Edmondson Family Makes Transformational Gift to CSUN Baseball

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - California State University, Northridge is proud to announce a generous $1,000,000 gift from the Jim Edmondson estate to the Paul Edmondson Memorial Scholarship Endowment named in honor of alumnus Paul Edmondson.

CSUN Director of Athletics Ryan Swartwood expressed deep gratitude for the transformative impact this gift will have.

"The Edmondson family's gift is a game-changer for CSUN Baseball," Swartwood said. "This endowment strengthens our program in meaningful ways as we position CSUN Baseball for the future and continue to build on our success. We're proud to honor the Edmondson brother's legacy through a gift that will benefit Matadors for generations."

The endowment will directly support academic scholarships for CSUN baseball student-athletes. Edmondson_Paul

"The impact of the Edmondson Endowment will profoundly enrich the experience of our selected student-athletes—individuals who embody the same character, values, and spirit demonstrated by the Edmondson brothers," said CSUN head coach Eddie Cornejo. "Beyond its immediate effect, this endowment also strengthens our foundation for the future, positioning us to attract and develop the next generation of CSUN Matadors."

Paul Edmondson was a member of the Matador baseball team from 1963-65, earning three All-CCAA awards and helping CSUN, then known as San Fernando Valley State College, to its first-ever conference championship in 1965. Edmondson would become the first Matador to play in Major League Baseball, spending a season with the Chicago White Sox in 1969 before tragically passing away a year later. He also tossed a complete game two-hitter in his Major League debut in a 9-1 White Sox win over the California Angels.

Edmondson_Jim

Jim Edmondson, younger brother to Paul, would also attend San Fernando Valley State College. After his graduation, he found his love for conservation and steelhead trout, eventually holding several positions with California Trout, a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to restoring and protecting California's native fish, wild waters, ecosystems and habitat restoration. Edmondson, who retired as Executive Director with CalTrout in 2007, passed away in 2024.

Nephews to the Edmondson's, Steve and Scott Sharts each had exceptional baseball careers at CSUN.

A three-year letterwinner from 1983-85, Steve Sharts was a standout pitcher on CSUN's second NCAA Division II championship team in 1984. Sharts went on to lead the team in wins (9) and strikeouts (65) in his senior season while he received a pair of All-District and All-CCAA First Team nods in his career. Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies, Sharts played six years professionally and advanced as far as the Triple-A ranks. Sharts_Scott

Scott Sharts, Steve's younger brother, excelled as both a hitter and pitcher in his Matador career from 1990-91. Sharts was a member of CSUN's Division II national runner-up team in 1990 while he helped the Matadors win 44 games and advance to the NCAA Regionals in the program's first year at the Division I level. He led CSUN in home runs in each of his two seasons, eventually setting Matador single season (29) and career (51) home run marks – records that still stand to this day. Sharts also recorded 13 complete games and 139 strikeouts as a pitcher in 1991. A two-time All-American, Sharts was drafted by the Cleveland Indians and went on to play three seasons professionally.

Sharts_Steve

"Paul was a very successful student-athlete," said Scott Sharts. "He played both baseball and basketball at the university. The way that he approached sports was with 100 percent commitment and dedication. The level of commitment he gave to whatever in life, not just with sports but with anything, was one of the main reasons why his younger brother, Jim, decided to continue on the legacy, the tradition of the scholarship and to donate to that fund. Jim wanted to honor him, what he represented, and the impact Paul had on his life.

"When discovering my uncle Jim's will, it was the first thing listed in there," added Sharts. "That was his primary focus to give back to what his older brother represented. It's very important to our family. We were a part of the CSUN season-opening dinner and ceremony where they honored both of my uncles. It was an absolute honor to be a part of that process and I appreciate everything that CSUN is doing to rekindle the flame of what Paul represented. Now with this donation, this provides an opportunity for that legacy to continue forever."

CSUN honored the legacies of the Edmondson and Sharts families and their impact to the baseball program at the annual preseason banquet on Jan. 24.

ABOUT CSUN
California State University, Northridge is a vibrant, diverse university community of 38,310 students and more than 4,000 faculty and staff, sited on a 356-acre campus in the heart of Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley. As you explore the university's web site, you will find ample evidence of Cal State Northridge's commitment to the educational and professional goals of students, and its extensive service to the community.

ABOUT CSUN ATHLETICS
The CSUN Athletic Department empowers more than 350 student-athletes and staff to achieve excellence both on and off the field in 19 intercollegiate sports through a diverse and inclusive educational experience. The Matadors are members of The Big West, their colors are red, white and black. For Matadors ticket information, please call (818) 677-2488 or visit www.gomatadors.com/tickets. For information on supporting CSUN Athletics or to sign up for the Matadors' e-newsletters, visit www.gomatadors.com. For additional information, follow the Matadors on Twitter @GoMatadors, on Instagram @gomatadors and on Facebook at CSUNAthletics.

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Edmondson Family Makes Transformational Gift to CSUN Baseball

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