MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - In October, Tim Mayza '18 prepared for the bright lights of the Major League Baseball Playoffs with the Philadelphia Phillies. On Dec. 13, he'll step into the spotlight as the deliverer of the address at Millersville University's commencement ceremony.
 
Nearly 400 graduates will cross the stage to receive their diplomas at the ceremony, which begins at 2 p.m. in Pucillo Gymnasium. Mayza made that walk himself, graduating with a bachelor's degree in multidisciplinary studies with a concentration in sport business from Millersville five years after being selected in the 12^th round of the MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays.

"It is an honor to be asked to address the 2025 winter graduating class," said Mayza. "I am excited to be a part of such a great accomplishment for the students involved. I hope I can provide some wisdom and inspiration as they leave Millersville and go on to their future endeavors." 
 
Mayza completed his bachelor's degree while working his way through the minor leagues and into Major League Baseball. Since making his debut in 2017, Mayza has appeared in 382 games, spending eight years with the Blue Jays and the last two seasons with the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and Phillies. Mayza has been part of four postseason teams and pitched in three playoff games for the Yankees in 2024, including a scoreless inning in game four of the World Series against the Dodgers. Mayza ranks eighth in Blue Jays history in games pitched (353) and second in holds (87).
 
Mayza was among the approximately 3.9% of Major League Baseball players with a bachelor's degree but continued his academic pursuits, completing a professional master's degree in sport administration from Ohio University in 2021. This achievement was made all the more remarkable as he pursued it while rehabbing from a career-threatening UCL tear in his throwing arm. Mayza completed the master's degree in 2021 and then returned to action with the Blue Jays, producing a stellar season with a career-high in strikeouts.
 
Mayza was inducted into the Millersville University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024. In three seasons with the Marauders, he won 21 games with a 2.98 ERA, earning All-America honors in 2013. He pitched in the NCAA Division II Championship tournament as a freshman. 
 
Mayza lives in Harleysville, Pa., with wife Darian and their three children. He is an active alumnus, attending Millersville University baseball games and fundraising events.