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In the highly competitive world of youth sports, how can players get mentally prepared to reach their highest potential? In this episode, I’m joined by Sean O’Brien, founder of HeadTop Performance, to talk about the mental skills that set great athletes apart. He shares proven strategies for handling pressure, reframing failure, and creating routines that boost confidence. We also dive into the mindset shifts that separate pros from amateurs, daily habits for consistency, and tips for athletes and parents to build and support mental strength from a young age. Tune in to discover tools to build a mindset that drives athletes to their peak performance.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 What is it like to work with athletes on mental performance?
04:45 The standard mindset that defines top athletes in sports and life.
07:00 Tools for overcoming failure and pressure at showcases.
10:30 How commitments to yourself impact sports and life success.
13:00 Reflection exercises for athletes after games and showcases.
16:15 Tools that prepare athletes mentally for peak performance.
19:15 One common pitfall players rarely recognize early in their careers.
24:00 How to balance motivation and commitment.
25:30 How reverse engineering helps athletes reach their ultimate potential.
30:30 The mindset that separates professionals from amateurs.
34:00 What is your advice to parents on supporting their children’s athletic journey?
40:30 How to handle adversity and reframe negative situations.
42:45 How young athletes start building mental discipline early.
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more about Sean O’Brien and HeadTop Performance HERE
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
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Addendum: In the episode, the guest mentioned the proper water consumption is one ounce per pound of body weight, the correct amount is half your body weight (or an ounce per kg) not an ounce per pound.
Your athlete can improve their game without risking injury. In this episode, I’m joined by renowned sports performance coach, Dr. Nick Serio. We talk about the crazy lengths these young athletes will go to chase velocity, and how that can actually end up doing more harm than good. Dr. Serio shares his approach to customizing the training to the individual, not just throwing them into a one-size-fits-all program. He also shares the story of an athlete who came in thinking he needed to be squatting heavy, but it was actually wrecking his hips. Dr. Serio drops a ton of knowledge on the mental side, nutrition, and how to set these players up for long-term success, not just short-term gains.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Meet Dr. Nick Serio.
03:15 The fine line between improving skill and staying healthy.
07:00 How can athletes develop velocity safely?
21:00 What age should players begin strength training?
29:00 The best things you can do to strengthen your athletes' mental game.
31:15 Ways to teach your kids strength training techniques if you can’t access experts.
38:00 How to not waste time trying to model what every other athlete is doing.
42:30 How to improve communication skills (including non verbal communication.)
47:45 The power of treating practice like the real game.
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
Dr. Nick Serio: @coach_serio
Contact Velocity [email protected]
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In the age of 24/7 sports coverage, how does the media influence the careers and lives of baseball players? In this episode, ESPN’s Senior MLB Insider, Jeff Passan, shares his experiences navigating the complex relationship between athletes and reporters. From breaking major trade news to building trust with players, Jeff shares the responsibility and power the media holds in shaping baseball’s biggest stories. We also delve into how media coverage, analytics, and youth development collide in today’s game. Get ready for a real inside look at how the media and analytics are shaping the future of baseball.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 How today’s data-centric world is impacting young athletes.
03:45 What does it take to become a sports journalist?
07:00 How media interact with players when they first reach the big leagues.
14:15 BTS look at reporting trade rumors and the ethical boundaries involved.
19:00 Tips for players when answering media questions.
21:45 The rise of analytics and its impact on how players are evaluated.
28:30 What’s the difference between on the record vs off the record?
35:30 The challenges Jeff observed at every stage of an athlete's baseball career.
40:45 Long-term effects of focusing on velocity over mechanics.
45:00 How professional baseball’s current velocity obsession is impacting young athletes.
49:00 How tournaments prioritize exposure over player development.
58:00 What is the role of media literacy for young players, agents, and families?
01:03:00 Jeff’s advice for players on interacting with the media.
01:06:45 What Jeff learned about transparency in journalism.
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
Jeff Passan: @jeffpassan
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Ever wonder how athletes build a standout personal brand? In this episode, I sit with Dustin Williams, an artist-turned-marketing expert. We dive deep into sports marketing, branding, and how athletes build their brands. He shares his shift from rebranding a pest control company to working with professional athletes, including his creative approach to helping athletes like Austin Riley stand out. We explore how athletes take control of their marketing strategies, stay authentic, and create engaging content. Dustin offers tips for young athletes on building their brand, including why it’s crucial to be consistent, think like a business, and engage with the community. Get ready to learn more about branding and marketing!
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 The story behind launching and growing Green Mango Pest Control.
04:15 Lessons learned from branding and working with athletes.
07:00 How engagement matters more than high production.
13:30 What do baseball players struggle with branding?
17:00 Dustin's advice for young athletes.
25:00 How to create brand collaborations as a high school athlete.
30:00 What athletes need to think about for long-term success.
41:30 Strategies to create an appealing social media profile that aligns with your brand.
46:30 What are essential in both marketing and building relationships?
49:15 How often should athletes post on social media to grow their following and engagement?
52:00 Top tip to boost your social media content.
01:01:15 Should athletes create their own personal logos?
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Dustin Williams: @tdustinwilliams
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
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The game has changed, and so have the risks. Today, we dive into a topic that every parent, player, and coach must be aware of - how to prevent early injuries and build a foundation for long-term athletic success. I sit down with Eric Cressey, the Director of Player Health and Performance for the New York Yankees to talk about all things youth baseball development, the athletic development pyramid, and what is leading young athletes to burnout and injuries so we can avoid them. We discuss everything from building a strong mental approach to nutrition, sleep strategies, and MORE. Tune in to create a balanced, healthy, and fun approach to the game.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Meet Eric Cressey, President and Co-Founder of Cressey Sports Performance.
04:00 What trends are you seeing in youth baseball development?
09:15 The "athletic pyramid" and how young athletes should prioritize strength and mobility first.
13:45 How Cressey Sports Performance helps players nationwide.
17:45 The dangers of having a "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality.
27:45 How overspecialization affects young athletes.
30:00 The role of nutrition and sleep in athletic performance.
33:30 The Japanese study on UCL damage in young athletes and its implications.
41:15 How can we protect young athletes from getting injured?
43:30 How the shift toward college baseball affects player development and injury rates.
51:00 Lessons about pitching durability from Verlander, Scherzer, and others.
01:01:00 The biggest mistake young players make.
01:03:00 Eric's most important advice for young athletes.
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more from Eric Cressey HERE
Learn more about High School Athlete Nutrition HERE
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Eric Cressey: @ericcressey
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
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Get ready to learn the mindset, strategies, and steps every young player and parent needs to navigate the competitive world of baseball. In this episode, I sit down with Steve Bernhardt, Vice President of Baseball Operations at Baseball Factory, to dive into the realities of player development, recruiting, and how to overcome adversity in baseball. He shares advice for players and parents on how to navigate the challenges of pursuing a baseball career, including strategies to stand out when you're not the top recruit and faced with rejection. We also discuss the role of parents, how to build a development plan to stay on track, and tips to balance baseball with life off the field.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Meet the Chief Baseball Officer of Baseball Factory, Steve Bernhardt.
04:45 Advice for players on taking initiative.
09:00 How to frame setbacks as “rocket fuel” to propel a player’s future success.
10:00 How did you become a professional baseball player?
12:45 Baseball Factory’s approach to developing players.
18:30 What parents and players need to know about college opportunities.
21:00 How COVID-19 and the transfer portal have made the recruiting process even more competitive.
23:45 Why parents and players should focus on development first vs exposure.
27:00 What quality practice looks like.
29:45 What are you looking for when making your initial evaluation of a player?
33:00 The approach for making players better athletes and people.
36:00 How to set long-term goals with your athlete.
42:45 What is Baseball Factory’s game plan?
49:45 How intentional practice helps players execute in game situations.
54:00 Steve’s top advice to differentiate yourself as a player.
RESOURCES + LINKS
Get Expert Baseball Training HERE
For direct inquiries, you can reach out to Bernhardt at [email protected]
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
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Get ready for an inspiring story of what happens when you don't give up on your big dream. In this episode, I sit down with Jamie Westbrook, a.k.a. "The Barrel Man," who spent over 11 seasons in the minors before reaching the big leagues. Jamie shares advice on managing performance pressures, staying focused during tough times, and why resilience is key to long-term success. We explore how to build a strong mental approach, turn setbacks like injuries into growth opportunities, and how parents and players develop the right mindset to thrive through the ups and downs of a season.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Meet Jamie Westbrook, a.k.a. The Barrel Man.
05:30 Strategies to stand out if you're an undersized player.
13:30 How to keep moving forward when things don’t go as planned.
15:00 The mindset to help your kids develop for competition.
16:30 What do parents and athletes need to know to navigate the college recruiting process?
25:00 How the energy in lower-level vs. higher-level teams impact a player's experience.
33:15 Jamie’s top advice after spending multiple seasons in Double-A.
37:45 Tips to maintain a strong mindset despite setbacks.
46:15 How playing in the Olympics freed Jamie from the pressures of minor league expectations.
50:30 What was the transition like returning to minor league baseball after the Olympics?
53:45 How analytics refine your baseball approach.
01:02:15 Lessons on bouncing back from family challenges.
01:05:15 How does your life outside of baseball impact your performance?
01:08:30 Tips for young athletes to deal with setbacks constructively.
01:10:15 The best support parents can provide without adding pressure.
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Jamie Westbrooke: @jwesunderscore4
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
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Does your athlete want to excel in multiple sports? In this episode, I’m joined by the phenomenal J.R. House, the current third base coach for the Cincinnati Reds. He was an exceptional high school baseball player in Florida and football player in West Virginia, setting numerous state records as a quarterback. He shares how playing multiple sports is beneficial to players. He also breaks down tips on how to overcome the mental and physical challenges of injury recovery, how to deal with failures, and MORE. Get ready to build your athletic versatility.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Meet the record-breaker of West Virginia, J.R. House.
05:45 Benefits from playing multiple sports.
08:30 The biggest adjustment you have to make as a player.
12:30 How did you overcome injuries at a young age?
21:00 The challenges of transitioning to coaching.
25:30 How do you communicate with players' parents (esp. the controlling ones)?
28:00 The BTS preparation of big leaguers.
31:00 Top tip to have a great relationship with your teammates and coaches.
34:15 The biggest difference between players before vs now.
40:15 How should players deal with possible failures?
46:00 What’s your advice on aspiring baseball players?
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
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The world of college baseball has turned into a complete business. Today’s guest is my good friend and newly appointed head baseball coach at Long Beach State, TJ Bruce. He’s here to share his thoughts on the similarities between college baseball and professional baseball. We also dive into the most important thing to make sure your athlete develops and what separates players that make it to the pros. Tj also shares the challenges posed by the transfer portal and an inside look at his recruiting process so you know what colleges are looking for in your athlete. Tune in to learn more about the "Dirtbag” culture that fosters growth, both on and off the field.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Meet the new head coach of the Long Beach State baseball program, Tj Bruce.
04:45 TJ Bruce's background and journey as a player.
11:15 Challenges of starting as a volunteer coach.
17:15 How do you know when is the right time to retire?
22:00 Why did you choose to step down as the Head Coach of Nevada?
26:45 What happened before and after you had your best offense at TCU?
32:45 The role of coaches in a player's development.
37:30 Advice to player's parents who are preparing for college baseball.
45:15 The culture that is bigger than the result of your game.
50:15 The biggest misconception players have about the transition from college to making it to the pros.
53:00 What characteristics are you looking for to determine if a player is a good fit for your program?
01:00:30 How do you deal with the transfer portal?
01:07:45 Advice to players in handling communication about the draft process.
01:13:30 What does Long Beach’s nickname “dirtbags” really represent?
01:18:30 Questions that players should reflect on.
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Tj Bruce: @tjbruce02
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
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Ready to take the next step in your player's college baseball journey? In this episode, Joe Oliveira, founder of Oliveira Baseball Consulting, shares his experience as a college 3-time All-Conference player himself to his approach helping families navigate the college recruiting process. We cover tips to manage expectations in the draft process, the pros and cons of the college baseball transfer portal, and the current state of NIL in college baseball. Get ready to know the best practices for showcasing talent and finding the right college for your athlete!
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 The man behind the Oliveira Baseball Consulting.
05:45 How it's like coaching at San Diego State under Tony Gwynn.
12:15 How do you evaluate individual players and families?
18:45 The process of working with college baseball programs.
23:15 How do you manage player expectations during the draft process?
28:00 The pros and cons of the transfer portal.
35:15 The most frequent question about NIL.
38:45 Advice for players and families on attending showcases and camps.
44:45 The common mistake families make with the college recruiting process.
48:15 What advice would you give to these parents on taking video?
52:15 What advice do you give to players before going to the showcase?
55:00 Suggested questions for players/families to ask colleges during first contact.
37:45 Best way to respectfully handle calls with schools when a player chooses not to attend.
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more about Oliviera Baseball Co. HERE
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
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Let’s dive into the world of travel sports. In this episode, I sit down with Jered Goodwin, the VP of Scouting Operations at Perfect Game, to explore the intricate world of travel baseball and player development. He shares over two decades of experience in high school and travel ball. We dive deep into the indispensable role that dedicated coaches play in a player's journey, offering insights that often go unnoticed by scouts. We delve into the Perfect Game ranking system, the mental aspect of the game, and how players should engage in self-reflection, identifying personal strengths and areas for improvement. Tune in to learn the balanced approach that prioritizes player development alongside competitive success.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Jered's journey as a player.
03:15 How did you utilize your experience as a player and a coach to scouting?
05:45 The perks of mentorship in youth sports.
09:30 Why development and teamwork important than relying on scoreboard results.
13:00 The BTS work, goals, and mission of Perfect Game.
17:15 Why you should prioritize development and showcasing skills over exposure?
23:00 How Perfect Game rankings are created?
30:45 How many times a year do players' re-rank.
34:00 How important is the national for being selected in the all-American game?
36:45 What should players do to prepare for the national?
41:15 How do you identify if a player has more potential than others?
01:02:00 What advice would you give to a 13 year old kid who wants to reach his potential?
01:06:00 Jered’s advice to players being open to versatility.
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Jered Goodwin: @jeredgoodwin3
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
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Are you training your mind with the same intensity as your body? Today’s guest, former MLB player turned Mental Strength Coach and founder of Major League Mindset - Brandon Guyer, shares how your mental game accounts for 90-95% of your performance! Brandon is here to share expert tips to uplevel your mental game from mastering self-talk, to controlling the controllables, and cultivating a 'win or learn' mindset in high-pressure situations. Strengthening your mental game will not only help you overcome anxiety and fear, but perform at your BEST.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Meet former major league player turned mental strength coach, Brandon Guyer..
02:15 How important it is to have mindset training as early as possible?
07:00 How was the transition retiring from baseball to focusing on mental coaching?
13:15 Why is it important to separate your on-field and off-field identities?
16:00 What is the "Major League Mindset"?
20:30 Tools and techniques to perform in a high-pressure situation.
30:00 Four main barriers players need to unlock to reach their potential.
36:30 The mindset that will guarantee you always win.
46:00 The nuances of implementing specific mental training exercises.
52:00 What is Neuro Linguistic Programming?
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more about Major League Mindset HERE
CLICK HERE to listen MAJOR LEAGUE MINDSET PODCAST on Spotify
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Brandon Guyer: @bguyer5
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
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Did you know there’s an alarming increased rate of arm injuries in baseball? In this episode I’m joined by Orthopedic Surgeon and head physician for the Texas Rangers, Dr. Keith Meister as we dive into the challenges pitchers face today, the spike in Tommy John surgery, and what we can do to protect young athletes. and the suggested solutions that can be taken to ensure their health.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Meet the doctor who's done over 2000 elbow ligament reconstructions.
03:00 Factors that contribute to most injuries in baseball.
10:15 The wear and tear pitching is causing and if pitchers can avoid it.
14:00 Bans in the MLB that are increasing injury rates.
16:30 What’s the cause of the increase in UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) reconstructions?
20:30 Potential solutions to avoid potential injuries in baseball.
25:00 How long is the recovery process after Tommy John surgery?
35:00 Signs you may need Tommy John surgery.
36:15 Top resources families should read to educate yourself on potential injuries.
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
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How early should I be thinking about getting a financial advisor? Today’s guest has a unique perspective as both a player AND financial advisor and we’re giving you the knowledge you need to navigate finances in the world of pro baseball. My friend, Jacob Turner, a pro player with the Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Washington Nationals turned financial advisor knows what you need to protect and secure your wealth for the future. We dive into the top 3 questions you should ask a potential advisor, and what families need to know about the draft process and signing bonuses.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Meet MLB player turned Financial Advisor, Jacob Turner.
03:15 How to know the best financial decisions for your athlete vs taking generic advice.
08:45 One thing you should consider when choosing an investment strategy.
13:15 The reason why Jacob transitioned from baseball.
23:45 Questions to ask when hiring an agent and financial advisor.
29:30 The difference between broker-dealers vs registered investment advisors.
33:00 Top 3 questions to ask your financial advisor.
37:15 What families should know about the draft process and the true value of a signing bonus.
45:45 The common struggle older players face in a youth-driven league.
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more about Moment Private Wealth HERE
10 Questions To Ask A Financial Advisor HERE
How To Choose A Financial Advisor HERE
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Jacob Turner on IG: @thejacob_turner
Jacob Turner on X: @TheJacobTurner
Jacob Turner on YT: @TheJacobTurner
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
The Advocate: @the.advocatepodcast
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Athletes are constantly striving to push their limits and achieve peak performance. However, the road to success is often filled with challenges, and setbacks that can test even the most seasoned athlete. In this episode, Johan Martinez-Khalilian, shares the mental skills he teaches professional athletes in the NHL, NBA, and MLB for peak MENTAL performance. We dive into what a mental skills coach does to help players with their mindset, emotions, physical abilities, and even spiritual aspects so they can perform at their best. Listen in for ways to work out and improve your mental game to be able to support your athlete (and yourself!)
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 What's your role to a player's life as a mental skills coach?
10:15 The common pitfall athletes should avoid.
19:00 The “way of being” that will help players navigate obstacles.
22:00 How can parents help young athletes develop the ability to think for themselves?
28:30 A common way top level athletes think (and what surprised me about their confidence.)
30:45 What does integrity mean to you?
32:00 How to identify the gap between a player's current level vs desired goal.
40:00 How do you approach working with a younger player?
44:15 The three laws of human performance.
01:06:00 How can parents best support the development of young athletes?
RESOURCES + LINKS
Work with Johan HERE
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Johan Martinez-Khalilian: @johanspeaks
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
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Ever wonder what it takes to climb the ranks in professional baseball? In this episode, I am joined by my good friend, Alec Zumwalt, hitting coach for the Kansas City Royals. With a career that spans from player to scout to coach, Alec shares his experiences and personal stories from the field. We dive into the intricacies of professional baseball, the importance of development over exposure, and actionable advice for players at all stages of their careers. Get ready to know how big league hitters maintain their success!
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 How Alec went from being a player, to pro scout, and finally hitting coach.
04:00 How do you balance your time as a coach and being a great Dad?
10:45 The role and responsibilities of a hitting coach in the major leagues.
18:00 The challenges of balancing family life with a demanding baseball career.
23:45 What advice would you give to young hitters?
33:15 The biggest adjustments when transitioning from amateur to professional baseball.
37:30 What's a good overload and under-load batting routine?
39:45 Top drills for lower half separation.
46:00 Alec's biggest takeaway from Josh Donaldson's technique.
49:00 The key element that helps hitters at the big league level.
53:30 Alec's biggest advice for young baseball players and their parents.
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
The Advocate: @the.advocatepodcast
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Want to know how to attract the attention of scouts and maximize opportunities to play at the next level? In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Alex McClure, a West Coast cross checker for the Detroit Tigers. Alex provided incredible insight into the world of baseball scouting, sharing what scouts look for in both pitchers and position players. You'll learn the different levels of scouts within an MLB organization, how they work together to identify top talent, and the importance of developing personal relationships with players and their families. Alex emphasizes that scouts are looking for in players, on and off the field.
HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 What did the transition look like going from pro player to MLB scout?
05:45 Why did you decide to transfer during your college career?
10:00 The role organizations, scouts, and agents play in a player's growth on and off the field.
15:15 Different types of scouts and what the job entails.
23:45 What should parents prioritize to make sure their player is seen?
30:00 Is it valuable when kids play multiple sports? (And do you watch them compete in other sports?)
41:15 What is your scouting process?
47:45 How many times do you feel like you need to see an athlete?
54:30 Things teams look at on and off the field from social media to their home life.
01:00:11 Questions parents and players should be asking scouts.
01:04:00 Advice for what parents and players should prioritize during summers.
01:17:00 What role does an agent play in the athletes career?
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
The Advocate: @the.advocatepodcast
Alex McClure: @alexmcclure
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This episode is your survival guide from your young athlete’s crazy summer schedules to the mental and physical preparation it takes to sign and thrive in the big league. In this episode I sit down with my client and friend, Braves superstar Austin Riley to discuss his journey from youth baseball to negotiating and signing a life changing contract in MLB. Austin shares invaluable lessons on developing your skills, whether your young athlete should be involved in multiple sports, and navigating the recruiting process. He also provides a behind-the-scenes look at his contract negotiations with the Braves and how he prioritizes being a husband, father, growing his brand, and developing as a player in his career. If you want real tips for the journey to pro baseball, and what set Austin apart in each stage got him to where he is today - you don’t want to miss this episode.
00:00 Austin Riley’s journey from youth baseball to the pros.
09:00 Should young athletes play multiple sports?
13:34 What age do youth baseball players start hearing from college and pro scouts?
23:30 Things parents can do to set their athlete up for success.
29:00 Tips for choosing a player advisor you can trust.
31:15 What is the college recruitment and commitment process like?
37:00 Pros of playing college baseball and navigating draft decisions.
39:00 Making off-field money and its impact on on-field performance.
45:15 How do you balance prioritizing your career, growing your brand, and endorsements?
49:45 Sacrifices and work ethic through the demands of the summer schedule that made a difference to where Austin is today.
52:00 What did your parents guide you to do that was a factor in your success?
55:15 The most influential moment during the draft experience that changed how Austin showed up.
01:00:00 How did you handle the mental pressure of proving yourself in the minor league?
01:04:00 The time Austin made himself impossible for the major league to ignore.
01:10:00 Turning down a $100M offer, and what the negotiation process was like.
01:16:00 Qualities the best of the best players have that sets them apart.
01:22:15 How do you balance being an amazing husband and father as you travel for your career?
01:27:00 How has your life changed since signing your contract?
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
Austin Riley: @austin_riley27
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Ready for the tools and knowledge to guide your player on their journey to pro baseball? I'm Matt Hannaford, and in this very first episode of "The Advocate," you'll get an inside look at my journey from aspiring baseball player to top-notch sports agent. I was interviewed by my podcast producer about the grit and persistence it took to break into the business, lessons I’ve learned working with some of the biggest names in the game, and why I decided to create a new kind of agency. If you're a competitive baseball player or a parent of one, this episode is packed with insights on navigating the business side of baseball, the importance of personalized representation, and how to truly advocate for a player's unique needs and goals. Tune in to understand what it means to be a true advocate in sports and how you can apply these principles to achieve excellence both on and off the field.
00:00 How did you get your start in the industry as a baseball agent?
03:30 Red flags of traditional sports agencies and how to get better support for your player.
06:15 How to know if an agent is putting the players best interest before their own.
11:15 How important is it to focus on the mental preparation of baseball.
13:30 Ways to support your athlete to reach their full potential.
16:30 What role does an agent play in a players life and career?
19:40 How much time do you get to spend with your players?
22:30 Educating and advising players on what deal is best for them long term.
30:48 How do you help players not take it personally when GMs come in with low numbers?
RESOURCES + LINKS
Learn more at aligndsports.com
Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE
FOLLOW
Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford
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This is your go-to source for navigating the world of Major League Baseball and your road to get there. I'm Matt Hannaford, a former collegiate baseball player turned agent to some of the game's best major league players. Each week we immerse ourselves in the world of baseball like never before. We'll we go behind the scenes with pro players, scouts, and more pulling back the curtain on the business of baseball. Get ready for everything you need to support your athlete every step of the way from developing as a player to navigating the major league.
