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Cam Maron Making a Name for Himself in Loaded Mets System

Photo Credit: Allen Greene

Two of the rarest commodities in baseball are power pitchers with command and catchers with two-way ability. The Mets farm system–after years of being barren–possesses some of the best talent in both of those areas.

Many people are familiar with prospects like Noah Syndergaard and Kevin Plawecki, but one player who has flown most under-the-radar is Hicksville native Cam Maron. The 23-year-old was a 34th round pick in 2009 out of high school, but has raised his stock with each passing season, highlighted by being named the organization’s Sterling Award recipient in 2011 for his performance with the Kingsport Mets.

In 2014, he compiled a .282/.387/.362 slash line to go along with three home runs and 50 RBI with the (High-A) St. Lucie Mets before being promoted to Double-A, where he went 1-for-2 in his lone game.

As is the case with many of the top prospects, Maron has tremendous discipline at the plate, striking out only 69 times in 350 at bats against 61 walks. That type of ability does not go unnoticed in this post-Moneyball era.

I had the opportunity to speak with the recently engaged catcher, and here’s the transcript.


1) How do you feel you have developed as a ball player since your time in the Mets organization ?


I feel my I have elevated my game every year since I began with the Mets back in 2009.  Each year presents different challenges and I set different goals for myself, but ultimately, the overall goal is to improve on the year before and get better.  Each year I feel I have gotten better in different aspects of the game and I feel that’s the reason for the minor leagues, to be able to pick up on different pieces of the game at each level and have them all come together by the time you reach the top.


2) Who are some of the players or coaches that have provided the best advice or instructions to you? 

Playing in numerous leagues and different cities with different coaches and teammates allows us to be around a lot of people with different viewpoints and tips for playing.  I wouldn’t say there is a specific teammate or coach that has the best advice because everyone has something to offer.  Over the years I have spent a lot of time with Joe Francisco from Performance Factory in Farmingdale and he helps a lot with my offensive game.  With the Mets, I have spent a lot of time with catching coordinator Bob Natal, a former major leaguer, and he has helped a lot defensively, with both the physical aspects and the mental aspect of the game.

3) What are some of the most challenging aspects of the non-stop traveling and lengthy season?

One of the most challenging parts of the season is being ready to play and perform every single day.  Everyone plays the same schedule and the same amount of games in a short amount of time, and its definitely hard to be at 100% day in and day out.  Regardless of how you feel, you have to go out there and do your job and produce.  Another challenging part is being away from my fiancee, family, and home for long periods of time, but having a strong support system always helps to make that easier.

4) Do you feel that the organizational depth at the catcher position is something that will effect your future?

I try not to concern myself with what is going on around the organization.  I try to come to the ballpark every day and worry about what I can control, and that’s my game, my at-bats and my defensive innings.  I try to get better every single day and concerning myself with other situations would only interfere with my development.

5) How do you feel about the future of the franchise?

The organization’s minor league system is very strong right now and its pretty cool to see current and former teammates advance up the ladder and eventually (and hopefully) make it to the major leagues with the Mets. 
6) Do you still live on Long Island in the off seasons?

Yes I still live on Long Island during the off season, in Hicksville with my fiancee.  I work out at Professional Athletic Performance Center in Garden City, under strength coach Dean Maddalone, with numerous other minor leaguers from the area, as well as a handful of current major leaguers.  All of my baseball activity is done at Performance Factory in Farmingdale with aforementioned Joe Francisco.
7) Have you interacted with any of the major leaguers during rehab stints?

This summer I had the opportunity to catch Daisuke Matsuzaka when he was down on a rehab assignment with us, and that was a really good experience.  Over the years, there have been numerous major leaguers that have been down on rehab assignments, and its cool to pick their brain and get their insight on certain things.  It is also a good opportunity to see how the best of the best work to get themselves prepared to play on a daily basis.  Like I said before, I try to learn at least one thing from everyone I encounter and that way, I can piece it all together and try to better my game.

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Vinny is the President of Axcess Baseball. He is a 2013 graduate of Adelphi University and he is currently the Long Island area scout for the San Diego Padres

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