Q&A with Memphis Commit Takoda Metoxen

November 4, 2015

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2016 RHP Takoda Metoxen of Franklin recently committed to the University of Memphis. Metoxen is currently ranked No. 47 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. After jumping onto the scene as sophomore Metoxen incurred a non-baseball and set back his recruiting process, until committing to Memphis in October. Here is a report on him from the 2014 Milwaukee Preseason ID Showcase.

Takoda Metoxen 2/9/14 - Athletically built, 5-foot-11, 170-pound two-way player. Metoxen’s live arm is his best tool. Tall and fall delivery is clean and athletic, full windup, free and easy, works on line, shoulders stay closed. Arm action is loose, minimal effort, high ¾ slot, quick arm action. Fastball flashed running action, control of the zone, 79-80 mph, touched 81 mph, arm works quicker than current velocity. Up to 87 mph from the outfield suggest there is more velocity to come. Changeup has above average feel, slight sinking action, 67-70 mph. Breaking ball has gradual action, flat, occasional 11/5 tilt, has high potential, 69-72 mph. Offensively uses a slight leg lift stride, average balance. Handsy swing, creates some whip, loose athletic hands. Line drive, gap to gap hitter. Showed well in the outfield, actions played through the baseball, advanced arm strength, 87 mph from his crow hop.

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

Metoxen: I expected the recruiting process to progress pretty quickly once it started. It was as expected at first but due to an unfortunate non baseball injury, the process slowed for me a little bit. Following the completion of junior year, the process started up again once I recovered and started to get back to were I was.

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

Metoxen: My main priority was to find a school that offered my intended major. Next, was a group of coaches that I felt comfortable with and a place I could see myself for the next 4 years.

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

Metoxen: I wouldn’t consider it to be a factor. I would consider it to be a bonus if anything. I’m glad that Memphis typically has warmer weather than where I live, but I would’ve chosen Memphis even if it didn’t have the warm weather. As for distance from home, I do feel that this played a factor. I wanted to get out of Wisconsin and be able to experience a different part of the country with warmer weather.

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?

Metoxen: The first game with Hitters of my sophomore year is where I felt I was able to show that I could pitch at the next level. After that game, colleges showed interest in me and from what I have been told, that put me on their watch list.

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

Metoxen: Area code tryouts of my sophomore summer. It took into my senior year for us to really start talking, but once we talked and I visited the campus, I knew Memphis was the place for me. They have great coaches, great facilities and great academics.

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

Metoxen: The coaches and the fact I felt like it was a family. It was a great group of players and I could see myself coming in and having a chance to play at a very high level. I know the coaches were going to get me to be the best player I could be.

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

Metoxen: Xavier, Louisiana Monroe and Michigan

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Metoxen: Joe Gahm of Germantown. He’s got that sneaky fastball and a nasty off speed. The gun might say 87-88, but I promise you, its looking like low 90’s with movement to the hitter. He’s got something special that not many pitchers have, and that will take him to a very high level if he keeps it up.

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?

Metoxen: I realized that I had a chance to take my game to the next level when I threw 90 mph from the outfield during my sophomore winter. I pitched growing up on travel teams, but really focused on it during my sophomore summer and felt like I could compete at a higher level.

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

Metoxen: I would say to stay focused and work hard. Listen to coaches and make sure you understand that you have to be coachable to play at the next level. You may be good at a young age, but don’t settle for where you are at, always work to get better both on and off the field.

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

Metoxen: Playing at Cooperstown with the Wisconsin Rockhounds. Just a cool place to play baseball even at midnight.

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

Metoxen: I have not played for my high school team yet, because Franklin plays summer baseball and I felt like playing for Hitters gave my a better chance to get recruited. I am looking at possibly playing for Franklin this year and would expect us to compete for the state championship. We made it to the final game last year and have a lot of kids coming back

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

Metoxen: Rawlings Hitters Baseball. For me it was just the fact that we traveled and played a lot of baseball all over the Midwest and done south. Just being with the team was most memorable. We were all pretty close and I got to play with guys going to ASU, Arkansas, Lousiville, and many other big time D1 Schools.

Q&A with Memphis Commit Takoda Metoxen

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