest is history.”
Yes it is.
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Steve Rosenblatt, son of Johnny Rosenblatt, made his first appearance at Werner Park tonight. He was impressed by what he saw.
“It’s an outstanding facility,” Rosenblatt said. “Great for the fans. Great for the players. And as sad as I am to see what happened with Rosenblatt [Stadium], if fans come out here and see what Sarpy County has got for them, it’s absolutely sensational.”
Rosenblatt said he knew about the new Johnny Rosenblatt Legacy Seats at Werner Park, but he hasn’t had a chance to see them yet. The legacy seats are reserved for community members who have recently experienced financial hardship, personal loss, a devastating circumstance that has affected their lives, or for an individual who has given endlessly of his or her time volunteering in the community.
Steve did see the Johnny Rosenblatt suite.
“I didn’t go in there because I didn’t want to shock anybody,” Rosenblatt said.
“But this is absolutely outstanding,” he added. “As when this thing fills in and homes get built around here and shopping and everything – it’s going to be even better.”
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The game between the Omaha Storm Chasers and Las Vegas 51s was suspended and will be completed at 6:15 pm. Friday. The Chasers held a 5-3 lead entering the final frame, but Las Vegas rallied for four runs to take a 7-5 lead and still had the bases loaded with no outs when the rains came and the umpires halted play. By rule, the game must be continued due to the fact that the visiting team gained the lead during the inning in which the delay occurred.
Manager Mike Jirschele, still seeking his 1,000th-career win as a manger, was ejected during the ninth inning and will rejoin the team in the dugout upon the completion of the suspended game. Friday’s regularly-scheduled contest will begin at 7:05 pm, or approximately 25 minutes following the conclusion of the suspended game. Gates will open at 5:45 pm.
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More photos from the evening are up on the Omaha Baseball 360 Facebook page.
