University alumni players and former coaches join Garrett Atkins and Tim Wallach (back row) for a photo Saturday. (Photo: OC Sports Zone, Tim Burt).
University High School’s two most successful baseball players, former Major Leaguers Garrett Atkins and Tim Wallach, were honored Saturday by University before the annual alumni game.
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.
Former University coaches Chris Conlin and Mike Gerakos praised the achievements of the players. Gerakos read a message from Wallach’s former coach, Ken Trater, who was unable to attend. The school’s baseball club president Janet Rome also praised their accomplishments, along with master of ceremonies Bob Daugherty and current Trojans Coach Steve Hindman.
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.
Neither player competed in the alumni game, but both stayed to watch the game between the alumni and the varsity and visited with players from both squads.
FOR PHOTOS AND MORE COVERAGE, CLICK HERE
—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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