From the Dugout

“The Standard Continues”

Dear Johnnie Baseball Family and Friends,

As we close the book on the 2026 season, I want to start by saying how proud I am of this team.

We finished the year with a 28–16 overall record and advanced all the way to the MIAC Championship, battling through the loser’s bracket before ultimately falling to Macalester in the championship round after defeating them earlier in the day. To win the tournament, we needed to beat them twice. While the ending wasn’t the one we hoped for, there was no shortage of fight from this group.

Throughout the season, our players showed resilience, toughness, and a willingness to compete every single day. That’s something to be proud of.

Johnnie Baseball has a bright future, and this year’s team helped continue building the foundation for where we want this program to go.

I especially want to thank our nine seniors:

Brendan Hemr, Reed Marquardt, Noah Jensen, Collin Kray, Easton Fleck, Vinny Schleper, Jackson Geislinger, Owen Amrhein, and Jack Dobesh.

It’s not easy being part of a transition and playing for a first-year head coach. Change can be difficult, but this group embraced the challenge, led the right way, and handled uncertainty with maturity and commitment.

I also want to thank the families of our seniors. I felt tremendous support from this group all season. I understand it isn’t always easy to support a program when your son may not be receiving the playing time he wants, but your encouragement and belief in the process meant more than you know.

Accolades

Any accomplishments we had this season were totally a team effort. Several individuals, however, had standout seasons and received deserved recognition.

Max Edwards and four other Johnnies were named All-MIAC. Conference coaches not only voted Max as Rookie of the Year, but he was also named Mike Augustin Pitcher of the Year. Three other SJU pitchers were All-MIAC: juniors Hunter Hoen and Matt Magnuson and first-year Dylan Bloom. Senior right fielder Brendan Hemr was also all-conference. Junior second baseman Alex Matchey and first-year shortstop Will Koppen were honorable mention. Matchey and seniors Reed Marquardt at third base and Vinny Schleper as pitcher were named to the MIAC all-playoff team.

More information about the all-conference Johnnies is available at gojohnnies.com.

Thank you for helping shape this season and continuing to support Johnnie Baseball.

Go Johnnies!

Scott Lieser
Head Baseball Coach, Saint John’s University
Slieser@csbsju.edu
https://gojohnnies.com/sports/baseball

Inside the Program

With the season complete, the focus shifts entirely toward the future of Johnnie Baseball.

Recruiting season is now in full swing, and our staff will be spending a great deal of time on the road evaluating prospective student-athletes who could become the next generation of Johnnies.

One thing we know: referrals matter.

Some of the best players and best fits for Saint John’s have come through recommendations from alumni, families, coaches, and supporters of the program. If there is a player you believe would be a good fit academically, athletically, and culturally for Saint John’s and Johnnie Baseball, please let us know.

We promise to look into every recommendation.

There can never be enough eyes and ears helping identify future Johnnies. Recruiting is one of the most important ways we continue moving this program forward, and we appreciate everyone who helps us in that process.

The work for next season has already begun.

Senior Spotlight

What’s your name, position, and major at Saint John’s?

My name is Vinny Schleper, a pitcher, and an elementary education major.

Where are you from, and what high school did you attend?

I am from Shakopee, and I went to Shakopee High School.

What made you choose Saint John’s University and Johnnie Baseball?

A big reason for me choosing Saint John’s and Johnnie Baseball was because my older brother was here, so I got to go to school and play baseball with him for two years.

What does being a part of Johnnie Baseball mean to you?

Being a part of Johnnie Baseball means being a part of a group of guys that cares a lot about baseball, but also a lot about each other. It is a great community.

How has Johnnie Baseball helped you grow as a person?

Johnnie Baseball has helped me become stronger mentally and helped give me a better perspective on life.

How do you lead as a senior?

I would say I am a quiet leader. I am not a super vocal person, but once it comes to games I like to cheer on my teammates.

What were your goals for your final season?

I wanted to enjoy the moment and be grateful for everything no matter if it was good or bad.

What’s next for you after graduation (career plans, grad school, etc.)?

I am going to teach English in Spain while getting my masters in bilingual education.

What advice would you give to younger players in the program or incoming freshmen?

Have fun in everything you do. Don’t get caught up in your performance because at the end of the day it is a game.

What will you miss most about Saint John’s and Johnnie Baseball?

The thing I will miss most are the bus rides to away games, and our spring trips. They are the best time because you get to hang out with your buddies.

Hidden talent or hobby outside of baseball?

I can speak Spanish, and I love playing pickleball.

Where Are They Now?

Jeremy Loretz

I played baseball at SJU 1992 – 1995. I played SS on the JV team in 1992 and 1993, before starting in LF in 1994 and then CF in 1995. I was named first team All-Conference in 1994 and All-Region in 1995.

My favorite memories

-Winning the MIAC Title in 1994 with a 17-3 conference record.

-Just time on and off the field with great teammates. Still good friends and spend time with some of my teammates.

-My on-campus employment sophomore through senior year was working for former head baseball coach Jerry Haugen. This involved working on the old baseball field including hanging windscreens on the outfield fences and painting the dugouts with teammate Andy Auger.

Funny stories

-Hitting a homerun on my first varsity AB!....then never hit one the rest of my career at SJU.

-Playing JV SS sophomore year, I booted a perfect double playground ball and tried to pick it up quickly and still get the hitter out at first. In the process, I mistakenly hit the base umpire in the back as he was positioned between the mound and second base anticipating the double play. It was soon after that I was playing outfield!

After a couple years of working in finance, I joined my father’s insurance agency. I eventually purchased the business in 2017 and just last month was fortunate to receive the 2026 MN Independent Agent of the Year award. I most enjoy the long-term relationships with clients and helping to advise them with their business and personal insurance needs. I credit much of our success to the great agency team I am surrounded by.

I coached my son in baseball from kindergarten up until he joined the high school team. I also helped coach my daughter’s softball team for many years. I have so many great memories with them on the field and countless hours throwing BP to both of them. After my coaching days were done, I went back to playing and I still play in the 35+ Federal League for the Rockford RailSplitters. Last year, another former SJU baseball alum Danny Ebner ’08 joined our team. I also play annually in October in a national weeklong tournament for the Lansing (MI) A’s, winning the top division in 2023.

Still a lot of pride in being a Johnnie and an SJU baseball alum. The joke is, how do you know someone went to St. John’s? They’ll tell you.

While life/work are always busy, I try to keep tabs on how the current team is doing. I love the field and the new clubhouse. I’m confident that the team is in good hands as Scott continues to build on the success the program experienced under Jerry’s tenure. Go Johnnies!!

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 newsletter to anyone who wants to join the Johnnie Baseball family!

Coach’s Final Word

Graduation for our seniors took place on Saturday, May 16, and it was special to be there in person celebrating their accomplishments.

Seeing these young men walk across the stage was a reminder that while baseball is important, helping prepare student-athletes for life beyond Saint John’s matters even more.

This first season as a head coach taught me a tremendous amount—through both the highs and the challenges. I’m grateful for the players, families, alumni, and supporters who helped make the year meaningful.

Looking ahead, our goal remains simple:

Continue moving Johnnie Baseball in a positive direction through continuous improvement.

If you have ideas, resources, connections, or ways you believe you can help strengthen this program, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Building a championship program takes a community, and we welcome people who want to invest in Johnnie Baseball.

Also, please save the date for our Johnnie Baseball Golf Tournament on Friday, September 11. This will be a great opportunity to connect with Johnnie Baseball alumni, families, and supporters while continuing to build the future of our program.

Thank you again for your support throughout this season.

The work continues.

Go Johnnies!