The Advocate Podcast

Matt Hannaford
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The Advocate Podcast 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.

Episodes

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Building Champions: Long Beach State Head Coach Tj Bruce on College Baseball, Recruiting, and Leadership

    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

    1h 28m

  2. SEP 3

    College Recruiting 101 with Joe Oliveira

    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

    1h 3m

  3. AUG 27

    Scouting In The World of Travel Baseball with Jered Goodwin

    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

    1h 10m

  4. AUG 20

    The Key to a Major League Mindset with MLB Mental Strength Coach Brandon Guyer

    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

    1h 1m

  5. AUG 13

    Exploring The Rise of Arm Injuries, Protecting Young Athletes, and Arm Care 101 with Dr. Keith Meister

    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

    44 min

  6. AUG 6

    Pro MLB Player Turned Financial Advisor: What Every Athlete Needs to Protect Their Wealth with Jacob Turner

    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

    53 min

  7. JUL 30

    Keys to Unlocking Your Mental Game with Pro NHL, NBA, and MLB Mental Skills Coach, Johan Martinez-Khalilian

    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

    1h 22m

  8. JUL 23

    Hitting 101 with Major League Hitting Coach and Travel Baseball Parent, Alec Zumwalt

    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

    1h 7m

  9. JUL 18

    A Parent’s Guide to What Scouts Look for In Travel Baseball Players with MLB Scout, Alex McClure

    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

    1h 28m

  10. JUL 16

    Austin Riley on Youth Baseball, College Recruitment, and MLB Success

    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

    1h 32m

  11. JUL 16

    Breaking Into the Business of Baseball from College Player to Top Agent

    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

    36 min

  12. JUL 12

    Welcome to The Advocate Podcast!

    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.

    1 min

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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Alignd©
  • Show Website
    The Advocate Podcast

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