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Q&A with Coastal Carolina Commit Jacob Maton

September 12, 2016

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

Jacob Maton2018 RHP Jacob Maton of Chatham-Glenwood recently committed to defending National Champion Coastal Carolina. Maton came on to the PBR scene this past January at the Underclass Invitational running his fastball up to 89 mph with the makings of a plus slider. With his performance he earned an invite to the PBR Future Games in Indiana, where he continued to show he is the top arm in the Illinois 2018 Class. Baseball runs in the Maton family, his oldest brother Phil Maton is currently in the Padres minor league system and will be playing in the Arizona Fall League this year. Nick Maton was drafted out of high school in 2015 by the A’s and is currently at Lincoln Land Community College and committed to Mizzou. Here is a report on Jacob from the 2016 PBR Future Games 

Future Games 2016 - Although highly ranked in Illinois, the 6-foot-3, 170-pound Maton wasn’t a well-known national prospect. He changed all that with two highly impressive outings, each one-inning stints. In fact, Maton was arguably the top pitcher at the entire Future Games, which is a big statement given the depth and talent at the event. Against Indiana, Maton sat 88-89 with his fastball, touching 90 once, but it was his slider that turned heads. What he previously classified as a cutter, Maton unveiled a slider that had sharp, late bite, thrown aggressively and around the zone at 78-80. He recorded a pair of strikeouts with his slider, which was unquestionably one of the best breaking balls at the event. His second outing was just as effective and impressive, sitting 88-89 with his fastball, and flashing that same sharp slider. Maton has a short, quick arm action and has yet to begin to fill into his frame. His delivery is simple, athletic and repeatable. Both his older brothers were draft picks.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Maton: I thought that it would take me a lot longer to commit than it did. The whole process wasn't difficult as long as you called who you were supposed to when you were supposed to but the decision isn't hard if it's a place you know you want to go to.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Maton: Just somewhere that I knew could make me a better player.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Maton: No, distance wasn't really a big part of my decision.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Maton: I had talked to acouple schools my sophomore year but after playing at the PBR Future Games is when I got a lot of attention. 

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Maton: The first time they saw me throw in person was at Grand Park in Indiana. I talked to them a little before then but more frequently after.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Maton: I really liked the coaches and the atmosphere of the baseball program. I just wanted to go to somewhere that I knew would make me a better player. 

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Maton: Mizzou, Southern Miss, Illinois, Mississippi State, and Arizona State.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Maton:  There was never really a point that I thought that, I just always wanted to work hard and get to be as good as I can be.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Maton: You have to work hard to get to where you want to get.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Maton: Getting to play with my older brother his senior and my freshman year of high school. 

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Maton: I feel like we could be a pretty good team. We just had another pitcher move in, Reid Detmers, who will definitely be a big help to our team this year. 

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Maton: I’ve played for the Midwest Mules since I've been in high school and getting to play at different college facilities is always a great experience.

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