Section of Shirland Avenue to Honor Beloit Resident, Former NY Yankees Player

The City of Beloit is honoring a distinguished resident, Jerry Kenney, by honorarily renaming a portion of Shirland Avenue from Bluff Street to State Street, including the portion in front of ABC Supply stadium, as "Jerry Kenney Avenue." Kenney’s talent and dedication to baseball brought great honor to our community.

 

“It was an honor to recognize Jerry with an honorary street naming,” said City Council President Kevin Leavy. “He is a true Beloiter who has given unselfishly to the city and the residents. I was fortunate to grow up down the street from him. He was always a humble guy who was constantly mentoring young men. I want to thank Cheryl and Jim Caldwell for bringing this forward.  Jerry is truly worthy of this honor.”

 

The Beloit City Council unanimously approved the honorary street renaming during its meeting Monday evening. The official unveiling will occur at the City Hall entrance/exit on Shirland Avenue by the Transit Transfer Center Parking Lot at 4 p.m. Friday, June 21.

 

Kenney's career started in Beloit, where he demonstrated exceptional athletic abilities in baseball, football, and basketball at Beloit Memorial High School, where he graduated in 1963.  Kenney played five seasons as an outfielder and third baseman for the New York Yankees and one year for the Cleveland Indians to conclude his career in 1973. He returned to Beloit in the 1980s and invested his time and passion into the community by coaching several city baseball teams and as an essential Beloit Life Center Church member.

 

With the ABC Supply Stadium located on Shirland Avenue, this honorary street renaming provides a perfect opportunity to honor a local legend; based on this, the Beloit City Council was proud to recognize Kenney's exceptional achievements and contributions to the Beloit community.

 

"Jerry Kenney represents the best of Beloit baseball," Beloit Sky Carp President Zach Brockman said. "Jerry was one of the best athletes in Beloit Memorial High School history, and of course went on to a productive Major League career. We are extremely excited to be able to partner with the city and honor Jerry in this way."