From the Dugout
Dear Johnnie Baseball Family and Friends,
“Learning, Leading and Growing”
Each day, we as a coaching staff hope the players are enjoying the process of learning more about the game. We’ve been emphasizing the message that you should never stop learning – and that’s been a key focus so far this fall. The goal is that, in return, the players take what they’re learning and use it to lead.
As you all know, being part of Johnnie Baseball helps you develop skills that are useful later in life – and leadership is one of those skills.
The last piece is growing. Baseball can be a tough sport at times. I don’t like to use the word failure – I try to keep things positive. As long as we maintain a mindset of growth and learning from our experience, we’ll flourish when we’re put in the same position in the future.
Go Johnnies!
Scott Lieser
Head Baseball Coach, Saint John's University
Slieser@csbsju.edu
⚾ Around the Horn: Inside the Program
Here’s what’s happening lately in Johnnie Baseball:
Fall Ball is in full swing, and it’s been a great start to the semester. One of the best parts so far has been seeing the chemistry across the roster—first-years and seniors connecting, competing and building relationships on and off the field. It’s a strong sign of the culture we’re continuing to grow here in Johnnie Baseball.
We also rolled out a brand-new lifting and speed training program this fall, led by Justin Rost, who recently stepped into a full-time role as SJU’s Strength & Conditioning Coach. In the past, Justin was only with us part-time in the weight room, so having him fully involved now is a game-changer. His energy, structure and attention to detail have already made a big impact—and it’s something I’m extremely excited about for the long-term development of our athletes.
Our Fall Ball schedule includes a mix of practices and intra-squad scrimmages. It’s been a lot of fun watching our guys take what we’ve been working on in practice and apply it in live, game-like situations. There’s something special about a fall intersquad under the lights at Becker Park—seeing the guys compete in that environment, even in September, is just plain fun.
Note: If you have any other shoutouts that I should be adding to future blog posts, please let me know!
🎤 Senior Spotlight
Jackson Geislinger | Pitcher & Infielder | Exercise Health Science Major
From Eden Valley, Minnesota (via Manannah Township) and a graduate of Eden Valley-Watkins High School.
Jackson chose Saint John’s for the atmosphere—the lakes, the arboretum, the tight-knit community—and Johnnie Baseball for the coaching staff and the opportunity to keep playing the game he loves.
“Being a part of Johnnie Baseball isn’t just about putting on the uniform; it’s about the relationships built along the way,” Jackson says. “The friendships and connections I’ve made through this program are what make it truly special. It’s a brotherhood that extends beyond the field, and it’s something I’ll carry with me long after my years here are done.”
As a senior, Jackson leads by example—showing up every day ready to work, taking care of the behind-the-scenes details, and helping younger teammates adjust to life as Johnnies.
When asked about his goals for this final season, Jackson is focused on team success. “I want to help our team compete at the highest level and enjoy every moment along the way,” he says. “Personally, I want to leave the program better than I found it—on the field, off the field, and in the culture we’ve built together.”
After graduation, Jackson plans to pursue a career in geriatric health care, inspired by his experience helping his grandfather navigate life in a wheelchair. He hopes to work in rehabilitation, memory care, and overall wellness for older adults.
And one last piece of advice for younger Johnnies: “Enjoy every moment. Do the little things, even when no one’s watching. Say yes to new opportunities, and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. These are the things that help you grow—not just as a baseball player, but as a person.”
🧢 Where Are They Now?
Alumni Q&A
Henry "Hank" Foehrenbacher ’76 | Second Baseman | SJU Baseball 1973–1976
What years did you play at SJU, and what position(s) did you play?
I played second base for the Johnnies from 1973 to 1976. I was a shortstop in high school, but once the coaches got a look at my arm, I was quickly shifted to the right side of the infield. After graduating, I served as an assistant coach for Denny Lorsung in 1977 and for Jerry Haugen in 1978—his first year as head coach.
Favorite memories from your time with the team?
There are quite a few. My sophomore year we had a strong team—mainly because we had two starting pitchers, Chuck Viscocil and Lee Harren, who had miniscule ERAs and actually finished what they started. I was having a great year until I blew out my knee halfway through the season against Concordia. That year, Elmer Kohorst was our head coach. He was a good man but left after the season.
Over my four years, we had a different head coach three years in a row—Gary Marlow my junior year (a football and basketball guy by his own admission), and Denny Lorsung my senior year. I loved playing for Denny—he was a great hitting coach and got us thinking about quality at-bats instead of just whether we got a hit. He gave some of us the green light on the base paths, and that led to us having the top three stolen base guys in the league that year. It probably helped me earn All-Conference honors.
Some of my fondest memories, though, come from coaching with Denny in ’77. That team really came together and ended up winning the MIAC before falling in a tight three-game NAIA playoff series to Winona State. In ’78, I coached with Jerry—two 24-year-olds trying to figure it out. We weren’t ready to be college coaches at that point, but credit to Haugs—he figured it out. Years later, heck yes he did.
Career path after graduation?
I taught social studies at Sartell High School from 1978 - 1982 and was also the head baseball coach during that time. I eventually transitioned into pharmaceutical sales and held a number of middle management roles before retiring in 2011.
Does baseball still play a role in your life?
Absolutely. Baseball’s always been in my blood. I played amateur ball until I was 30 and coached at that level too, but what I really loved was coaching my kids in youth baseball. There’s just something about the game that never really leaves you.
What does being a Johnnie Baseball alum mean to you?
It means I’m jealous as heck! You guys have an unbelievable facility now. Back in our day, the snow barely melted off the field by May!
📸 Johnnies in Action
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Coach’s Final Word
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. Whether you're here for the game, just passing through campus, or want to connect with others in the baseball community, we’d love for you to stop by! Most of those Saturdays we’ll also be hosting recruits and their families—we’d be thrilled to have you meet the young men who are considering joining our program. Your stories, energy, and presence mean a lot, and it gives recruits a great sense of what makes Johnnie Baseball so special.
Also, please mark your calendars for Sunday, September 21, when we’ll host University of Minnesota Morris for a fall scrimmage at noon. (The date was moved due to a home soccer game—thanks for your understanding!)
Thanks for following along and supporting the program. As always, Go Johnnies!