Carl Lieser
2024 Hall of Fame Inductee
St. Martin, MN
St. Martin, MN
Carl’s love for baseball began as a young boy when he started playing Little League baseball in St. Martin in 1977 at the age of 12. Carl played high school baseball at Albany high school and graduated in 1982. In 1979, he joined the St. Martin amateur team as a 14-year-old and continued playing for the Martins for over 25 years where he was known as a left-handed, power-hitting first baseman. Many still remember a home run he hit in Richmond that was estimated at 530 feet!
Carl became team manager in 2000 and eventually focused solely on managing. He is now in his 25th season, guiding and mentoring young players with the same passion he felt as a boy. In total, Carl has dedicated over 45 years to the St. Martin baseball team.
In addition to playing alongside his son, Kyle, who joined the Martins in 2006, another of Carl’s greatest highlights includes hitting three home runs in the 1985 Regionals, which helped qualify the Martins for their second state tournament appearance. His best season was 1989, when he hit .425. Of the Martins’ 16 state tournament appearances, Carl has been involved in 15, managing 13 of them.
A significant community highlight was the installation of lights in St. Martin in 2008. Carl was instrumental in the fundraising efforts, going door-to-door to request donations. He also played a key role in getting a granite memorial listing all the donors.
Carl’s dedication to baseball extends beyond the field. He has spent countless volunteer hours on park maintenance and has worked with teammates and community volunteers on park improvements, including new fencing, electronic scoreboard, batter’s eye, grass infield, and sprinkler system. Carl also has a strong commitment to the Stearns County League, driven by a deep desire to see it thrive, ensuring future generations can experience the joy of the game.
In addition to his baseball involvement, Carl is a cornerstone of the St. Martin community. He is a devoted member of St. Martin Catholic Church, serving as an usher and trustee. Carl served as a volunteer firefighter and first responder for the St. Martin Fire Department for over 23 years and is a dedicated member of the St. Martin Commercial Club.
Carl’s wife, Ruth, is his biggest supporter and an avid baseball fan. The love for baseball and community continues in their three children: Trista (Brent Heidgerken), Cari (Corey May), and Kyle (Nadine), and nine treasured grandchildren, both earthside and angels in heaven.
Carl became team manager in 2000 and eventually focused solely on managing. He is now in his 25th season, guiding and mentoring young players with the same passion he felt as a boy. In total, Carl has dedicated over 45 years to the St. Martin baseball team.
In addition to playing alongside his son, Kyle, who joined the Martins in 2006, another of Carl’s greatest highlights includes hitting three home runs in the 1985 Regionals, which helped qualify the Martins for their second state tournament appearance. His best season was 1989, when he hit .425. Of the Martins’ 16 state tournament appearances, Carl has been involved in 15, managing 13 of them.
A significant community highlight was the installation of lights in St. Martin in 2008. Carl was instrumental in the fundraising efforts, going door-to-door to request donations. He also played a key role in getting a granite memorial listing all the donors.
Carl’s dedication to baseball extends beyond the field. He has spent countless volunteer hours on park maintenance and has worked with teammates and community volunteers on park improvements, including new fencing, electronic scoreboard, batter’s eye, grass infield, and sprinkler system. Carl also has a strong commitment to the Stearns County League, driven by a deep desire to see it thrive, ensuring future generations can experience the joy of the game.
In addition to his baseball involvement, Carl is a cornerstone of the St. Martin community. He is a devoted member of St. Martin Catholic Church, serving as an usher and trustee. Carl served as a volunteer firefighter and first responder for the St. Martin Fire Department for over 23 years and is a dedicated member of the St. Martin Commercial Club.
Carl’s wife, Ruth, is his biggest supporter and an avid baseball fan. The love for baseball and community continues in their three children: Trista (Brent Heidgerken), Cari (Corey May), and Kyle (Nadine), and nine treasured grandchildren, both earthside and angels in heaven.