From the Dugout
“Separation Season”
Dear Johnnie Baseball Family and Friends,
April is where separation happens. The early part of the season is about learning and growth. Now it’s about execution, consistency, and finding ways to win baseball games.
There’s a different level of urgency in April. Every pitch matters a little more. Every practice has a sharper edge. Every opportunity is a chance to move forward.
Our guys have continued to show up with the right mindset. They’ve embraced the daily work, responded to challenges, and are learning what it takes to compete in meaningful games. This time of year demands toughness; I’ve been proud of how this group continues to lean into that.
We’re excited for what’s in front of us.
Go Johnnies!
Scott Lieser
Head Baseball Coach, Saint John’s University
Slieser@csbsju.edu
https://gojohnnies.com/sports/baseball
⚾ Inside the Program
Conference play is in full swing, and this is the part of the season our guys look forward to the most. There’s familiarity, competition, and a lot on the line every time we take the field.
Our focus has been on playing complete baseball — limiting free bases on the mound, being reliable defensively, and executing offensively in key situations. The margin for error is small in this league, and our players understand that it’s the little things that often make the biggest difference. One of the most encouraging things has been the way our team continues to compete for one another.
We’re also excited to be back playing at Becker Park. There’s nothing like being at home, and we always appreciate the support from alumni, families, and fans who come out to watch the Johnnies compete. We are well underway for our conference season. Currently sitting at 4-4 in MIAC play. Hope you have been following along. If you missed any of the games, please go to our webpage for full recaps.
As we move through April, the goal is simple: keep improving, stay consistent, and play our best baseball when it matters most.
🎤 What’s your name, position, and major at Saint John’s?
My name is Owen Amrhein. I am an outfielder and an Exercise and Health Science major with a focus in pre-physical therapy.
Where are you from, and what high school did you attend?
I am from Waconia, Minnesota, and attended Waconia High School.
Owen Amrhein
What made you choose Saint John’s University and Johnnie Baseball?
I chose Saint John’s University because, since my dad went here, I grew up coming here, and I always enjoyed being on campus. I chose Johnnie Baseball because I love baseball and knew I wanted to be a part of a competitive program. When I looked at the combination of the school and baseball program that Saint John’s has to offer, it made the decision really easy for me.
What does being a part of Johnnie Baseball mean to you?
Being a part of Johnnie Baseball means being held to a higher standard. It means being respectful, competitive, and showing up every day to represent the program the right way, both on and off the field.
How has Johnnie Baseball helped you grow as a person?
Johnnie Baseball has helped me grow by teaching me how to stay consistent and handle both success and failure. It has also helped me learn how to push myself even on days when things aren’t going my way.
How do you lead as a senior?
As a senior, I try to lead by bringing as much energy as I can to the team and being someone others can look up to both on and off the field.
What are your goals for your final season?
My goals for my final season are to compete at a high level every day and have as much fun as possible. I also want to leave a positive impact on the program in any way I can.
What’s next for you after graduation (career plans, grad school, etc.)?
I plan to take a year off and then pursue physical therapy school.
What advice would you give to younger players in the program or incoming freshmen?
I’d say take advantage of every opportunity and don’t take anything for granted. It might sound cliché, but take time to stop, look around, and take everything in because it really does go by faster than you think.
What will you miss most about Saint John’s and Johnnie Baseball?
I think I will miss hanging out with my teammates the most. Whether it's before practice, on road trips, or spending time together outside of baseball, those are memories I’ll be able to look back on for the rest of my life.
Hidden talent or hobby outside of baseball?
A hidden talent I have is being able to wiggle my eyes.
🧢 Where are they now? Mike Koalska ‘90
What years did you play at St. John’s, and what position(s) did you play?
I played four years of varsity baseball at SJU from 1987-1990. Third base my freshman year and second the last three years.
What’s your favorite memory from your time with the team? Any fun stories?
Mike Koalska
Like most athletic experiences, it's the camaraderie with teammates that resonates later in life as the best memories. Quality time together in the locker room, walks together to and from the field during weekly practices and competitive doubleheaders against St.Thomas and St Olaf. I did enjoy winter practices in the Warner Palestra to develop baseball skills and fundamentals. We took a spring break baseball trip to Gainesville, Florida, and the bus ride down and back was certainly something to remember.
What path did you take after graduation? Career(s)? Life after college?
My semester abroad to Salzburg, Austria, springboarded the first half of my career into international business and the second half I have been conducting sales/business development in the architectural industry. After graduation, a SJU baseball teammate (Derrick Clements) and I spent a summer in Wolfsburg, Germany, playing baseball together, and helped with player development of German players. It was a wonderful experience. I have two daughters and have been living in the south Twin Cities suburbs since college.
Are there any ways baseball still plays a role in your life today (coaching, rec leagues, kids playing, etc.)?
Yes, I became a baseball coach for the first time this spring for the freshman team at St. Thomas Academy in St. Paul. I am very excited to share my baseball experience and knowledge to young high school players. I am planning to move to Europe in the near future and continue a coaching role in the European baseball league.
What does being a Johnnie Baseball alum mean to you?
My student-athlete experience at SJU and playing baseball was first class and I’m blessed to have those memories. As an alum, I am available to support and lend a hand to all former SJU baseball players. It is nice to see that SJU has first-class baseball facilities for its players and coaches.
📸 Johnnies in Action
Follow us on social media:
Instagram – @sjubaseball
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! The seventh episode of our Home Field Advantage podcast is now available. We feature seniors Collin Kray and Vinny Schleper in a lively discussion recorded on March 26 and take a look at how we approach some of the new baseball metrics. https://soundcloud.com/johnnie_bennie_media/home-field-advantage-ep-7
Coach’s Final Word
April baseball is about discipline and belief. It’s about trusting your preparation and competing with confidence, regardless of the situation.
We talk a lot about playing with a championship mindset — this is the time of year where that mindset has to show up every single day. Not just when things are going well, but especially when they’re not.
Our guys understand what’s in front of them, and they’re embracing the opportunity.
Senior Day will be held on Saturday, May 2nd when we host Bethel here at Becker Park. That’s a 1pm start for a double header.
Another item to mark on your calendars will be Friday, September 11th. I’m excited to announce that we will be hosting a Johnnie Baseball Golf Tournament that day for Johnnie Baseball friends and families. This will be an annual event to bring Johnnie Baseball fans together. We will host this event at Northfork in Ramsey this year.
Please know that Jerry Haugen continues his recovery from his stem cell transplant at Rochester Mayo. It’s a battle with chemotherapy but that’s part of the process toward full health. Prayers and get-well cards are encouraged. He and Cindy are staying at Gift of Life House, 724 Second St. SW, Rochester, MN 55902.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Johnnie Baseball. It means a lot to our program.
Go Johnnies! ⚾