St. John's University Athletics
St. John’s Hosts 2018 Jack Kaiser Golf Classic
7/26/2018 4:33:00 PM | Baseball
Baseball program hosts annual fundraiser and reunion
The St. John's athletic department hosted its annual Jack Kaiser Golf Classic on Monday afternoon, celebrating the proud legacy of the Red Storm baseball program and its patriarch, Mr. Jack Kaiser.
Held at Cherry Valley Club in Garden City, the event recognized Don Giordano '82CBA, in addition to the 1968 team on the golden anniversary of its College World Series run. Giordano was presented with the Jack Kaiser Baseball Advocate Award, the highest honor the St. John's baseball programs bestows on an alumnus, friend, benefactor, parents, coach, or fan.
The day began with 18 holes of golf followed by a cocktail reception that brought together alumni and supporters of the program spanning eight decades.
The formal portion of program began with a welcome from Dave Gildea, the evening's emcee. Following additional remarks and thanks from Interim Athletics Director Kathy Meehan and Head Baseball Coach Ed Blankmeyer, Father Richard Rock, C.M., delivered the evening's invocation.
After dinner was served, the night's special awards were handed out. Giordano was welcomed to the podium by his longtime friend and former St. John's teammate Sebby Borriello. Following Giordano's remarks, a pair of 1968 College World Series participants, Ed Waters and Frank Palmieri, shared stories from their historic playing days in Queens.
Following the evening's presentations, the event ended with profound words from Kaiser. "Every single person in this room is to be congratulated on helping our St. John's University baseball program to be successful," said the St. John's legend. "After a long while, wins and losses are OK, but they're not the primary thing that we need to think about as people who are involved with young people. Many have expressed in an extraordinary manner what is the real reason that we are here tonight and that's to enjoy the things that we did together, the wonderful experiences that we were allowed to have by the Good Lord Jesus Christ, and to hope that all of us will have the opportunity to assist and help many young people in our lives. I'm sure that we have done that. You have done that, every person here and will continue to have the opportunity to do that."
