Hicksville native progressing through Mets system
The Mets minor league system is enjoying a rare period of prosperity. For years, it was barren due to trading off high-ceiling players for major leaguers, or neglecting the draft in favor of the free agent market. Since General Manager Sandy Alderson took over, the organization has reversed course and put a much greater emphasis on player development. During his second-to-last season, however, former GM Omar Minaya took a chance and drafted a local catcher, Cam Maron, out of Hicksville High School in the 34th round.
While it did not receive much publicity outside of Nassau County, the decision certainly paid off, as Maron has ascended through the Mets system swiftly—highlighted by being the recipient of the 2011 Sterling Award for his performance with the Kingsport Mets.
Maron is pleased with his progress since he decided to don the blue & orange—the team he grew up rooting for.
“I feel I have elevated my game every year since I began with the Mets back in 2009,” he said. “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.”
Maron’s best year certainly came in 2011 when he hit .317 with a .431 on base percentage—numbers that please the analytic-friendly front office of the Mets.
This will be a big season for Maron, who first will need to be protected from the Rule V pick, which prevents teams from hoarding their prospects in the minor leagues. Secondly, the team will likely be including either one of their highly-regarded catchers (Travis d’Arnaud or Kevin Plawecki) in a trade to acquire a power-hitting left fielder. That could open the door for Maron’s promotion to the upper-levels.
“I try not to concern myself with what is going on around the organization,” Maron said regarding the possibility that the organization’s depth at catcher is a hindrance to his career. “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,” he went on to add.
During his time with the Mets, Maron has been able to cross paths with some Major Leaguers during their rehab assignments. This season he was fortunate to catch former 18-game winner Daisuke Matsuzaka, which he admitted was “a really cool experience”.
For younger players, it is equivalent to a free lesson. They are able to compete with or against a player that has achieved what they are all aspiring to do. Maron noted that it’s a moment he relishes.
“Over the years, there have been numerous major leaguers that have been down on rehab assignments, and it’s cool to pick their brain and get their insight on certain things,” he said. “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.”
While those moments are a perk of being a minor leaguer, there are moments that aren’t as glamorous.
“One of the most challenging parts of the season is being ready to play and perform every single day.,” said Maron. “Everyone plays the same schedule and the same amount of games in a short amount of time, and it’s definitely hard to be at 100 percent day in and day out. Regardless of how you feel, you have to go out there and do your job and produce.”
While fatigue takes a toll on the body, players also have to deal with extensive travel.
“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,” he added.
Maron will have an offseason to further his chances for a successful year. He credits his supporting cast of coaches for that.
“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,” he said.
Ballplayers work on their game all year round, but the offseason is very important for a player to take some time off and “re charge the batteries”, as many players like to say.
True to his roots, Maron will be returning to the place he has called home his entire life. He will be living in Hicksville again this offseason with his fiancée.
