Millersville, Pa. - Tim Mayza is a step closer to living his dream. Millersville's junior All-America pitcher was selected Saturday by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 12th round of the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Mayza is the sixth Marauder ever chosen in the draft. 

Mayza, picked 355th overall, joins Glenn Stitzel (1968), Jim Todd (1969), Philip Rossi (1977), Matt Knox (2001), and Derek Kline (2009) as Millersville players selected. His draft position is the highest for a Millersville player since Todd went in the 10th round. Todd pitched six years in the majors.

"It is a lot to take in," said Mayza. "I'm trying to chase the dream of playing in the big leagues. Every kid playing baseball has wishes of seeing their name up on that board. I'm happy that it happened, but I know there is quite a bit of hard work ahead and a long way to go until I reach my goal of the big leagues."

Scouts filled the stands for nearly all of Mayza's 15 starts during the season, and there were plenty of teams interested. After Mayza slipped out of the 10th round, which ended on Friday, the Blue Jays called him and stated they intended to pick him early Saturday. His hometown Philadelphia Phillies picked two spots later and also called with interest. The Blue Jays got him first.

The 6-3 left-hander boosted his draft stock significantly when he landed a spot with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod League in 2012. Baseball America tabbed him as the No. 6 prospect in Division II prior to the season. He returned to Millersville with a new-found confidence that translated into dominance on the mound. 

As Millersville's No. 1 starter, Mayza posted an 11-3 record and a PSAC-best 1.55 ERA. He also struck out 91 over 98.2 innings of work. His accolades included Daktronics All-America Third Team, All-Atlantic Region First Team by Daktronics, ABCA and NCBWA, and All-PSAC East First Team.

"It is big for our program," said head coach Jon Shehan. "Hopefully he will be one of many in the next few years that play professionally in the next few years. He has a great opportunity but it will be a challenge. The Blue Jays have drafted five or six left-handers and a lot of pitching. I'm sure he will make an impact on their organization from a leadership and pitching standpoint."

Mayza won't be sitting around his home in Pennsburg long. He leaves Tuesday for a mini-camp in Florida and then will be assigned to one of three organizations: GCL Blue Jays (Rookie), Bluefield Blue Jays (Rookie) or Vancouver Canadians (A).