[1] After taking some time off from baseball to earn his Master of Business Administration degree at Simon Fraser University,[1] he played with the independent Northern League's Winnipeg Goldeyes in 1997.

Zimmerman was purchased from Winnipeg by the Texas Rangers in 1998 and played at both the A and AA minor league levels.

T. R. Sullivan, the Rangers' beat writer on MLB.com, called this decision "his last, best hope" for returning to playing baseball.

[1] In 2008, The Sports Network listed Zimmerman as retired and gives his career potential as, "After four years out with injuries, he may be done."

[5]Zimmerman appeared in one game for the Arizona League Mariners, pitching two innings and giving up one run.

Jeff's brother, Jordan Zimmerman, also played in the major leagues as a pitcher for the Seattle Mariners.