Bradley University Athletics

Preparing for his third season as a member of the Bradley University Baseball team, Phil Kaiser (21) died during the early morning hours of Oct. 18, 2010.  Anyone interested in posting a memorial message for Phil may do so by clicking the link above.  Upon review, messages will be posted at the bottom of this page.

Kaiser's Career Pitching Statistics

 Kaiser's Career Hitting Statistics

At Bradley
A two-way player for the Braves, Kaiser has made six relief appearances on the mound and 42 plate appearances ... Went 3-for-3 with three runs and two RBI's in the March 6 doubleheader at Tennessee Tech ... Came back the next day to earn his first career pitching win by tossing 2.1 innings of scoreless relief at Tennessee Tech ... Drove in a career-best three runs March 16 versus Indiana ... Enjoyed a 4-for-4 day at the plate as the starting first baseman April 4 at Southern Illinois ... Picked up a fifth consecutive hit April 6 versus Illinois, but injured his hamstring on the play and has made only two plate appearances and one mound appearance since.

High School
A two-time all-conference performer, Kaiser was a four-year letterman for coach Lee Milano at Nazareth (Ill.) Academy ... Earned all-state honors as a junior in 2007 ... Helped the Roadrunners win a regional championship and received all-area honors as a senior ... Also played football for four seasons at Nazareth Academy, earning all-conference honors and helping the team to a state quarterfinal finish.

Personal
The son of Philip and Natalie Kaiser, Phil was born Aug. 9, 1989 ... Has three siblings, Jaclyn (25), Jillian (22) and Michael (16) ... Majoring in advertising, earned a spot on the Bradley Athletic Dirctor's Honor Roll for the 2010 Spring semester.

Memorial Messages
"I will never forget you busted my chops in the dugout when I was keeping score for Longshots Baseball. For reasons we do not know, you have fulfilled your purpose on earth and God has tapped you on your shoulder and said 'Phil come on home.'" -- Tony DeMarco

"May God be with you Phil, and our prayers and deepest sympathy to the Kaiser family." -- The Sewalls

"We were so sorry to hear the shocking news. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the Kaiser family." -- The family of Braves teammate David Compitello

"Phil's warmth and his fun-loving attitude were such a joy to those of us lucky enough to know him. He welcomed everyone with a huge hug and an open smile, and you knew right away he was a special soul. We just loved him!  We are so grateful to have had the blessing of Phil in our lives; he will be sorely missed. Our hearts are breaking for you Phil, Natalie, Jaclyn, Jillian & Michael. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and with the teammates & coaches who loved him." -- Todd, Katie, Joe and Lindsey Bircher

"Phil....I can't even express how much you will be missed. You were like a brother to my son, Jacob. You had a pure soul. Our lives are all the richer for having known you. You will never be forgotten." - Michael R. Booden

"Our heartfelt condolences and prayers goes out to The Kaiser family, The Bradley Coaches and Team. Phil was an amazing boy, always a smile on his face. He will be deeply missed. May you rest in peace Phil." - In loving thoughts, The Leblebijian Family.

"On behalf of the Ziegler family, I want to express my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Phil's family, teammates, coaches and friends. You are all very much in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. In a short time, Phil was able to make an immense and lasting impact on Justin's life as a Bradley baseball player and fellow student. Phil, you will be missed but you will never ever be gone." - Rand Ziegler

"Once a Brave, always a Brave. RIP." - Anonymous Bradley student

"RIP. Once a Brave, Always a Brave. There is a World Series on the sky, and you are in the line-up!" - Anonymous Bradley student

"May he rest in peace. He was a very talented baseball player and enjoyed watching him throw. God bless the family." - Stan Zielinski

"It's been awhile since Phil & Mike played baseball together at SMC little league field in Berwyn but I'll always remember his fervent love of the game and his great smile. Phil has gone to play in the big leagues now. My prayers go out to the family in this time of grief." - Janet Mackin

"Phil, I didn't know you, and had honestly never heard of you before seeing this story in our paper. I have, however, been involved in baseball for 8 years and as you, and your teammates and coaches know, it is like a family. You were part of my baseball family, friend, aquantence or not. You will be missed by all of this baseball family. Rest in peace." - Kiley, Springfield, IL

"Our family was priviledged to know Phil from his days at Nazareth. He had a contagious smile and zest for life. Whether it was watching him quarterback his football team on to victory, his baseball team to victory or leading his own cheering section for the basketball team, Phil made everyone around him know what they meant to him. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, teammates and friends on this sudden and unexplained loss. We are sure if he was here right now, he would wrap his arms around us all and tell us its all going to be alright. Thanks for everything you have done for us Phil and know that you will never be forgotten." - Love, The Mojden Family

"We will always be grateful to Phil for being a friend and mentor to our son Steve during his time with the Longshots baseball team and the Bradley Braves. Our deepest sympathies to the Kaiser family." - Rich and Mary Jean Adkins

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kaiser family, as well as all of Phil's friends, teammates, coaches, and classmates. May you all find comfort in this time of difficutly and sadness." - The Sexton Family

"Our hearts go out to the Kaiser Family. We shared many wonderful "bleacher moments" throughout the Nazareth and Prairie Gravel seasons. We loved him like a son. God Bless you.  You will always be in our thoughts and prayers." - Jenny Brase-Hogberg

"Praying for God's comfort on all. Psalm 116:5 'precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.'" - Dan Pearson BU '83

"Rest in Peace Phil. My favorite memory of highschool is when you would joke with Mrs. Ryan, who could not have laughed at your jokes! I am so fortunate to have had you on my Kairos so I could learn about how much good you have done in your short time here. Say hello to the Big man upstairs for me! Our Nazareth famil...y will miss you so much. This is tragic, my prayers are with everyone who has been lucky enough to have known you." - John Bradshaw (Tipton)

"Our prayers go out to the family for this is truly a tragic situation." - Jackie and Ron Hayden

"Our heartfelt thoughts, and prayers are with the Kaiser family. Phil will always be in our hearts. Once a Roadrunner, always a Roadrunner." -- The Wanderling Family, LaGrange Park

"It was a pleasure knowing you. Phil and Natalie our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God guide you through these difficult times." -- Webber family

"I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Phil, as well as to his baseball brothers and friends.  My son Dan played with and against Phil in AAA Hockey for several years in their younger days.  Phil was a fine young man, a real competitor and a class act.  He was a true role model for the junior players.  I am shocked by his untimely death and mourn for him and his family." -- Joe Durham

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kaiser family." -- The Flanagan family

"To the Kaiser family, Phil lit up the room & the baseball field with his effervescent personality and talent.  He will be in our hearts & prayers forever. With heavy hearts..." -- Brian & Bridget Fritz

"What a tragic loss for the Kaiser family, friends and community.  Our thoughts and prayers will be with them through the coming days, weeks and months.  We can only know that Phil was needed for work greater than we may understand." -- The Cooper family

"Our deepest sympathy and heart felt condolences go out to the Kaiser family. We were so shocked and sorry to hear of this terrible tragedy.  Although Mike only had the opportunity to play with you for a year, you left a positive and long lasting impression on him.  You will certainly be missed, but not forgotten.  Our thoughts and prayers to all the Bradley Braves and coaches." -- The Derby family

"Phil Kaiser, I knew when he was younger, my son and he played hockey together and went to Sweden together and played on Team Illinois.  He was a young man of great character at a very young age.  He had class and respect that most people never achieve in their life for others.  His family is very close and Phil took after his father and his mother.   He had great parents that led him on a good path in the world.  Phil, may the road rise to meet you, may the wind always be at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, may the rains fall softly on your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.  It's not what we take with us, its what we leave behind and Phil left us incredible memories.  We love you. -- The Flood family

"We are deeply sorry to hear about the passing away of a wonderful young man.  He has been taken from world much too soon.  We pray that he is resting in peace with our Lord in heaven.  You will be missed Phil." -- The Moles family, LaGrange, Ill.

"RIP Phil.  We have some great memories of you over the last two summers.  No matter how you had played or if you were just on the bench, you always had a smile on your face.  We really enjoyed you coming over every Sunday evening this past summer to watch Entourage.  You will be missed by everyone - you really touched so many people and I know your parents are so proud of you.  Be good up there and enjoy meeting your new team." -- Crystal Fulk

"As a former baseball player at Bradley, I am saddened by this news of the passing of Phil Kaiser.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time." -- Jamie Murray

"We will pray for Phil Kaiser and his loved ones.  It is hard to explain the devastation and shock that one goes through when someone so young and healthy passes away.  We have experienced the same with my son, who passed away recently during a wrestling match.  Our condolesence's to Phil Kaiser's family and loved ones.  May God give you comfort." -- Jesus Cruz

"Phil wrote this on Nazareth's website in the section: Why Naz? Phil Kaiser, Class of 2008:  'Participating in athletics at Nazareth Academy has been one of the greatest experiences of my life.  I have formed some of the closest friendships with the group of guys I have taken the field with over the past four years.  I have learned invaluable lessons from football and baseball that I will take with me the rest of my life.'" -- Anonymous classmate of 2008

"Dear Kaiser Family, we watched your dear son, Phil, this past weekend as he laughed and played with his Bradley Baseball Family.  You could see that Phil embodied the essence of the fun-loving teammate, classic baseball player and personal friend to all he surrounded as a Brave.  Please allow us to surround your family and Phil with our heartfelt prayers and love as we thank you for the times we were able enjoy watching your son and brother.  Phil's warm smile is a first-pitch strike and his personality a complete game in the hearts and minds of those around him, his fans." -- Sincerely, Andy, Jane and Rodd Johnson

"Phil was one of the most talented young athletes that I had a pleasure to know.  He had an outstanding character and was always a pleasure to be around.  I will miss him and miss visiting the web site to check on his achivements.  May God bless Phil." -- Mark Deetjen

"Phil, you are now the leader of the team.  So grab some bench and play this one out with us.  Lead us into His light. Amen." -- The Martin family

"Our dear Kaisers!  We are so very sorry about your loss.  We are all in tears and in shock...we will always remember little Phil as smiling, talented, respectful big brother, someone we always wanted our son to look up to.  We would like to be there for you as much as we possibly can in any way we can help.  We know you as one of the strongest and warmest families we have ever seen and hope you lean on each other, and all of the people that love you... Yours, always." -- The Felders

"Although we never really hung out in high school, Phil, words cannot express how many good things I heard about you.  My one memory of you is junior year during a retreat.  You were in my small group and I will never forget the stories you shared with us.  You are a blessing to all those who have been part of your life.  We will all miss you terribly and will see you soon.  Keep smiling buddy and use that amazing personality while you're up there." -- Judy Salazar

"Peace - for all that were touched by Phil's spirit.  You have left a special memory in all the hearts of those that you touched.  You were a 'baseball brother' to our son John.  May you rest now.  Our most sincere thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, your friends, and all those that are grieving your loss.  Kind regards." -- Kim and Tom Nasshan

"The sheer tragedy that has struck today will surely be overshadowed by the joy you have brought everyone. You will be greatly missed bud." -- Collin Brennan, teammate (Pittsfield, Ill.)

"Heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Kaiser Family.  We enjoyed having Phil for the past two summers while he played summer baseball with the Licking County Settlers.  He was a fine young man who ALWAYS had a smile and was a dear friend of our family.  Rest in peace." -- The Warrington family (Mike, Marcy, Justin and Mallory)

"MAY ANGELS LEAD YOU IN, PHIL. <3" -- Emily Grasser, Bradley alumna

"Phil was a very special person and I am grateful to have spent some time with him.  His ever-present smile was always accompanied by a warm and gracious 'Hello.'  A true gentleman, dedicated athlete and determined competitor that will be missed by many.  My prayers and condolences are extended to the Kaiser family." -- Bernie Bak

"I have been privileged to know the Kaiser family since I was a very young girl in the St. Stephen's parish/neighborhood.  Philip (Sr.)'s older sister Sandra not only was my 'sitter' as a young girl, but was also my grade school math teacher as well.  I went to Nazareth Academy HS myself (class of 1979), as did so very many of my St. Stephen's classmates and their older sisters.  I did not have the honor of knowing Phil (Jr.) personally, but if he was anything like his dad and his dad's wonderful family (of course, also like his mother Natalie's, as well, even though I was not aquainted with her/them, I'm sure), I can only surmise that Phil was just a phenomenal young man who has been taken from his family and friends far, far, far too soon.  The heartfelt sympathies and prayers of the Patti (Zubek) and Randy Zeleznak family (daughters Adrienne 23 and Alexandra 21), as well as those from my widowed mom - Genevieve 'Jean' Zubek - are being hereby extended to the Phil (Sr. & Jr.) Kaiser family, as well as to the entire extended Kaiser family in your time of profound loss and sadness.  I will endeavor to have my husband Randy dedicate his entire 2011 amateur adult men's baseball season to the memory of Phil." -- Patti (Zubek) Zeleznak - St. Stephen School '75; Nazareth '79

"Our hearts go out to Phil's family, friends, coaches and teammates.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this hard time and days to come.  May God give you courage and strength to face each day.  Our deepest sympathy." -- The Holmes family

"Dear Kaiser family, I'm really sorry for your loss." -- Mike Martin

"We hung out in the same group of friends in the beginning of high school, and when everyone drifted, I was never given the chance to get to know you.  But, thankfully I was able to experience Kairos with you, and that is a fond memory I will always remember sharing with you.  It is amazing how many lives you have touched in the short 21 years you lived.  You will be missed more than you can ever imagine.  We will forever remember what an amazing person you were, and how you always brightened a room by cracking one of your MANY hilarious jokes.  Rest in peace, Kais.  We all look forward to seeing you again one day." -- Anonymous, Nazareth Academy Class of '08

"Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead. Once a Road Runner always a Road Runner." -- The Barajas family, Nazareth Academy

"My deepest condolences on your loss...may Phil rest in eternal peace. God bless you during this very difficult time." -- Michael Bell (Class of 1990)

"As a long-time friend of the Kaiser family, I am shocked and saddened at this news." -- Joe Harrington

"To the Kaiser Family.  Please accept our deepest condolences.  We know Phil is in heaven playing baseball with the greats.  Not only was Phil a great high school and college ball player, but a kind, caring and upstanding young man.  He always gave respect to everyone. We love and miss him. He will be forever in our prayers." -- Dr. Kevin J. Salvino & Family

"I knew Phil as a young AAA hockey player whom my son Anthony played both with and against.  You were always a ray of sunshine and will be greatly missed.  My heart is with you and your family." -- Jamie Orange

"Phil and Natalie, our deepest condolences go to you and yours on this tragic loss.  May God be with you all in this time of need." -- Sincerely yours Jim and Robin Zanoni

"Phil loved life and he made the days so much better for those who were fortunate to be his friends.  Although his time here on Earth was far too short, he touched all of us with his warm smile and fun-loving personality.  From the Longshots to the Braves, he has been like a big brother to Josh and we are so thankful for his friendship.  He will be missed, but we have special memories that will keep him in our hearts forever.  Our deepest condolences go out to the Kaiser family on the passing of a fiine young man." -- Jim and Vicki Camalick and family

"Phil, Natalie, Michael and Family:  We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your son, Phil Jr.  You are in our thoughts and prayers." -- The Papais family

"We were saddened at the tragic passing of Phil Kaiser and wish to express our condolences to the Kaiser family, the Bradley baseball team and the Bradley community.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you." -- Mimi and Kent Kennedy

"Our thoughts and our prayers are with the Kaiser family, as well a your Bradley University teamates and friends.  Phil was a happy, witty and talented young man with a great smile and personality that went hand in hand.  You will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know you." -- Jan and Bob Elliott

"Condolences to the Kaiser family, Phil is in our prayers.  Just don't have the words..numb over this tragic loss." -- Pacyga Family

"To the Kaiser family: I am so very sorry for your loss.  Phil was always a joy to be around in class.  I know the world doesn't seem quite right any longer without him.  I will pray that God finds you with His peace." -- Christine Bare (classmate)

"It just breaks my heart when young people die.  From what I've read, you are well loved and a heck of a good guy.  Rest in peace Phil and may God be with you always.  My condolences to the Kaiser family." -- Jim Hyerczyk

"Dear Kaiser Family, Phil and Noelle were with us at Holy Mass on Sunday night. Little did we know then that he would be called back to the heavenly banquet just a few short hours later.  As pastor of the Catholic Community at Bradley, I extend the sympathy of the entire community.  This weekend we had planned a special mass at 4:30 on Saturday to accommodate Parents' Weekend.  For all those who would like to join you and Phil around the Altar of God but are absolutely unable to get to Berwyn, we will be offering that Mass for Phil's peaceful repose.  While we will be separated by many miles of highway, know that we will all be together with you and Phil around the Lord's Table in Heaven on that day." -- Fr. Brian Brownsey, Chaplain/Director St. Joseph Newman Center at Bradley

"Phil was a tremendous athlete and had a huge heart.  I had the honor to be a teammate with him when we played hockey together on Chicago Huskies.  The year we played together we made it all the way to nationals.  Phil will be missed greatly but his impact that he brought to the table everyday will never be forgotten." -- Mike Kestas

"Our son Nick played ball with Phil and the Longshots and got to know Phil pretty well.  He will now play in the Field of Dreams where you enter thru some very special gates.  May God watch out for you now and help your family thru these difficult times." -- The Brown family (Nick, Dottie and Gale)

"As the sponsor for the Licking County Settlers it was so nice to have had Phil as a member of our team this past summer.  In talking with members of our organization, Phil was such a wonderful person to be around, not only on the field, but off.  It is difficult to know what to say at a time like this, but God bless Phil, his family and his many friends.  My deepesy sympathy." -- Louis A. Mitchell

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kaiser family, Phil's teammates and coaches and the entire Bradley community.  We hadn't met Phil yet but he made our son, Tom, feel welcome as a new teammate and they had become good friends.  He is a respected friend and teammate and will be greatly missed.  We are so very sorry for this tragic loss." -- Brent and Leslie Marsh

"Natalie and Phil, may God guide you both through this difficult time.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the Kaiser Family." -- The Chojnowski Family

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Phil Kaiser's family and friends." -- The Doerr Family

"Phil, your personality and good character were a pleasure to witness.  The alliance and friendship you shared with my son Jacob and the rest of the Braves was wonderful.  There should be more people like you.  All who knew you will miss you.  All our love to your family." -- Tina Jurs

"Dear Kaiser family, we did not have the pleasure of meeting Phil or seeing him play ball, but we have heard only wonderful things about him.  Our son, who is a freshman on the team, says Phil was a real good guy.  He liked him a lot.  Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.  You are in our thoughts and prayers." -- Sincerley, Scott and Teri Paulson

"Our hearts are hurting.  Natalie and Phil, thank you for raising such a wonderful young man.  His smile and personality exuded everything that is good and he, obviously, was truly a blessing in the lives of all those who knew him.  Thank you, Phil, for touching Brad's life as a friend and a teammate. 'Some things, there are no words for - only shoulders to lean on, hands to hold on to...and hugs to comfort you as best they can.'  With our prayers and deepest sympathy to Phil and Natalie, Jaclyn, Jillian and Michael." -- The Kimball Family

"Words and tears cannot express the great loss I feel... Phil was always smiling and never seemed to be too concerned about the little things that bothered others.  Watching him play ball at Naz was enjoyable, as well as his dad's ever enthusiastic yelling.  Seeing him cleaned up for Winter Formal or Homecoming made a mom proud.  I'm glad that his love will never die.  May God's grace, peace and mercy be granted to the extended Kaiser families both at Naz and at Bradley.  I am at a loss for words.  I'm so sorry.  It isn't supposed to be this way." -- Anonymous Nazareth Mom

"Dear Kaiser Family, our deepest sypathy and condolences to you all.  Many years ago we accompanied our son to Huddinge, Sweden for a hockey tournament along with the Kaiser's.  Of course it took only a very short time to become very close with all three of the family members traveling with the group.  Their love and laughter for each other and EVERYONE they met was truly special.  Please know that we are thinking of you during this time of sorrow." -- With Love, the Fisher Family

"Even though Gus is not there now, but many miles away, we are all there with the Kaiser and Bradley Baseball Families in heart.  Phil was a friend and a true teammate to Gus.  Our deepest condolences to the Kaiser Family and The Bradley Baseball team." -- Gus DeQuesada & Family

"From Sweden: We are thinking on you and your family." With love, Pontus, Rasmus, John and Sussi

"Rest in peace Bradley Brave Phil Kaiser ... stay with the Braves on the diamond." -- McKinney

"Dear Phil, you left a hand print on the hearts of all who new you, and each person that new you was better for it. God bless you."  -- MC

"My heart goes out to the Kaiser Family.  God bless you during this difficult time and I am deeply sorry for your loss." -- Kevin Brannan

"Look out for the boys in the field every season Phil and may your beautiful soul Rest in Peace" -- Anonymous Bradley Student