For nearly 70 years, John W. “Jack” Kaiser ’49C has been a prominent figure in St. John’s athletics. And at the Sixth Annual Baseball Bullpen Winter Banquet, the University honored him for his longstanding commitment. The event drew a record crowd of nearly 300 alumni and friends and raised over $40,000 for the Baseball Program. “We had a record attendance this year thanks to the outpouring of support from so many wonderful alumni, family and friends of the program,” said Kaiser. “This event continues to grow and it is the people that make for such a special evening each year." A former St. John’s studentathlete and current Athletic Director Emeritus, Kaiser captained the Baseball team to its first-ever College World Series in 1949 before embarking on an 18-year career as Head Coach that included three trips to the College World Series and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances. “I was certainly very humbled and thankful,” added Kaiser.“Everything I've accomplished can be attributed to the Vincentian Fathers, St. John's University, my colleagues and all of my players throughout the years.” Numerous Hall of Famers were in attendance to show their support for Kaiser and the St. John's Baseball program, including Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famers Lou Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON, Chris Mullin ’98CBA and Gene Keady and former St. John's pitcher, four-time MLB All-Star and soon-to-be New York Mets Hall of Fame inductee John Franco. Two-time World Series Champion Terry Francona served as guest speaker, delivering a motivational and entertaining speech. “It's just fun to talk about baseball with people that like baseball,” said Francona. “You want people to learn something when you speak at an event like this, but also enjoy themselves and share a laugh or two.”