Tim Tawa Embraces Diamondbacks’ Belief in His Future 

Reno, Nev. – Tim Tawa's choice to play baseball has him one call from the majors. Long before he emerged as an intriguing super utility, Swiss army knife prospect on the diamond, the former West Linn quarterback treated Oregonians to 55 touchdowns and one interception in his record-setting senior season. Tawa threw for 11,357 yards in his high school career, the most in state history and just 59 yards less than NFL superstar Joe Burrow.

Despite his numerous accolades, the reserved yet confident Tawa won Oregon's Gatorade Player of the Year four times, three as a quarterback and once in baseball. He modestly downplays his sterling prep success, stating he doesn't want to be 'one of those guys who can't close the yearbook.'

Tawa, 25, could've played Division I quarterback after leading West Linn to its first-ever state title. He picked baseball instead, committing to a 10-hour drive south to Stanford University. He's enjoyed a west coast tour ever since, beginning in the southern suburbs of Portland, down to Northern California, a bit further south to Visalia, back up to Hillsboro, east to Amarillo, and around the mountains of the Biggest Little City.

He's been through every minor league level, with only Phoenix left. The Diamondbacks recently added him to the active 40-man roster, a move that could fly under the radar in November but, in the grand scheme, is a telling sign that leadership envisions him as part of their future. This is a significant step in Tawa's career, as it brings him closer to his ultimate goal of playing in MLB.

"It felt like a thing where the team believes in me," Tawa said, "it's just even more motivation, if that's even possible, to continue working hard, continue trying to get better and do everything I can to prove to the Diamondbacks that they made the right decision."

Tim's Time To Shine 🤩

The @Dbacks selected the contract of INF Tim Tawa!

Across two levels of the Minors last season, Tawa had a .2️⃣7️⃣9️⃣ AVG with 3️⃣3️⃣ 2B, 3️⃣1️⃣ HR and 9️⃣0️⃣ RBI pic.twitter.com/whJ0zuQf9l

— Reno Aces (@Aces) November 20, 2024

Tawa was returning home to spend Thanksgiving with his family when he got the special news. The oldest of three boys, his people have had a front-row seat to his journey from local superstar quarterback to the doorstep of an MLB debut. His family's unwavering support has been a driving force in his career.

He acknowledges his family's role in his journey, saying, 'They've all been a part of it too. My dad throwing BP in the offseason or motivating me, and then my mom being the rock if I need to call her about whatever, she's always there for me.'

No player in Arizona's system has more home runs than Tawa over the last two seasons. He smashed 22 homers as a key contributor for the Texas League champion Amarillo Sod Poodles in 2023. He smacked another 31 in split time between Amarillo and Reno in 2024. These numbers are a testament to his power and consistency at the plate. Third-place NL MVP finisher Ketel Marte was the only player in the organization who hit more home runs (36).

He clarifies, 'I've never viewed myself solely as a power hitter. I've tried to do a little bit of everything well, striving to be a well-balanced and well-rounded player. Sometimes, it just happens that you elevate the ball, and it goes out of the ballpark.'

His modesty in tow, Tawa was one of just six minor leaguers to mash 30 or more home runs this season. His 153 hits ranked fifth among 3,627 minor-league hitters. His gaudy .992 OPS (on-base plus slugging) ranked third on Reno's roster behind only PCL MVP Adrian Del Castillo (1.002) and MLB veteran Pavin Smith (.996), with a minimum of 100 plate appearances.

It's a testament to Tawa's talent that he's nearing what he calls his "ultimate goal," but it's also a nod to his dedication and consistency. Most 11th-round picks never make it onto the 40-man roster. He's steadily climbed through the system, handling demotions with aplomb and renewed drive. He seems primed to join the short list of 23,370 who've played in the big leagues.

"Nobody works harder than me," he said. I'm motivated more than ever to continue getting better and just want to do whatever I can to help in any way possible."

The Reno Aces' home opener is on Tuesday, April 1st, when they will host the Tacoma Rainiers, the Seattle Mariners' Triple-A affiliate. Full and partial season plans, as well as eight-game plans, are currently on sale. For more information, fans can visit RenoAces.com or call (775) 334-7000.

--ACES--