Former Shaffer Park announcer dies at age 92

A man described as a true patriot, with a love of country and a voice he lifted to celebrate America, as well as America's favorite pastime, has died. 

Col. Robert C. "Buck" Rogers, of Hillsboro, died Tuesday at the age of 92.

Several area residents spoke of his kind nature and dedication to the athletes and Little League fans at Richard Shaffer Park, where for many years he would announce ball games and sing the National Anthem. 

"He was such a jolly person, and boy was he a patriot. You have to admire him for that," said Kay Ayres, chairperson of the Highland County Republican Party.  "He was such a nice man and truly a nice person. You always felt better if you were around Buck. He enjoyed life so. He loved to sing, was a joy to be around, and I am very, very sorry at his death."

A fighter pilot and squadron commander  in the 367th Fighter Group, he flew 92 combat missions, including the Normandy Invasion. 

He was owner and operator of the Flying "R" Ranch in Highland County, and sang as a soloist in concerts, churches, synagogues and in professional opera productions. 

Dann Wharton, a former organizer of the Little League tournament said Rogers announced the games at the park for more than 20 years. 

"He was always singing the National Anthem with gusto and enthusiasm," Wharton said. "Afterward people would always come up to him, the crowd, players, the coaches. People would always come up and thank him. He was an extremely entertaining announcer with a very droll sense of humor. He was just a fabulous announcer who obviously loved the game."

Wharton said organizers had tried to name the Little League tournament after Rogers, "but he was the type of guy who didn't want it to happen.

"It was a big loss for the park when he stopped announcing. Just to hear Buck call a game was terrific. No one could imitate him, that's for sure," he said.

"I always admired him," said Doug Wagoner, a former organizer of the Little League tournament. "Teams would come from all over, Columbus and Cincinnati, and everyone absolutely fell in love with him. He and his wife (Virginia) always announced, and he would sing 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game.' He had a wonderful singing voice. The people who would sing at the Reds games couldn't out-do Buck. He was always so charming, he was so sweet, and he loved the kids."

Hillsboro Mayor Dick Zink said Rogers, "was a very friendly individual who always had a wave and a smile."