Wiesner is in his 17th season with the Golden Bear baseball program in the 2017 season. His primary duties are practice organization, game management and bench coach.
The wisdom Wiesner brings to the ball club is incalculable. Jim spent 37 years as the visiting clubhouse and equipment manager for the Minnesota Twins. In addition, he spent 25 years working as the visiting clubhouse manager for the Minnesota Vikings. During his time in the big league clubhouse, Jim's locker room housed two Major League All-Star Games, four American League Championship Series, (including the first two ever), one NFL Championship Game and three World Series.
In his 37 years in professional sports, Jim has collected an All-Star ring and three World Series rings including the 1987 & 1991 Twins World Championships. After the '87 and '91 World Series wins for the Twins, Wiesner had the opportunity to meet President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush. He has shook hands with three sitting Presidents in all, adding George W. Bush to the list.
He also had the distinction of shaking hands with his all-time sports hero, Muhammad Ali.
Prior to becoming the Twins visiting clubhouse man in 1961, “Wies” spent time as the original Saint Paul Saints batboy in 1957. He later worked in the clubhouse for the team. Considered the best visiting clubhouse man in the American League for years, Jim worked with the biggest names in sports including the likes of Mickey Mantle, Harmon Killebrew, Willie Mays, Kirby Puckett and Vince Lombardi.
Jim wears number 43 in honor of his good friend and long time Minnesota Twins coach Rick Stelmaszek.
Wiesner truly loves baseball and has been on the bench and in the clubhouse for over 6,000 Major League games. His knowledge and wisdom gained throughout the years regarding demeanor and work ethic are immeasurable. In 1968 Jim hired a high school junior from Minnetonka named Mark McKenzie and provided him with an arena from which he could build a career. Seven of Wiesner’s former clubhouse workers have gone on to become equipment managers or visiting clubhouse men in professional baseball, football and basketball.
Jim's son, T.J. completed his 13th season as the St. Paul Saints bullpen coach.
Jim and his wife Margie also have a daughter, Barbie (who is the Golden Bears baseball team's biggest fan) and five grandchildren: Kristin (25), Ben (25), Zachary (23, plays baseball at Univ. of St. Thomas), Dylan (16), Ethan (9) and a great granddaughter, Sophia (5).
