Geoff Zahn has been involved in Baseball for the better part of his life.
Geoff Zahn has been involved in Baseball for the better part of his life. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1968 after being the MVP of the 1967 Michigan Baseball team. Geoff signed with the LA Dodgers in the spring of 1968 and after 6 years in the Dodger Farm System went on to have a twelve year Major League career playing for the Dodgers, Cubs, Twins, and Angels. At an early age Geoff was told that he would never pitch in the Big Leagues. After signing with the Dodgers he was told he didn’t throw hard enough to pitch in the Big Leagues. The Cubs released Geoff in the winter of 1976 telling him, one year after arm surgery, he would never pitch higher than Double A. Geoff pitched 9 more years in the Big Leagues winning over 100 games.
Geoff attributes his Faith in Christ for being able to persevere through adversity knowing that God is both loving and sovereign and wanted the best for him whether or not he was in baseball.
During his time in the Big Leagues Geoff received many accolades. In 1974 he was Dodger Rookie of the Year selected by the Los Angeles Baseball Writers as part of the National League Champions. In 1982 while with the Angels he went 18-8, was the American League Pitcher of the Month in April and ended up 5th in the Cy Young voting while helping the Angels to the Western Division Championship. That year he was also given the Danny Thompson Award given annually to one player by the Commissioner of Baseball for exemplary Christian spirit in baseball. In 1983 he was Angel pitcher of the year and in 1984 he was voted the Angels Most Inspirational Player.
During his 6 years as Head Baseball Coach at University of Michigan his teams won the Big Ten Championship in 1997 and the Big Ten Tournament in 1999. Geoff was awarded Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1997.
Geoff was inducted into the State of Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Albuquerque Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013.
Geoff has always been a student of the game. He has instructed pitchers both privately or as a coach or clinician since 1986. He has spoken at the American Baseball Coaches Association National Convention, written for MLB.com and the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.
He counts it a privilege and blessing to work with today’s youth.
