Tim Zier begins his fifth professional season and third with the ThunderBolts in 2018. He joined the team as a free agent on April 4, 2016. He led the team in hits in each of his first two years, collecting 226 overall. He started all but three games at second base in his first two years with Windy City, including all 96 in 2017, and was named a midseason all-star in 2016.  Zier's pro career began when he was selected in the 21st round of the June Amateur Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2014. He spent two seasons with the Phillies, rising to high-A in 2014. Zier played for four years at San Diego State University under Tony Gwynn and hit .322 in 236 games. He became the Aztecs' all-time hits leader, graduating with 301. He also stole 49 bases in his career. He attended Escondido High School in Escondido, California.