From the Dugout

Dear Johnnie Baseball Family and Friends,

“Thankful”

The SJU Baseball Coaching staff and myself are extremely grateful for the incredible support shown by our alumni, families, and friends during last month’s Go Johnnies Challenge. Your generosity and enthusiasm continue to blow us away, and we truly can’t thank you enough.

Johnnie Baseball holds a special place in all of our hearts—and that was on full display during the challenge. In just one day, we had more than 120 donors step up to support the program. That’s pretty remarkable.

Your support helps us grow, compete, and continue building something special here at SJU. Thank you for being part of it.

Go Johnnies!
Scott Lieser
Head Baseball Coach, Saint John's University
Slieser@csbsju.edu

Go Johnnies Baseball Page

⚾ Around the Horn: Inside the Program

Here’s what’s happening lately in Johnnie Baseball
Fall Ball officially came to an end in mid-October, and we wrapped it up in a fun way—with our own Johnnie Baseball World Series. Team Grey took home the trophy, earning bragging rights (and Garry’s Pizza) while the losing squad settled for hotdogs. We all ate together as a team in the clubhouse after the championship game. It was a great way to end the fall—seeing the guys compete hard, then share some laughs and fellowship over food. Let’s just say there was no shortage of trash talk in the clubhouse afterward!

Now, with Fall Ball behind us, we’ve shifted into a heavy strength and conditioning phase. We’ve already seen solid progress in the weight room this semester, but it’s time to dial it up even more. Our team lifts together on Monday and Tuesday mornings, and then in small groups Wednesday or Thursday. We wrap the week with speed training on Fridays at 3 p.m.

I’m a firm believer that the work we’re doing now—whether it’s in the weight room or out on the field for speed work—isn’t just about building physical strength. It’s about growing our team’s chemistry and preparing us to compete together at a higher level.

🎤 Senior Spotlight

Easton Fleck | Pitcher | Global Business Major
Where are you from, and what high school did you attend?
I grew up in Waconia, MN, and attended Waconia High School.
What made you choose Saint John’s University and Johnnie Baseball?
The culture and community really stood out to me when I first visited campus. Everyone I met at Saint John’s was genuine and welcoming, and I immediately knew it was the right fit for me.
What does being a part of Johnnie Baseball mean to you?
Being part of Johnnie Baseball is like being part of a family. The culture within this program is unmatched by any team I’ve ever been part of.
How has Johnnie Baseball helped you grow as a person?
Johnnie Baseball has taught me how to handle the challenges, ups, and downs that come with the game. It’s helped me develop resilience, patience, and perspective both on and off the field.
How do you lead as a senior?
I try to lead by example—showing up every day with a strong work ethic and pushing the younger guys to get better. I want to set a standard they can follow and build upon.
What are your goals for your final season?
My goal is to make a meaningful impact on the program—bring something unique to the team. Also, to just keep helping the program develop and get better.
What’s next for you after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in sales and continue coaching baseball at a higher level.
What advice would you give to younger players or incoming freshmen?
Work as hard as you can every single day. Time goes by fast, and once you graduate, you’ll wish you had pushed yourself even harder when you had the chance. I would also tell them to enjoy it as much as they can because one day it’s going to be over.
What will you miss most about Saint John’s and Johnnie Baseball?
I’ll miss the incredible group of guys I’ve had the chance to play with over the past four years. The relationships and memories we’ve built are something special.

🧢 Where Are They Now?

Alumni Q&A
Brian Skluzacek ‘11 | Catcher

What years did you play at St. John’s, and what position(s) did you play?
I was a catcher during the 2008–2011 seasons.

What’s your favorite memory from your time with the team? Any fun stories?
My favorite memories are more of the times we had outside the ballpark than on the field. Spending time with your teammates—whether on long bus rides early in the morning or late at night, Spring Break trips to Arizona, dinner with your teammates at Gorecki or Reef, or just hanging out in someone’s room or apartment—created lasting relationships that have endured many years after our playing days.

On the field, I remember our senior year, we had a doubleheader at Gustavus and it was snowing the entire bus ride to St. Peter. We were about 10 minutes away when we got the call that the game was postponed to the next day. The weather wasn’t any better the next day—but we played the doubleheader in the snow anyway.

Having the chance to play for MIAC championships was a great memory, especially the battles we had with St. Thomas. Those games always drew big crowds—at home, on the road, and during the MIAC tournament.

What path did you take after graduation? Career(s)? Life after college?
I graduated with an accounting degree and began my career at KPMG’s Minneapolis office. In August 2013, I moved to Little Falls, MN with my now-wife, Caitlin, and have been working as a CPA for a regional firm, Schlenner Wenner & Co. in St. Cloud ever since. I’ve also been teaching as adjunct faculty in the Accounting Department at CSB/SJU since Fall 2021. This semester, I’m teaching one section of Managerial Accounting—and I have a couple current Johnnie Baseball players in class!

Caitlin (CSB Class of 2011) was a standout on the CSB cross country and track teams, including winning the 2011 MIAC steeplechase. Caitlin teaches middle school in the Little Falls school district and also coaches cross country and track. We have one daughter, Quinn, who’s 2 years old and keeps us very busy!

Are there any ways baseball still plays a role in your life today?
Baseball has always been part of my life. I grew up just outside the center field fence of Springer Park in Cold Spring. I’ve played amateur baseball every year since graduating—first with the Cold Spring Springers (2005–2011), then the Hopkins Berries (2012–2013), and now with the Fort Ripley Rebels (2014–present).

What does being a Johnnie Baseball alum mean to you?
I’m proud to be not only a Johnnie alum, but a baseball Johnnie alum. The bond across generations with other Johnnie Baseball alumni and current players has been a great way to stay connected to the University. Being part of the program gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Competing at a high level for championships shaped me for the professional world where teamwork is just as important. Every member of the team plays a key role in the success of the organization, and being part of Johnnie Baseball helped build that foundation.

📸 Johnnies in Action

Follow us on social media
Instagram – @sjubaseball
X (Twitter) – @SJU_Baseball

📬 Spread the Word

Feel free to forward this blog to anyone who might want to join the Johnnie Baseball family!

👕 Own a Piece of Johnnie Baseball History

We’re offering alumni and friends the chance to purchase some of our retired Johnnie Baseball jersey tops! This is a great way to grab a remembrance of your playing days—or simply rep the program in a unique way.

Available Jerseys:

White Tops
Pinstripe Tops
Grey Tops
Navy Blue Tops

Cost: $25 per jersey
Shipping: Add $10 if you'd like it mailed to your home.

This is a first-come, first-served opportunity, and sizes/quantities are limited.

If you're interested, please reach out to me or Jason Spohn to reserve yours or ask any questions. My cell is (320) 761-8545. Jason’s cell is (320) 309-1524.

Coach’s Final Word

Reminder that new this fall, we have a designated tailgating spot located just outside the clubhouse on home football Saturdays. Our tent serves as a “home base” for Johnnie Baseball families, friends, and alumni throughout the fall. Next regular season home dates are November 8th vs St. Scholastica and November 15th vs St. Olaf. Both of those are noon starts.

Thanks for following along and supporting the program. As always, Go Johnnies!