Maier was born in Petoskey, Michigan, attended Novi High School and played college baseball at the University of Toledo.

[4] Despite this, he lost out on Mid-American Conference Baseball Player of the Year honors to Ball State's Brad Snyder.

Maier began his professional career in 2003 with the rookie-level Arizona League Royals as a catcher.

In 2005, Maier was converted to another position again, this time to the outfield, due to the presence of third base prospect Mark Teahen in the organization.

Following the Wranglers elimination in the playoff finals, Maier was promoted to the major league club on September 20.

[5] He spent the 2013 campaign with the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox, hitting .310/.431/.451 with three home runs and 22 RBI across 31 games.

Maier became a coach during the 2015 season with the Royals, working as an outfield / base running coordinator in the organization.