West Alabama honors Gary Rundles and Tanner Rainey at their annual 'Grand Slam Dinner'

LIVINGSTON, Ala. (WTOK) – West Alabama’s annual ‘Grand Slam Dinner’ is the Tiger’s way of kicking off the new baseball season.

This year’s dinner was special, as the school honored 23-year head baseball coach, Gary Rundles, and retired the jersey of Tanner Rainey, current Washington Nationals right-handed pitcher.

Rundles coached Rainey when he pitched for the team in the 2014-15′ seasons.

“Great man,” Rainey said. “Taught me a lot about not just baseball, just being a man. The man I am today. I mean, I don’t know how they can honor him in a way to do justice,” he said.

Rainey was named the Most Outstanding Player during the Tiger’s Gulf South Conference Tournament Championship (GSC) after hitting three home runs in the victory.

The Cincinnati Reds drafted Rainey in the second round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft. Now in D.C, Rainey won the World Series with the Nationals during the 2019 season.

“Getting back out here and having my jersey retired, I can’t think of a better honor,” said Rainey.

As for Rundles, this is the first time in 46 years he hasn’t had to suit up on opening day.

“I’m excited to go out and watch (UWA) play. If I get cold I can set up in my truck and move out somewhere behind a fire or somewhere,” said Rundles.

Rundles retired as head coach at the end of the 2023 season. In his 23 seasons with the team, he led the Tigers to an overall record of 678-477.

Rundles also helped lead the team to two GSC Championships and six NCAA DII Regional Appearances. He was inducted into the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in December 2023.

West Alabama’s baseball season begins Friday, Feb. 2nd when they host Missouri St. Louis at Tartt Field for a four-game series.

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