The Advocate Podcast

Matt Hannaford
  • 5.0 (48)
  • BASEBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Advocate Podcast

I’m Matt Hannaford, a former collegiate baseball player turned agent to some of the game’s best Major League Players and this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the world of Major League Baseball and the road to get there. In this podcast, we’ll go behind the scenes with players, parents, scouts, front office executives, team doctors and more, each pulling back the curtain on the business of baseball. Get ready as we immerse ourselves into the world of baseball like never before and give you everything you will need to support your athlete on his journey from travel baseball to the Big Leagues.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Opportunities Over Excuses: KC Royals Hitting Coach, Keoni DeRenne’s, Message to Young Baseball Players

    The jump from amateur baseball to the big leagues is bigger than most people realize. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Keoni DeRenne, Assistant Major League Hitting Coach for the Kansas City Royals, to break down the realities of making it to the pros. He shares the hidden struggles of big leaguers and what truly separates them from everyone else. We talk about what parents need to do differently when talking to their kids about the game, how young players should structure their training, and what every aspiring pro needs to be thinking about NOW if they want to make it.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 The common pitfall parents make when coaching their kids after a game. 07:30 How has baseball changed over the last 15-20 years? 12:15 The hardest part about transitioning from playing to coaching in the big leagues. 17:45 How does music impact player performance and mindset? 22:30 The best way to approach players struggling with performance slumps. 29:15 How parents can support their kids in baseball without adding pressure. 35:15 How can players develop a drill package from tee work to live BP? 40:00 What mindset and process does it really take to make it to the big leagues? 45:45 What are the biggest challenges for youth and travel baseball players from Hawaii? 53:45 How former Hawaiian pros stay connected and mentor the next generation. 56:15 The one thing every aspiring major leaguer should pay attention to.   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Keoni DeRenne: @kepony__derenne

    1h 7m

  2. JAN 28

    Kurt Suzuki: From College Walk-On to World Series Champion, Assistant to the GM, and Travel Baseball Coach Part 2

    What defines a winning player from the rest? In this episode, I’m joined again by World Series Champion and MLB All-Star Kurt Suzuki for part two of our conversation. We break down what it takes to develop a winning mindset that opens up doors to opportunity, both in baseball and in life. Kurt shares his wisdom as a player, coach, and parent in creating positive team chemistry to navigate the decision-making process of youth baseball and the business of baseball. Tune in to discover the traits and habits young players need to succeed!   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 The biggest benefits of building college team culture. 06:45 Why team chemistry remains critical (even at the professional level). 12:45 Josh Donaldson’s transition from catcher to third baseman. 21:00 How Kurt went from MLB player to front office leadership. 29:00 The ideal role of parents in supporting young athletes. 33:45 Why being coachable and open-minded transforms a player’s career. 36:00 What players need to know about the business side of baseball. 44:30 Advice for parents and players navigating the business of baseball.   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Kurt Suzuki: @kurt_suzuki_pono_baseball

    55 min

  3. JAN 21

    Kurt Suzuki: From College Walk-On to World Series Champion, Assistant to the GM, and Travel Baseball Coach (Part 1)

    Get ready to discover how you go from college walk-on to World Series Champion. In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and former client, Kurt Suzuki. He shares what it takes to compete at the highest level, the critical role of mental preparation, and why short-term goals are important for long-term success. Plus, he shares the best life-changing advice he received from legendary sports psychologist Ken Ravizza to stand out and compete as an elite player.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Meet Kurt Suzuki, College World Series and MLB World Series Champion. 05:00 How do players overcome the challenges of growing up with limited exposure to scouts? 09:15 When did you realize you could compete at the highest level?  14:00 The risks of today’s travel ball culture and why polished players are becoming rare. 19:00 How to stand out and catch the attention of scouts. 22:30 Lessons from legendary sports psychologist Ken Ravizza.  26:00 Ways to overcome injury fears and confidence. 31:00 BTS stories from the 2004 College World Series Championship run.   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Kurt Suzuki: @kurt_suzuki_pono_baseball

    40 min

  4. JAN 14

    The Unconventional Path to a 2X Major League Baseball World Series Champion with Jonny Gomes Part 2

    Get ready to learn how a player goes from good to generationally great! In this second part of our two-part conversation with Jonny Gomes, we delve deeper into the intricacies of professional baseball and the business behind the game. He shares tips on simplifying the game, leveraging preparation, and adapting to the relentless demands of professional baseball. We also discuss the fine line between analytics and instinct, coaching challenges, and how data can help prevent injuries in young athletes.    HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 The habits that separate top players from the rest. 03:45 Advice on how to simplify the game. 09:00 The mindset and preparation that separate elite players like Joey Votto. 14:30 The toughest opponent in major league baseball. 19:30 Why modern coaching is more challenging than ever. 26:00 What should matter more than winning in youth baseball? 32:00 How self-evaluation and smart coaching build trust in player development. 35:45 How data is reshaping injury prevention.   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Jonny Gomes: @jonnygomesusa

    44 min

  5. JAN 7

    The Unconventional Path to a 2X Major League Baseball World Series Champion with Jonny Gomes, Part 1

    What does it take to turn untraditional beginnings into a major league career? In this first installment of a two-part series, I’m joined by the two-time World Series champion Jonny Gomes. We talk about how today’s amateur baseball landscape differs from previous generations, how to secure a college scholarship, and what it takes to grind through the challenges of minor league baseball. Jonny shares how to build confidence, the critical role of preparation, and how to make adjustments to thrive at every level of the game.    HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 How to secure a college scholarship in baseball. 05:30 Lessons from a zero-scholarship athlete who earned a pro tryout. 09:00 Advice for parents on guiding young athletes through rankings and expectations.  13:45 How to build confidence as an athlete. 18:30 How do support systems help overcome the challenges of minor league baseball? 25:15 The most important skill for young players. 33:00 Strategies to simplify the game.   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Jonny Gomes: @jonnygomesusa

    41 min

  6. 12/31/2024

    How to Get Recruited: Inside College Baseball with Auburn’s Karl Nonemaker

    How do you stand out in college baseball recruiting? In this episode, I sit down with Karl Nonemaker, Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Auburn University. He breaks down what it takes to catch a coach's eye and shares actionable advice for players, parents, and coaches navigating the recruiting process. We also dive into the impact of rule changes like the transfer portal, and the role of technology and NIL in college baseball. Get ready to level up your understanding of college baseball recruitment.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Meet Auburn’s Recruiting Coordinator, Karl Nonemaker. 05:30 Factors to consider when deciding between college and professional baseball. 14:30 How the recent rule changes shape the early recruitment process. 17:30 Ways to use social media to grab a coach’s attention. 24:15 Why two-way players are a growing asset for college programs. 27:00 How NIL is reshaping opportunities in college baseball. 33:30 Advice for high school players navigating the recruiting process. 40:00 Why transparency is critical among players, parents, and coaches. 47:45 What parents should and shouldn’t do to support their athletes.   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Karl Nonemaker: @knonemak

    57 min

  7. 12/24/2024

    The Science and Soul of Hitting: Personal Big League Hitting Coach Benny Craig on Mindset, Mechanics, and Development

    Ever wondered what you need to excel at hitting, both physically and mentally? In this episode, I’m joined by renowned hitting coach Benny Craig, founder of Feel Good Hitting. He shares his strategies for developing hitters through an individualized approach, combining mechanics, mindset, and MORE. We also dive into lessons from legends like Ted Williams, Sadaharu Oh, and Kobe Bryant. Tune in to learn how to sync your breathing with your swing, and develop a powerful hitting approach that goes beyond the basics.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 The mindset that sets elite athletes apart. 04:00 Meet Benny Craig, personal Big League hitting coach. 07:15 Lessons from Ted Williams and Sadaharu Oh that every hitter should know. 16:30 Ted Williams’ three golden rules for hitting success. 21:30 What’s missing in high school that prepares athletes for the next level? 30:00 Two must-know breathing techniques to improve hitting performance. 39:30 What are the pillars of great hitting? 47:30 How to create consistency with feedback and game-speed training. 55:15 What separates great hitters like Aaron Judge from the rest. 01:01:45 The mindset and work ethic that made Ted Williams and Kobe Bryant legends. 01:08:45 Who is a hitter young players should watch to improve their game?   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more from Benny HERE Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Benny Craig: @bennycraig

    1h 21m

  8. 12/17/2024

    How Your Son Can Become More Valuable in the MLB Draft with the National Crosschecker for the New York Yankees, Mike Wagner

    What separates a good prospect from a great one? In this episode, I am joined by Mike Wagner, the National Crosschecker for the New York Yankees, to share ways your son can stand out in the scouting process. He breaks down the role of technology and analytics, the difference between on-field and off-field makeup, and tips on choosing the right coaches and programs for youth players. He also shares the challenges of transitioning into professional play. Get ready to know what scouts are really looking for!   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Meet Mike Wagner, National Crosschecker for the New York Yankees. 06:30 When do scouts start evaluating young players? 10:30 What is on-field vs off-field makeup in scouting? 16:15 How scouts and directors collaborate to find the next MLB stars. 25:15 How teams evaluate player performance. 31:30 Should young players specialize in one sport? 35:30 The difference between a player's skills vs top-end potential. 44:00 What is the 20-80 player grading scale? 54:30 Advice for youth players on choosing the right team and coach.   RESOURCES + LINKS Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Mike Wagner: @michaelwagner

    59 min
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out of 5
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About

I’m Matt Hannaford, a former collegiate baseball player turned agent to some of the game’s best Major League Players and this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the world of Major League Baseball and the road to get there. In this podcast, we’ll go behind the scenes with players, parents, scouts, front office executives, team doctors and more, each pulling back the curtain on the business of baseball. Get ready as we immerse ourselves into the world of baseball like never before and give you everything you will need to support your athlete on his journey from travel baseball to the Big Leagues.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Hannaford
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    Alignd©
  • Show Website
    The Advocate Podcast

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