Zahn Leaves Angels But Keeps the Faith at Master’s College

Although former Angels pitcher Geoff Zahn announced his retirement Wednesday, his baseball career is still on the active list.

Since January, Zahn has been assisting as a pitching coach and recruiter at The Master’s College in Newhall. Mustang Coach John Zeller said Zahn already has had a positive effect on his pitching staff.

“His knowledge is something that we want to take advantage of,” Zeller said. “Our pitchers have improved 100% since he started helping us. He developed a 30-day workout plan for them. He knows what it takes. We’re excited to have him here.”

The Master’s also has received help from tennis player Stan Smith, according to Zeller.

“We’re trying to build a tennis program. We have no specific starting date yet, but he’s given us some ideas. He’s been an informal consultant.”

Smith is a friend of Bob Provost, The Master’s executive vice-president, Zeller said.

Another athlete, Russ Hodges, a member of the 1964 U.S. Olympic team and former world record holder in the decathlon, coaches The Master’s track team and is developing a sports-training major at the school. He also heads a sports rehabilitation program and helps with recruiting.

Zeller said Zahn became involved with The Master’s through school president John MacArthur. MacArthur is a pastor at Grace Community Church and a radio evangelist. The Master’s is a Christian college, and Zahn is a born-again Christian, Zeller said.

“They are good friends, so Geoff agreed to help us out,” he said.

“He works with our pitchers once a week. He’s helped us with raising funds. He helped us improve our baseball facility and he’s active in recruiting and an active member of our booster club.”

Zahn won 111 and lost 109 during a 12-year career that began with the Dodgers. He also played for the Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Twins before joining the Angels. In 1982, he was 18-8 and helped the Angels to the American League West title.

Said Zahn: “We haven’t formulated a written job description yet. We’ll work something out when we have a chance to sit down and talk. I have a desire to help out. I think the college will really grow. They’re putting a lot of emphasis on athletics.”

The Mustangs are 1-5 this season.