1976 Topps #403 - Geoff Zahn

• Geoff Zahn pitched in the majors from 1973-1985. Geoff was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968. He was drafted by three other teams in 1966 and 1967, but he elected to remain at the University of Michigan. Zahn finally signed with the Dodgers in '68. Zahn pitched in the Dodgers' system from 1968-1973. He finally made it to the Dodgers in late 1973 at the age of 27. Zahn pitched in six games (1 start) and was 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA.

• Zahn pitched in 21 games (10 starts) in 1974 and was 3-5 with a 2.03 ERA. He wasn't used in the postseason. Geoff pitched in two games for the Dodgers in 1975 (0-1, 9.00 ERA) and was traded with Eddie Solomon to the Chicago Cubs for Burt Hooton. Geoff was 2-7 with a 4.45 ERA in 16 games (10 starts) for the Cubs in 1975.

• Geoff spent most of the 1976 season pitching for AAA Wichita. He was 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA in three games (two starts) for the Cubs and was released after the 1976 season. Zahn joined the Minnesota Twins during spring training in 1977 and made the team. Geoff had picked up a hard slider and was successful with it. He started a streak of six seasons in a row of getting 10 or more victories. In 1977 Zahn was 12-14 with a 4.68 ERA.

• Zahn was a solid starter in 1978 (14-14, 3.03 ERA) and in 1979 (13-7, 3.57 ERA). Geoff missed five weeks of the 1979 season with an injury. His ERA went up to 4.41 and he was 12-18 for the Twins in 1980. Zahn became a free agent after the 1980 season and signed with the California Angels.

• Geoff was 10-11 with a 4.41 ERA in 1981. He had his biggest season in 1982. Zahn went 18-8 and had a 3.73 ERA. He started and lost game 3 of the 1982 ALCS, giving up three runs in 3.2 innings.

• Zahn had his 10+ victory streak broken in 1983 -- he was 9-11 with a 3.33 ERA in 28 starts. In 1984 Geoff went 13-10 with a 3.12 ERA and led the AL with five shutouts.

• Geoff had an injury in 1985 and missed about three months. He started 7 games and was 2-2 with a 4.38 ERA. Zahn was released after the 1985 season.

• Zahn was selected as the coach of Michigan University in 1995, replacing Bill Freehan. He coached the team through the 2001 season. After his time at Michigan Zahn did color commentary for college baseball telecasts. Geoff Zahn's official website. He is now a Christian and motivational speaker. Here is an article Geoff wrote about arm injuries. Here is an article he wrote about a pre-season throwing program he used. The University of Michigan's Pitcher of the Year award is named after Geoff.

• Liked to face: Ken Griffey (.130 in 23 AB); Harold Baines (.136 in 22 AB); Bump Wills (.138 in 29 AB)
• Hated to face: Bert Campaneris (.545 in 22 AB); Bob Kearny/Mario Guerrero (.476 in 21 AB); Hal McRae (.400 with 5 HR in 70 AB)