St. John’s University and the world of college athletics are mourning the loss of a monumental figure, Jack Kaiser, who passed away at the age of 95. A true patriarch of the Red Storm athletic department, Kaiser dedicated an incredible nine decades to St. John’s, leaving an indelible mark as a three-sport athlete, Hall of Fame baseball coach, and transformative athletic director. His deep connection to St. John’s baseball, in particular, cemented his legacy as a cornerstone of the program’s rich history and tradition.
“St. John’s University mourns the passing of Jack Kaiser,” stated Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s University, highlighting Kaiser’s profound impact. “We live in thankfulness for everything that Jack was and his enduring impact on St. John’s and the BIG EAST Conference. As a player, a coach, an Athletic Director, and especially as a supporter of St. John’s, Jack was a difference-maker. We celebrate his life well-lived.”
Mike Cragg, St. John’s Director of Athletics, echoed these sentiments, saying, “We are saddened to hear of Mr. Kaiser’s passing and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Long before I arrived in Queens, I knew of and respected Mr. Kaiser for his outstanding reputation in the field of college athletics. Upon taking this job, he was one of the first people to whom I placed a phone call. I will always cherish his wisdom, wit and friendship.”
Born in Brooklyn in 1926, Kaiser’s journey with St. John’s began after his service in the United States Army during World War II. Upon enrolling in 1946, he quickly became a standout three-sport athlete for the Redmen, showcasing his talents in basketball, track, and most notably, baseball. It was on the baseball diamond where Kaiser truly shone, leading St. John’s to its groundbreaking first appearance in the College World Series in 1949. His prowess as a player laid the foundation for his future legendary status within St. John’s baseball.
After graduating from St. John’s, Kaiser’s baseball journey continued as he signed a professional contract with the Boston Red Sox. He spent three years in their organization (1950-52), gaining valuable experience. However, recognizing the formidable outfield lineup of Ted Williams, Dom DiMaggio, and Jackie Jensen, Kaiser made a pivotal decision that would forever shape St. John’s baseball. He accepted an offer to join the coaching staff at his alma mater, embarking on a remarkable career that would impact countless lives over seven decades.
Kaiser’s coaching career at St. John’s started in 1953 as an assistant before he took the reins as head coach in 1956. For the next 18 seasons (1956-1973), he transformed the St. John’s baseball program into a national powerhouse. Under his leadership, the Redmen achieved an impressive record of 367-133-2 (.733) and made 11 NCAA Tournament appearances. A historic moment arrived in 1960 when Kaiser became the first person in NCAA history to reach the College World Series as both a player and a coach, a testament to his enduring impact on St. John’s baseball. He further solidified his legendary status by guiding the Johnnies back to Omaha in 1966 and 1968, etching St. John’s baseball into the national collegiate baseball landscape.
Beyond baseball, Kaiser also contributed to St. John’s basketball, coaching the freshman team and serving as a varsity assistant. In 1973, he transitioned from coaching to administration, becoming Athletic Director, succeeding Walter McLaughlin. During his 22-year tenure as AD, Kaiser navigated significant shifts in the college athletic landscape. Crucially, he was instrumental in the formation of the BIG EAST Conference in 1979, a move that revolutionized college basketball and elevated St. John’s profile on the national stage.
Val Ackerman, BIG EAST Commissioner, recognized Kaiser’s foundational role: “We are saddened to learn of the death of St. John’s legend Jack Kaiser, a BIG EAST founding father who saw the potential an Eastern-based basketball conference and helped bring our league into being 43 years ago. Jack’s passion for collegiate athletics went beyond basketball. As a star baseball player at St. John’s, he led the team to the 1949 College World Series, and in his 18-year career as head coach at his alma mater, he guided the team to 11 postseason appearances, including three trips to the College World Series. We now proudly honor the outstanding performer at the BIG EAST Baseball Championship with the Jack Kaiser Most Outstanding Player Award.”
Kaiser’s commitment to equity extended to establishing women’s varsity athletics at St. John’s in 1974, paving the way for the university’s thriving women’s sports programs today. Kathy Meehan, St. John’s Senior Deputy Athletic Director, reflected on his personal impact: “A heartbreaking day. Words cannot adequately express what Jack meant to so many people. He was an inspiration and mentor to me. I am very blessed to have known him. Jack was a gentleman in every sense of the word, a true Vincentian who will deeply be missed.”
Even after retiring as Athletic Director in 1995, Kaiser remained a vital presence as Athletic Director Emeritus. He continued to mentor coaches, administrators, and student-athletes, particularly within the baseball program. Mike Hampton, current St. John’s Baseball Head Coach, expressed his gratitude: “One of the greatest honors of my professional and personal life has been getting to know and befriend Jack Kaiser. His guidance and mentorship over the past 20 years has meant so much to me, not only as a coach, but as a person. I will never be able to thank him enough for all that he has taught me both on and off the diamond. His legacy on this program will never fade.”
Kaiser’s numerous accolades include induction into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1979. In 2007, St. John’s University fittingly renamed its baseball stadium in his honor, a permanent tribute to his unparalleled contributions to St. John’s baseball and the university as a whole. Jack Kaiser Stadium stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.
The St. John’s community and the broader sports world will deeply miss Jack Kaiser. His impact on St. John’s University, especially St. John’s baseball, is immeasurable and will resonate for generations to come.
Visitation services will be held on Monday, May 30 from 2 to 6 p.m. and Tuesday, May 31 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Leo F. Kearns Funeral Home, 61-40 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park, N.Y. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 1 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas More Church on the St. John’s University Queens campus, with a live stream available at www.stjohns.edu/church.
