PROFILE: J. Henry Rogers was first introduced to the sport of greyhound racing by his uncle who owned a training track in St. Petersburg. The year was 1932. 54 years later, in 1986, at the time of his recognition in the PIONEER section of the Hall of Fame, Rogers was still building good will with patrons of Derby Lane in St. Petersburg, Florida.

HISTORY: As a young man in his early twenties Rogers was introduced to A.V. Weaver which led to a job parking cars at the then 10-year old track, Derby Lane. Through the years of T.L “Dad” Weaver, Dad’s sons, A.V, Otto, A.D, and Dad’s grandson and present employer, A.V. Jr. Henry Rogers was an individual who found a place in a young industry and stuck with it to witness the growth of a successful operation. In 1935 attendants handled 1,800 automobiles. In the 1984 season that number has grown to 68,000 cars. Who can measure the effect J. Henry Rogers attentiveness and courtesies had in converting thousands of first-time visitors to regular patrons of the track. At the time of this award he is in his 51st year, 48 as parking superintendent, J Henry Rogers proves heroes come from all facets of an operation, not just the front lines.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: J. Henry Rogers, at 75 years of age, is the oldest continuous employee at the world’s oldest continuously operating greyhound race track, Derby Lane.