Major League Baseball Player Returns to the Hilltop to Complete His Degree

“I left USF in May of 2014, after my junior year, to fulfill a childhood dream,” Zimmer said. The Cleveland Indians (now the Cleveland Guardians) drafted him in the first round. He retired from baseball last year. This year he was back full-time at USF. “I always knew I’d finish my degree. It’s a promise I made to my parents — and to myself.” He’ll graduate May 16 with a BA in advertising.

What position did you play in the major leagues?

Center field — where you see the entire field, cover the most ground, and lead the outfield. It’s a position of responsibility and control.

How does it feel to be back at USF?  

I feel incredibly fortunate. Marthinus JC van Loggerenberg and my professors in the advertising department have made the transition seamless. I can apply whatever I learn to whatever I do. Not sure what that is yet. I may buy a business. I’ll figure that out after I graduate.

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Any parallels between baseball and school?

Time management, communication, collaboration, responsibility, hard work, leadership — these are essential skills for success in both baseball and academics. At USF, I developed these same qualities that helped me excel on the field. Just as I took on a leadership role in baseball, I try to do the same in my academic and professional pursuits.

What’s harder: writing code in computer science class or hitting a fastball?

Hitting a fastball. When you’ve got Justin Verlander throwing 98, 99 miles per hour, that’s pretty hard.

Did your brother play at USF, too?

Yes. My older brother, Kyle, graduated in 2023 after playing 11 years of professional baseball. He left USF after his junior year in 2012.

Advice to your younger self, just starting out at USF?

Take advantage of all the resources you have, enjoy the process, and try to live in the moment. Be present with your teammates, with your classmates, with whatever task or responsibility is in front of you right now. Be where your feet are.