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