Jonathan Liesen’s godfather was stunned with what he saw.
Dan Iraci, a former Reavis standout, attended the team’s season opener. When Iraci first noticed the sophomore third baseman’s new frame, which included roughly 15 brand-new pounds of muscle, he had a word with Rams coach Don Erickson about his godson.
“Don played for me in 1995 and hadn’t seen Jonny in a couple of years,” Erickson said. “But he came to a game last month, and the first thing he said to me was, ‘My God … Jonny put on some weight. He looks jacked.’’’
That new look has helped Liesen hit a team-leading four home runs this season.
His power surge included a two-run blast in the first inning Tuesday afternoon as Liesen sparked Reavis to an 8-4 South Suburban Red victory over host Richards in Oak Lawn.
Liesen also doubled, walked and scored three times for the Rams (14-3, 7-1). Anthony Perez had two hits, including a double. Juan Avila pitched the win, striking out seven in 4 2/3 innings.
Sean Cody started off the game with a triple to deep center field and finished with two hits for Richards (8-3, 3-2). Neil Glynn drove in three runs.
Aside from the extra-base power, Liesen made a couple of cat-like plays in the field that turned potential infield singles into outs.
“He saved me — he’s a heck of a good player,” Avila said. “He’s someone you really wish you can have in your clubhouse and as a part of your team. It’s an honor to be on the same field with him.”
Richards’ Sean Cody connects for a triple against Reavis in the first inning of a South Suburban Red game in Oak Lawn on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Jeff Vorva / Daily Southtown)
Growing up, Liesen said he had “gap-to-gap” power, but now the ball is going over the fence thanks to getting stronger.
“I’m looking barrel to ball and hitting the ball hard,” he said. “I’m an aggressive hitter early in the count and I’m always hunting that first-pitch fastball.
“When you start working out and you start putting on that muscle and you start putting on the pounds, the ball starts flying for you.”
Liesen said he wakes up at 5:45 a.m. and gets to school by 6:15 for an hour of lifting before classes start.
And he has company.
“Two of our coaches — Anthony Jerkovich and Kyle McKinley — run morning the morning lifting program,” Erickson said. “It’s not mandatory, but they created a culture where everybody shows up every day, and if you are not showing up, the players are getting on you a little bit.
“We’ve hit more home runs (12) at this point of the season than we have had in 20 years.”
Before Tuesday’s home run, Liesen pointed out that he went four straight games without a hit. He tried to keep his head up during the slump.
“You can’t get too down on yourself,” he said. “You have to stay with it and stay consistent. You keep the swing consistent and not change too much. You just keep working every day.”
Reavis’ Juan Avila winds up for a pitch against Richards during a South Suburban Red game in Oak Lawn on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Jeff Vorva / Daily Southtown)
Liesen, who also plays football for Reavis, said his defensive skills improved with repetition and drills paying travel during the offseason with Illinois Premier.
He comes from a family of baseball players and gravitated to the sport.
“I started at 10U and took it to travel,” Liesen said. “And here we are.”
Liesen related that his father, Matt, pitched at Quincy Notre Dame and went to Northern Illinois to play baseball but his career was cut short with an arm injury.
That arm, however, is still good enough to keep his son sharp.
“He throws me batting practice whenever I ask, so his arm is good,” Jonathan said. “I’m lucky to have him around. He helps me a lot.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
