Entering his senior season, Phil Maton had already put together an impressive collegiate career. As a freshman he was 8-5 with a 2.93 ERA in 89 innings. He was named to the 2012 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American team. He led the team in wins, ERA and innings pitched. He led the Bulldog’s in ERA again his sophomore season at 2.70, while striking out 89 batters in 96.2 innings. In his third year he made 19 appearances (10 as a starter) and was second on the team in innings pitched with 85.
He’s started 14 games in 2015 and has an ERA of 3.68 with 90 strikeouts in 88 innings. Over his four years he’s tossed 358.2 innings for La Tech and recorded 324 strikeouts. He has undoubtedly been a bulldog for this team over his career.
What drew you to wanting to play for LA Tech? What’s your favorite part of being with the Bulldogs?
PM: I only had one other offer to play baseball out of high school and Tech was an easy pick with the facilities, coaching staff and warm location. My favorite part of being with the Bulldogs has to be playing baseball with several great groups of guys all over the country for the last four years.
If you weren’t playing baseball, what would you be hoping to do career-wise?
PM: I would like to become a college pitching coach after I wrap up my college career.
Who are some of the biggest influences in your life? How have they helped you progress as a baseball player?
PM: For sure my Mom and Dad – they have been working with me and supporting me since I was playing t-ball. I would not be here without everything they have done for me.
Who are some current or former MLB players (if any) that you try and model you’re game after? Why?
PM: None really, I really just focus on trying to have an efficient and powerful delivery that I can repeat consistently.
What is your favorite baseball memory from your collegiate career so far?
PM: I would say my first college start at Vanderbilt as a freshman and getting the win.
Being a senior, what are some aspects of your game that have improved the most over your collegiate career? How have you developed as a pitcher?
PM: The biggest improvements from my first year to now would be my accuracy. Especially this year, my mindset has been to hit spots low in the zone and miss more barrels.
What are some areas you’re looking to improve on that will hopefully help your chances of being drafted this summer?
PM: I just need to work ahead of hitters and win my counts. If I can do that, command my pitches, and give our team a chance to win every weekend, anything can happen.
Is being selected in the MLB Draft something you’re hoping for, or is it something that if it happens, it happens?
PM: Being selected in the draft is exactly what I want. Just getting a chance to get in the mix is something I have been shooting for.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave at LA Tech? What do you want to be remembered for the most?
PM: I just hope when I leave Louisiana Tech, all my teammates remember me for my intensity and desire to win.
