Gwinnett Daily Post

Though Jim Rhodes has lessened his schedule this school year, he remains one of the most recognizable figures on the South Gwinnett High School sports scene.

The longtime voice of Comets sports will be honored by the South baseball program prior to tonight's important Region 8-AAAAA home game against Grayson.

In addition to Rhodes throwing out the first pitch, the press box at John B. Sawyer Field will be named after him in a pre-game ceremony.

"Our (booster) club unanimously voted to do that in honor of his years of service to the kids and the community," South coach Steve Teschner said. "He's going to throw out the first pitch and our (current public address) announcer will read from a plaque that will be mounted on the (press box) building."

Rhodes retired after serving as public address announcer for the baseball program for 25 years last season.

He has also called South boys and girls basketball games since 1991, coming out of a brief retirement this past season and will begin his 34th season of calling Comet football games this fall.

Rhodes is looking forward to tonight's event.

"It's quite an honor, and it's very humbling," Rhodes said. "Baseball's always been special to me. I've probably done more baseball games than any other sport even though I've been doing football longer, because there are only five home games a (football) season. My son played (at South), and I coached in the youth program there for a while. So, this is pretty special."