After a short and successful stint in independent baseball, former Utah Valley University right-hander Jake Mayer has signed a professional deal with the Seattle Mariners organization. Mayer, who recently completed his four-year eligibility at UVU this past season, is beginning his career with the Peoria Mariners of the Arizona League.
 
"It's hard to put into words, but without the grace of God I would not be here," Mayer said. "(UVU assistant) Joldy Watts helped a tremendous amount with pitching and the mental side of the game. That helped me to keep working hard through independent ball. It's an incredible feeling to know that the hard times are worth it, and to know that no matter what path I took, I'm here and it's a dream come true."
 
Mayer had previously been pitching with the Utica Unicorns out of Utica, Michigan in the United Shore Professional Baseball League. In seven appearances, Mayer was 2-0 with a 2.41 ERA and a save. He allowed just one run in his final six appearances with Utica.
 
At Utah Valley, Mayer was a four-time Academic All-WAC selection and in 2016 was named to the All-WAC second team. As a senior in 2018 he had career bests in ERA (3.51), innings pitched (97.1), and had 70 strikeouts against a career-low 18 walks. He won 14 games during his career as a Wolverine.
 
"Without the support of my wife Katie, my parents Mike and Edye, my brother Mike, my grandparents, the help of the USPBL, and of course keeping faith in God, I wouldn't be anywhere close to where I am today. With the continued support and hard work I'm going to keep doing my best to climb up the ranks of the Mariners organization," said Mayer.

Mayer was a part of the 2016 Utah Valley team that won the WAC Tournament Championship and made the program's first NCAA Regional appearance. A two-time WAC Pitcher of the Week, he also received the Wilson Sorensen Spirit of Sport Award at UVU's Wolverine Club Awards Show in April.