Former coach has decided to make people laughter [Video]

ST CHARLES, Mo. — A 73-year-old physical education retiree traded in his whistle and cleats for a rainbow wig and oversized shoes.

After decades as a Hazelwood Central High High School baseball coach, Steve Kern has found a new calling as “Knucklehead the Clown” – bringing laughter and joy to audiences across the Midwest.

“Just trying to make their day better is all you do,” said Kern, whose infectious energy and warmth have won over even the most skeptical of clown-fearing children.

In his former life, Kern coached soccer, wrestling, and baseball. He was also known for steering his players through the game’s toughest moments with a healthy dose of humor.

“So the only thing for me to go out there and do was relax ’em. And I’d go out there and I’d tell ’em a joke,” Kern said. “You’d …