James (Jim) Mayer is one of the most decorated Capital baseball players over the last 50 years after being crowned OAC Player of the Year and a three-time All-American over the course of his career.
From 1993 to 1996, Mayer impacted the Capital baseball program in a very obvious way.
As a freshman, Mayer possessed a .319 batting average, recorded 21 runs batted in, and collected his first collegiate home run. He began making a name for himself not just for his contact hitting and power, but also for his speed and ability to steal bases. In 1993, he stole 16-of-18 bases that he attempted.
The 1994 campaign served as the first of Mayer's three All-American seasons and was the season in which he started revising the Capital record books. As a sophomore, Mayer set the Capital record for single-season batting average (.508), which still stands today. He broke the previous best by more than 45 points, set in 1986 by Ed Susi, and the next best hitter on the team that season logged a .333 batting average.
Between his freshman and sophomore season he increased his RBI count by 14 (35), more than doubled the number of total bases (96) and nearly doubled the number of stolen bases (31). He collected 22 extra-base hits, which included a school-record 16 doubles, four triples and two home runs. It marked the first of three times he was named First Team All-OAC and earned All-America honors beginning with a third team placement that year.
As magical as his sophomore season was, Mayer hit new heights as a junior in 1995. Records continued to fall as Mayer set new program bests in total bases (124), RBIs (47), runs scored (51), at bats (171), hits (71), and matched his record for doubles set the previous season. He also logged the second-most home runs (8) and stolen bases (41) in a single season. His .444 batting average was also the third-best in a single season. Behind these numbers, Mayer was named First Team All-OAC, OAC Player of the Year and went on to become a First Team All-American. Mayer and the Crusaders also advanced to the OAC postseason for the first time in school history behind one of the program's best seasons and a 25-win campaign.
Mayer returned for his senior campaign and once again hit north of .400 and included a career-high and then record 48 RBIs. He also went on to hit 12 doubles, three triples and six home runs to fuel a .413 batting average. Those numbers yielded his third and final All-America honor, this time being tabbed on the second team. Capital also put together its second straight 20-win season.
After Mayer graduated from Capital, he played professionally for one season in the Frontier League before returning to Capital Law School. He graduated from Capital a second time and in 2007 went on to open his own private law practice in his hometown of Mansfield, Ohio.
