Veteran Broadcaster Jerry Schemmel Leaves Rockies for New Calling

Jerry Schemmel’s Journey: From Broadcasting Booth to Benevolence

This article looks at the recent layoff of veteran Colorado sports broadcaster Jerry Schemmel from KOA Radio—a big, maybe even jarring, shift in his career. It digs into how Schemmel, the voice Rockies fans have grown up with, has poured his energy into philanthropy—especially with Best Day Ministries—and how his own story and family have shaped his drive to give back.

Beyond the Broadcast: A New Chapter for Jerry Schemmel

For thirty years, Jerry Schemmel called Colorado sports like nobody else. His voice was as much a part of the Rockies as the crack of a bat or the buzz of a packed stadium.

But recently, KOA Radio let him go. The layoff came in a short phone call, part of iHeartMedia’s sweeping shake-up. Ouch. He admits missing spring training in Scottsdale hit hard—a real reminder of a career he loved.

Still, Schemmel didn’t sit around long. He jumped right in with Best Day Ministries in Longmont, throwing himself into a new mission with the same energy he once brought to the broadcast booth.

At Best Day Ministries, Schemmel acts as both ambassador and chief fundraiser. The group empowers adults with special needs, running a lively online marketplace and a coffee shop that employs sixteen adults with disabilities. They also hold monthly church services, building a real sense of community.

A Life Defined by Service and Resilience

Giving back isn’t some new thing for Schemmel—it’s been part of him for ages. There’s a reason for that, rooted in a life-changing event.

From Tragedy to Meaning: The Flight 232 Impact

Back in 1989, Schemmel survived the horrific United Airlines Flight 232 crash. He even rescued a baby from the wreckage. That day changed him forever, giving his life a new sense of purpose and showing him just how fragile everything can be.

Riding for a Cause: Honoring Veterans

In 2018, he took on a grueling 468-mile bike ride. The journey, captured in “Ride: One Man’s Venture for Veterans,” helped raise almost $300,000 for Paws for Purple Hearts. This effort honored his late veteran father and supported others who served.

A Personal Connection Inspires Deeper Advocacy

Schemmel’s focus on the special-needs community isn’t random. It’s personal, and it runs deep.

Henry’s Influence: A Grandfather’s Love

The turning point came with the birth of his grandson, Henry. Henry was born with Down syndrome.

This deeply personal connection pushed Schemmel to keep advocating for people with special needs. Family can really send your life in a new direction, can’t it?

His broadcasting career isn’t totally over—he still calls some Colorado Buffaloes and Northern Colorado basketball games for radio and ESPN+. Schemmel admits he misses painting those vivid play-by-play pictures for Rockies listeners.

He especially misses the five hours of prep he poured into each game. That kind of dedication takes real passion.

In his “semi-retirement,” Schemmel has shaken things up personally too. He sold his Scottsdale condo and his apartment near Coors Field, then bought a house in Frederick.

He’s even thinking about competing in the brutal 860-mile Race Across the West. That athletic drive just doesn’t quit.

Even though he stepped away from full-time broadcasting, Schemmel says life feels busier than ever. He’s soaking up family time, finding meaning in philanthropy, and chasing new athletic challenges.

 
Here is the source article for this story: After Rockies baseball, veteran broadcaster Jerry Schemmel finds another calling