From the Dugout
“Happy Holidays”
Dear Johnnie Baseball Family and Friends,
As we move into December, I wish you all a warm and joyful holiday season. If you’ve stepped outside lately, you know it’s not baseball weather. Still, the energy and support surrounding Johnnie Baseball continue to bring excitement to the program.
Thank you, as always, for everything you do for Johnnie Baseball. Your support, engagement, and connection with our student-athletes make this community truly special.
Go Johnnies!
Scott Lieser
Head Baseball Coach, Saint John’s University
Slieser@csbsju.edu
https://gojohnnies.com/sports/baseball
⚾ Inside the Program: December Update
December brings a unique rhythm to our program. With the last day of full classes on December 9th, Study Day on the 10th, and finals from the 11th–13th, our guys were balancing academics, lifting, and individual baseball work before heading home for a well-deserved winter break. The second semester doesn’t begin until January 20th, so they’ll have an extended stretch away from campus — but not away from their development.
Our players continue to be fully locked in. Position players continue getting daily work in the dome, staying sharp with swings, defensive reps, and focused small-group development. Pitchers are in the early stages of their winter throwing progression, gradually building volume and intensity and setting up a strong January ramp-up. In the weight room, we’re closing out our final strength block before break—a key phase for growth this time of year.
This stretch requires real ownership from our athletes, and they’ve embraced it. Each player has a winter plan to follow at home, with clear goals and expectations. The work they put in over break is essential to where we want to be when January arrives.
Recruiting continues to move in a positive direction as well. December is naturally quieter for on-campus visits, but interest remains high and conversations with future Johnnies have been very encouraging.
It may be the coldest month of the year, but it’s one of the most foundational—and our guys are embracing every bit of it.
🎤 Senior Spotlight
Brendan Hemr — Outfield, Computer Science
Where are you from, and what high school did you attend?
I’m from Blaine, MN, and I went to Centennial High School.
What made you choose Saint John’s University and Johnnie Baseball?
My decision came down to playing baseball at Saint John’s or pursuing junior hockey. But everyone I talked to, whether they attended Saint John’s themselves or knew someone who did, had nothing but great things to say about the school. Hearing that made the choice an easy one.
Brendan Hemr
What does being a part of Johnnie Baseball mean to you?
Being a part of Johnnie Baseball means joining a family and carrying on a tradition built over many years. It’s about representing something bigger than yourself and honoring the players who came before you. Most of all, it means being part of a brotherhood that supports each other, works hard together, and takes pride in the program every day.
How has Johnnie Baseball helped you grow as a person?
I have learned a lot about accountability —both to myself and to my teammates and coaches. It’s helped me become more disciplined and responsible, and it’s shown me what it means to show up for others every day.
How do you lead as a senior?
I try to lead by example: showing up every day, working hard, and giving full effort in every practice. I want the younger guys to see what it looks like to stay focused, be consistent, and do things the right way.
What are your goals for your final season?
My goal is to be an absolute DAWG. But seriously—I want to give myself and my teammates the best chance to succeed in every game, every inning, and every pitch. And yes, it would be pretty cool to win the MIAC.
What’s next for you after graduation?
I’ll be working in software development at Travelers Insurance in St. Paul.
What advice would you give to younger players or incoming freshmen?
Success doesn’t just happen—your work has to earn it. Stay consistent, stay committed, and show up every day with the right attitude.
What will you miss most about Saint John’s and Johnnie Baseball?
I’ll miss hanging out with the boys—from spring break trips to Florida to all the time in the locker room before and after practice. Those moments, laughs, and memories are what make Johnnie Baseball special.
🧢 Where Are They Now?
Alumni Q&A — Ryan Spengler ’13
What years did you play at St. John’s, and what position(s) did you play?
I played from 2010–2013 and was a pitcher.
What’s your favorite memory from your time with the team?
One of the best stretches came during my junior year in 2012. After a strong season, we likely needed to win the conference tournament to advance. We won Friday and Saturday, forcing St. Thomas to beat us twice on Championship Sunday. They took Game 1, but in Game 2 our lineup stepped up and Scott Schroeder delivered an incredible outing against a tough UST lineup.
We celebrated into the early hours of Monday and learned around 2–3 a.m. that we were headed to Oregon for the NCAA Tournament—only the program’s third appearance ever. Even though the games didn’t go our way, it was an unforgettable trip.
Ryan Spengler
What path did you take after graduation?
My wife and I moved to Arizona for three years, then returned to Minnesota where we live in Victoria with our almost four-year-old son. Career-wise, I’ve worked in commercial real estate, traded options, owned several companies, and in 2025 launched a non-profit that invests in businesses and directs early profits toward assisting families with medical bills, missionaries returning from abroad, and disaster relief.
Are there any ways Saint John’s still plays a role in your life today?
Absolutely. I support SJU baseball and football, serve on the J Club Board of Directors, and spend a lot of time on campus. I grew up going to SJU football games at age five, and when Thom Woodward began recruiting me, it deepened a lifelong connection to Saint John’s that continues today.
What excites you about the future of Johnnie Baseball?
Jerry had an incredible run and built the program into what it is today. I believe Scott is the perfect leader to take it to the next level. He and his staff bring professional experience, new ideas, and a vision that can make SJU a national contender. I’m excited to see the MIAC playoff streak continue—and to see deep postseason runs in the years ahead.
👕 Jersey Sale Reminder
Our Johnnie Baseball jersey sale is still open! Still plenty of white, pinstripe, grey, and navy tops remain. Jerseys are $25 each (add $10 for shipping). If you'd like to grab one before they’re gone, feel free to reach out—first come, first served.
📸 Johnnies in Action
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X (Twitter) – @SJU_Baseball
Facebook – @SJU Baseball
📬 Spread the Word
Feel free to forward this blog to anyone who might want to join the Johnnie Baseball family!
Coach’s Final Word
As we wrap up the final month of 2025, I want to extend a sincere thank-you to everyone who continues to support Johnnie Baseball in countless ways. Your involvement—whether through following the program, reaching out, or simply staying connected—means more than you know.
A quick update on a project many of you have asked about: the Johnnie Baseball podcast, Home Field Advantage, is live via Spotify and Apple podcasts. The first three episodes are posted. Thom “Woody” Woodward ’70 has been putting great effort into shaping its direction, and we’re excited about what’s ahead. Here is a link to listen on Spotify- Johnnie Baseball Home Field Advantage
Looking forward, we’re also hoping to launch a Johnnie Baseball Alumni & Friends Golf Outing, with plans for this event next fall. More details will come as things develop, but we’re eager to add another annual tradition for our baseball community.
And be sure to mark your calendars—the Annual Johnnie Standup will be held on February 23rd at Johnnie-owed Fulton Brewery. I’ll have the honor of serving as this year’s guest speaker. I’ve attended this event for years, and it’s always a fantastic time getting together with fellow Johnnies.
Thank you for supporting our young men and for continuing to pour into this program. Enjoy the holiday season, stay warm, and as always—
Go Johnnies!