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