What does it really take to make it in the big leagues and stay there? In this emotional and eye-opening episode, LA Dodgers pitcher and World Series Champion Anthony Banda shares his raw, unfiltered journey through baseball’s toughest trials. Subscribe now for more powerful sports stories and lessons!

What You’ll Learn:

• The truth about life in the minor leagues (it’s not what you think)

• How Anthony Banda bounced back after Tommy John surgery and nearly quitting

• What it's like being traded between 9 MLB teams in 5 years

• The mindset shift that changed everything and led to a World Series win

• Behind-the-scenes development insights from the Dodgers' coaching staff

The Journey Behind the Jersey (Full Story) In this episode, Anthony Banda opens up about the rollercoaster path from being a late-round draft pick to stepping onto the World Series mound with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Alongside host Matt, Anthony breaks down the brutal realities of minor league pay, the mental toll of Tommy John rehab, and the crushing moments that nearly pushed him to retire.

But instead of walking away, Anthony found purpose in the process and the courage to give it one last go. A cold bullpen session in front of MLB scouts sparked the comeback that no one expected. With support from advanced coaching and the right mindset, Banda transformed into a vital bullpen piece for the Dodgers.

Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a parent navigating youth sports, or a die-hard baseball fan, this episode offers a masterclass in resilience, perspective, and trusting the journey.

🔥 Love this episode? Subscribe for more pro athlete stories & comment your favorite moment!

🔗 Related Links & Resources

Matt Hannaford: https://www.instagram.com/mfhannaford/

Alignd Sports: https://www.instagram.com/aligndsports

Discover the truth about player development with Michael Garciaparra: former first-round pick, pro scout for the St. Louis Cardinals, and founder of GBG, a college and pro development powerhouse. Subscribe now!

What You’ll Learn:

• How MLB scouting has changed over the last 20 years

• The real value of rankings and how scouts filter hype

• Why multi-sport athletes often stand out in baseball

• GBG’s mission to be a development program, not just a travel team

• The “Cardinal Way” approach to makeup, mindset, and resilience

In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, Matt Hannaford sits down with Michael Garciaparra, a name baseball fans know well, but for more than just being Nomar’s brother. Michael shares insights from his unique career as a four-sport high school athlete, professional baseball player, MLB scout, and founder of Garcia Parra Baseball Group (GBG). He breaks down why GBG refuses the “travel ball” label, focusing instead on long-term athlete development and college placement.

Michael offers a behind-the-scenes look at scouting, from blocking out the noise of rankings to identifying “separators” that set players apart. He explains the Cardinal Way, the importance of genuine makeup, and why love for the game matters just as much as raw skill. This conversation delivers rare, unfiltered advice for athletes, parents, and coaches navigating the modern baseball landscape.

Love this episode? Hit Subscribe for more insider conversations with MLB scouts, agents, and executives. Drop your questions in the comments we might feature them in a future episode!

Links & Resources: Garcia Parra Baseball Group – https://garciaparrabaseball.com Follow Matt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfhannaford/

Parents and players, STOP stressing about the travel baseball grind! In this powerful episode, Matt sits down with four insiders: Craig Holman, Andy Burress, Jeff Petty, and Matthew Maniscalco to reveal what really matters when chasing college scholarships and pro dreams. Subscribe now for real talk on youth baseball development and exposure!

• The #1 mistake most baseball parents make (and how to avoid it).

• How exposure camps and showcases can hurt your chances if you’re not ready.

• Inside stories from pro players, coaches, and travel ball leaders.

• Why development must always come before competition and exposure.

• Honest advice on choosing teams, events, and navigating recruiting politics.

Travel ball is a maze for parents and young athletes: expensive tournaments, endless showcases, and coaches promising scholarships. But what if the focus is all wrong? Craig Holman, a former pro player and baseball dad, shares why being a dad first and prioritizing development is the key to long-term success.

Andy Burress reveals how travel organizations expanded nationwide and what families need to know about choosing the right fit. Jeff Petty, founder of one of the first true national travel teams, explains why honesty about talent level can make or break a player’s future. And Matthew Maniscalco, a former pro and SEC standout, shares how recruiting has changed—and what really matters when selecting a college.

If you’re serious about helping your child succeed without burning out or wasting money, this episode is packed with hard truths, insider wisdom, and actionable steps every baseball family needs.

💬 Love this conversation? Hit subscribe and share this episode with a baseball parent who needs to hear it!

Resources & Links:

• Excel Baseball: https://www.instagram.com/excelbaseball/

• Canes Baseball: https://www.instagram.com/thecanesbb/

• 5 Star National: https://www.instagram.com/5starnational/

• Craig Holman: https://www.instagram.com/craigholman35/

• Matt Hannaford: https://www.instagram.com/mfhannaford/

Struggling to make sense of travel ball, recruiting, and what actually matters? This episode is your guide. Subscribe for weekly real-talk.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to evaluate costly academies and private coaching

• What scouts and college coaches truly care about

• Why failure, character, and timing matter more than hype

• When to start showcases, hire an advisor, or stay local

Raising a young athlete in today’s baseball landscape can feel overwhelming—especially when decisions carry high emotional and financial weight. In this post-2025 Draft Q&A episode of The Most Valuable Agent Podcast, Matt answers questions straight from baseball families navigating the real challenges of development, recruiting, and identity in the game.

Whether you're debating if your 11-year-old should join an elite academy, wondering if skipping multi-sport seasons will hurt recruiting, or navigating the buzz around your son’s college commitment or draft potential, this episode offers grounded, honest advice. Matt draws from agent experience, scout conversations, and SEC coach insights to guide you through what really matters: development, timing, and your family’s unique values.

💬 Have a question for Matt? Drop a comment or DM!

Subscribe for weekly insights on parenting in competitive baseball.

Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content:  https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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RESOURCES + LINKS

ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact.

From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE.

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, Matt Hannaford sits down with former pro player and Excel Baseball co-founder Matthew Maniscalso to talk all things youth baseball. From how to choose a travel baseball organization to smart college recruiting tips for travel baseball families, this is the honest conversation every sports parent needs. 

They go deep on how to evaluate a travel baseball coach, how to support your kid without burnout, and why balancing travel baseball and family life is more important than ever. Whether you're new to the scene or already in the grind, this episode delivers practical, real-world insights.

Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway—and share with a fellow sports parent! Subscribe for more athlete-first conversations with Matt Hannaford.

https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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RESOURCES + LINKS

ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact.

From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE.

FOLLOW

Excel Baseball: @excelbaseball

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Ever wonder what scouts actually think during the MLB Draft Combine? Former MLB scout Trevor Haley reveals insider perspectives that could change how families, players, and advisors approach the draft. If you're navigating the world of amateur baseball, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe now and prepare smarter!

What You’ll Learn:

• What happens behind the scenes at the MLB Combine

• How scouts prepare and evaluate top 350 prospects

• Why interviews can matter more than on-field performance

• How players and families should handle pre-draft phone calls

• The importance of showing curiosity and authenticity in team meetings

In this powerhouse episode, host Matt Hannaford sits down with former MLB scout Trevor Haley to demystify the high-stakes world of the MLB Draft Combine. They break down what organizations are really looking for—and it's not just spin rate and exit velocity. Trevor explains how interviews can become game-changers, sometimes even more impactful than on-field performance. Learn how meetings are structured, who players will face, and what kind of questions to expect.

You'll also hear crucial advice for families and players: how to approach decision-making, what kind of impression really counts, and why being yourself can be your strongest asset. This isn't just about getting drafted—it's about being prepared for a big-league future. The conversation also dives into post-combine preparations, draft day chaos, and how signability plays a pivotal role.

Whether you're a player, parent, or advisor, this episode provides an unfiltered look at the nuances of baseball's most scrutinized stage. It’s about more than tools—it’s about mindset, maturity, and making the right impression when it counts most.

Enjoyed the behind-the-scenes insights? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode! Got draft questions? Drop them in the comments.

💥Loved this episode? Don’t miss the next one. Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast app for weekly insider access to the minds behind the game.

Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content

https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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RESOURCES + LINKS

ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact.

From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE.

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Have you ever faced that crossroads—losing your competitive edge but gaining a higher calling in the game you love? In this episode, Jeff Petty shares how an average college player found purpose as a coach and built one of the nation’s top travel baseball programs. 

• How to shift from playing to coaching with purpose

• Why truth-telling in evaluations is key for athlete development

• How elite travel programs prepare players mentally and physically

• What coaches and college scouts truly look for in players

• Balancing roles, failure, and obsession on the path to the big leagues

From the outset, Jeff unpacks his journey—from being a strong but not standout high school player to playing Division II baseball, where he realized professional play wasn’t in his future. That moment became his life’s pivot: “I knew there was no world where I wasn't in baseball—I loved it too much,” he explains. Early on, Jeff committed to coaching, driven by passion and the mentorship of coaches at UNC Pembroke.

Fast-forward to 2005, when Jeff co-founded Cane’s Baseball: a revolutionary travel program that went national in pursuit of elite prospects. By venturing beyond regional borders and partnering with brands like EvoShield, Jeff expanded his network, built credibility, and now boasts over 40 MLB draft picks and 4,000+ college scholarship athletes.

One of the most compelling insights Jeff shares is Cane’s truth-first evaluation process. “If you can’t handle someone telling you the truth, we won’t take you,” he says, highlighting that it’s not about prestige, but performance and honest communication. This ethos empowers kids to understand their true ceiling and how to reach it—whether that lands them in Division I, II, or D3 programs, junior colleges, or pro leagues.

Jeff and Matt dive deeper into the player-coach-parent dynamic, emphasizing role clarity and development over superficial exposure. Preparation isn’t just on the field—it’s mental. Elite programs treat athletes like professionals: using early scrimmages, strength coaches, iPad communication systems, and detailed preparation routines. Their goal? Make failure a safe learning environment so players are dialed in when it counts.

They also address character—team-first mentality versus selfishness—as a non-negotiable trait. College coaches don’t just want talent; they want humility, resilience, and accountability. Jeff’s mantra for players: ask hard questions of your coaches. Know who's evaluating you. Know the commitment expectations. Own your path.

This episode is a masterclass in elite youth baseball culture—combining storytelling, strategic insight, and practical advice for players, parents, and coaches alike.

Loved Jeff’s passion for honest player development? Be sure to subscribe, hit like, and leave a comment on what resonated most—“truth evaluation” or “performance preparation”? Share this video with a teammate or coach who could benefit!

Jeff Petty – CEO and Head Coach at Cane’s Baseball, one of the country’s leading travel organizations. With over two decades of coaching and mentorship, Jeff has guided more than 4,000 players to college baseball and helped over 40 athletes reach the MLB draft.

Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content

https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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RESOURCES + LINKS

ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact.

From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE.

FOLLOW

Canes Baseball: @thecanesbb

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Ever wonder how baseball players get their own trading cards? What makes a rookie card valuable—or even collectible at all?

In this episode, Matt sits down with Kevin Eger, VP of Athlete Partnerships at Fanatics Collectibles (Topps), to pull back the curtain on the trading card industry. Subscribe and explore the business behind the cardboard!

What You’ll Learn:

• How athletes get selected for trading cards

• What makes a rookie card officially a “rookie”

• The behind-the-scenes timeline from draft day to card release

• Why autographs and “on-card” signatures matter

• How NIL and social media are reshaping sports collectibles

• Tips for players and families navigating the evolving card space

Trading cards have been part of childhood for generations—but the business behind them is anything but child’s play. Kevin Eger, a key player at Fanatics (Topps), gives us a rare look inside how athletes—from MLB stars to college prospects—become collectible icons.

Kevin shares how he started his career as a baseball editor, choosing which players appeared on cards and what images represented them. Now, he manages partnerships with athletes and agents, coordinating deals that range from autograph signings to storytelling content and social media activations. It’s about more than cardboard—it’s about crafting legacy and connecting athletes with fans.

Parents of rising stars will also find value here: with the rise of NIL deals and social influence, players can build personal brands earlier than ever. But for Topps, the journey usually begins with the MLB draft—then flows through the minor leagues, rookie cards, and eventually, superstar status.

Enjoyed this insider peek at the trading card world? Subscribe now, leave a review, and share this episode with a baseball fan or aspiring pro in your life!

Learn more: https://fanatics.com

Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content

https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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RESOURCES + LINKS

ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact.

From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE.

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Mauricio Dubón’s Underdog Journey to the Big Leagues

They said he was too small. Too quiet. From a country that "doesn’t play baseball." Mauricio Dubón was never supposed to make it. But he did — and he didn’t just make it. He became a World Series champion.

In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, MLB agent Matt Hannaford sits down with Houston Astros utility star Mauricio Dubón to uncover the real story behind one of the most unlikely journeys in baseball.

From shagging balls in Honduras to stepping in for José Altuve and going on a 20-game hit streak, Dubón’s story is about more than baseball — it’s about identity, grit, adaptability, and never waiting for permission.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to flip rejection into motivation

• Why being a “utility guy” is a mindset — and an edge

• What separates players who rise from the ones who fade

• The mental shift that changed Dubón’s entire career

• How to lead with hunger, not ego — and why that matters

If this story hits home, subscribe and drop us a 5⭐️review on Apple or Spotify. Your support fuels conversations like this one. 

Guest Bio: Mauricio Dubón is a professional MLB utility player for the Houston Astros and 2022 World Series champion. Born in Honduras, he became the first MLB player from his country and has played for the Red Sox, Brewers, Giants, and Astros.

🎙️ About the Show: Most Valuable Agent with Matt Hannaford dives deep into the stories, mindset, and behind-the-scenes realities of elite athletes, coaches, and decision-makers in baseball and beyond. Subscribe now. These stories change the game.

Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content:  https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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RESOURCES + LINKS

ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact.

From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE.

FOLLOW

Mauricio Dubón: @mauriciod10

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

The dream isn’t just to be seen—it’s to be ready.

In this can’t-miss episode, agent Matt Hannaford sits down with Kris Gross, Scouting Director for the New York Mets, to reveal what really goes on behind the scenes of the MLB Draft.

You’ll get an unfiltered look at how scouts evaluate talent, why some prospects never make it, and what separates the good from the great. From coachability and curiosity to signability and character, this episode uncovers the critical traits that matter most—and why they’re often overlooked.

Whether you're a travel baseball parent, college athlete, or high school hopeful, this conversation will change how you think about exposure, development, and what it truly takes to make it in pro ball.

• The truth about exposure vs. readiness

• What scouts really look for beyond talent

• Why most prospects fail (and how to avoid it)

• What parents do that unintentionally hurt their kid’s path

• The emotional rollercoaster of Draft Day decisions

• How to evaluate transfer portal choices and NIL deals

• What makes a player stand out: character, patience, grit

💥Loved this episode? Don’t miss the next one. Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast app for weekly insider access to the minds behind the game.

Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content

https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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RESOURCES + LINKS

ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact.

From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE.

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford