PHOTOS: Former Major Leaguers Tim Wallach and Garrett Atkins welcomed back for alumni game

Garrett Atkins (second from left) and his son along with Tim Wallach and University players Michael Dougherty (No. 7) and Logan Rome (19) at Saturday’s event. (Photo: OC Sports Zone, Tim Burt).

University High School’s baseball program turned the clock back Saturday, honoring famous alums Tim Wallach and Garrett Atkins, who both had stellar careers in the Major Leagues.

Wallach, a five-time all-star, played in the Major Leagues for 17 seasons with the Montreal Expos, Dodgers and Angels and also coached for the Dodgers and Miami Marlins.

Atkins, who had 99 career home runs, played Major League baseball for the Colorado Rockies and Baltimore Orioles and played for UCLA before that.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

University varsity players and coaches with Tim Wallach and Garrett Atkins (back row).

Uni Baseball Booster Club President Janet Rome is joined by board member Patrick Eldridge Saturday.

Ernie Medina fires a pitch for the alumni Saturday.

Tim Wallach (second from left) and Garrett Atkins with family members and Uni Baseball Booster Club President Janet Rome, Harry Stahl and Uni Coach Steve Hindman (far right).

Harry Stahl (left) and family members listen to Janet Rome as she announces a scholarship in honor of Ethan Stahl.

Tim Wallach thanks the fans for the award he received.

MC Bob Daughery acknowledges the achievements of Garrett Atkins, who was joined by his family.

University players look on during the ceremony Saturday.

Former Uni Coach Mike Gerakos with Tim Wallach.

Former University Coach Chris Conlin welcomes the alumni Saturday.

University Coach Steve Hindman thanks the alumni and boosters for attending.

Former University coaches Mike Gerakos (left) and Chris Conlin with Garrett Atkins.

University players wrap up warm-ups Saturday.

Former Trojan Ernie Medina got the start Saturday.
Photo courtesy Medina family

Tim Wallach and Garrett Atkins (upper right) join alumni and coaches Saturday.

Fans and players look on during Saturday's alumni game.

Trojan alum Ernie Medina with his children Jaycob and Celeste and family pet.
Photo courtesy Medina family

Both players have already been inducted into the school’s baseball hall of fame. On Saturday, they were both recognized for their efforts and presented awards. Their names will be engraved in plaques near the entrance of the stadium as a tribute for their accomplishments.

Thirty-two alumns also took part in the annual alumni game. Ernie Medina was one of the pitchers and Steve Hagins a catcher. The alumni team was coached by former Uni coaches Chris Conlin and Mike Gerakos.

Atkins and Wallach did not play in the game, but stayed around to watch and visit with players of both teams and fans.

In addition, Harry Stahl, the father of another former Trojan, announced that his family would be giving an annual scholarship award in honor of his son Ethan “Boomer” Stahl, who died in July 2020.

Ethan Stahl played for four years at Uni leading the team to the PCL championship in 1995. He died in July 2020.

“It will be known as the Ethan ‘Boomer’ Stahl Scholarship Fund and the scholarship will be awarded annually to the Uni High varsity baseball player who is voted the team’s most inspirational player,” said Janet Rome, president of the University Booster Club told fans Saturday.

“Ethan’s enthusiasm, work ethic, passion for baseball, and team-above-self attitude was an inspiration to his teammates and this scholarship will be awarded at the end of each season to the player who best demonstrates these same qualities.”

For more on Garrett Atkins, click here

For more on Tim Wallach, click here

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com