Jack Kaiser, legendary former baseball coach and athletic director at St. John’s, who was instrumental within the formation of the Huge East, died Wednesday on the age of 95, the college introduced.
“We're saddened to listen to of Mr. Kaiser’s passing and lengthen our deepest condolences to his household and associates,” St. John’s athletic director Mike Cragg mentioned in a press launch. “Lengthy earlier than I arrived in Queens, I knew of and revered Mr. Kaiser for his excellent popularity within the discipline of school athletics. Upon taking this job, he was one of many first individuals to whom I positioned a cellphone name. I'll all the time cherish his knowledge, wit and friendship.”
Kaiser left his greatest mark as the college’s athletic director, a job he held for 22 years, from 1973-95. Kaiser performed a key position within the start of the Huge East convention in 1979 and in serving to develop the ladies’s sports activities program. He's member of a number of halls of fame, obtained quite a few awards for this contributions to school athletics and is likely one of the most revered figures in St. John’s historical past.
Kaiser’s relationship with the college dates to his days as a baseball participant there, beginning in 1947. He was named an All-American and School Participant of the 12 months in 1949 whereas main St John’s to the School World Sequence. Kaiser performed professionally for the Crimson Sox within the minor leagues for 3 years till 1952. He later labored within the Crimson Sox group as a supervisor of their minor league system for 2 seasons.
Kaiser returned to St. John’s in 1952 as an assistant coach for the baseball and basketball groups and took over the helm of the baseball program in 1956. He managed the group by way of 1973, successful six Metropolitan Convention championships and incomes 11 invites to the NCAA post-season tournaments.
St. John’s reached the School World Sequence thrice (1960, 1966, 1968) throughout his tenure, wherein Kaiser posted a document of 367-133-2. The varsity’s baseball discipline, Jack Kaiser Stadium, is known as after him, as is essentially the most beneficial participant award for the Huge East Convention match.
“Whereas the baseball stadium bears his title, Jack’s footprint on the trajectory of St. John’s athletics and his private impression on our college students transcends generations of Johnnies throughout a number of sports activities,” college president Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P mentioned. “Lengthy earlier than I got here to know Jack personally, I knew of his affect on school sports activities, a boundless one which solely endures and expands. Jack leaves behind an immeasurable legacy and a dedication to athletic excellence. Might he relaxation in peace.”
Kaiser was born in Brooklyn on Oct. 6, 1925, and attended St. John’s Prep earlier than enlisting within the Military towards the tip of World Struggle II.
“A heartbreaking day,” mentioned Kathy Meehan, St. John’s senior deputy athletic director. “Phrases can't adequately categorical what Jack meant to so many individuals. He was an inspiration and mentor to me. I'm very blessed to have identified him. Jack was a gentleman in each sense of the phrase, a real Vincentian who will deeply be missed.”
In response to St. John’s, “Visitation hours shall be Monday, Might 30 from 2 to six p.m. and Tuesday, Might 31 from 4 to eight p.m. at Leo F. Kearns Funeral House positioned at 61-40 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park, N.Y. A mass shall be held on Wednesday, June 1 at 10:30 a.m. inside St. Thomas Extra Church on the Queens campus of St. John’s College.”
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