From a high school no-hitter to the ultimate home run record
In short: Tim Mayza’s journey to the MLB bullpen is a study in professional endurance. After a high school no-hitter and a grueling path through the minor leagues, he reached the pinnacle of the sport, where he famously surrendered one of the most historic home runs in baseball history.
Tim Mayza's professional trajectory began in 2013 when the Toronto Blue Jays selected him in the 12th round of the MLB draft. He received a $100,000 signing bonus and began his ascent through the organization's ranks. His early years were defined by steady progression: he spent 2013 in the Gulf Coast League and Appalachian League, followed by time in Low-A Vancouver and Single-A Lansing. By 2016, he reached the High-A and Double-A levels, eventually earning an invitation to Major League spring training in early 2017. Mayza made his MLB debut on August 15, 2017, for the Blue Jays. However, his career faced a significant hurdle on September 13, 2019, when he suffered a torn UCL while pitching against the New York Yankees. This injury required Tommy John surgery, forcing him to spend the entirety of 2020 in recovery.
Despite this setback, he returned to the active roster in 2021 and continued to navigate the volatile nature of the bullpen, signing various contracts with the Blue Jays, Yankees, and Pirates. One of the most notable moments of Mayza's career occurred on September 28, 2022. While pitching for Toronto, he gave up Aaron Judge’s 61st home run, a feat that tied the American League record. His career has since been a nomadic journey through several organizations, including a recent stint with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2025. His path highlights the resilience required to sustain a career in professional baseball, moving from a standout prep athlete to a seasoned veteran of the big leagues.
,
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Tim Mayza
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-tim-mayza.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics