In this solo episode, Matt brings you inside the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego, where he spoke to a room of baseball parents about the truth behind the draft, development, and success in this game.

You’ll hear the story of two very different players—one who looked like a sure thing, the other overlooked and doubted. Both were drafted the same year, same organization, same position… but their careers couldn’t have been more different.

This isn’t just about prospects or draft picks—it’s about how players (and parents) respond to the journey, the setbacks, and the storms that come with this game.

If you’re a parent navigating travel ball, recruiting, or the draft process, this message will shift the way you look at your role in your son’s career.

• Why draft position doesn’t guarantee success in baseball

• The difference between talent and the traits scouts really value

• How E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome) shapes every career

• The powerful role parents play as the steady lighthouse in their son’s journey

• How to help your player handle setbacks and turn them into opportunities

• The truth about the draft: it’s not the finish line—it’s just the start

00:00 – Baseball parents and prospects: why this message matters

01:08 – Travel baseball lessons: why it’s always about your son, not you

02:18 – Player development story: the tale of two MLB draft prospects

04:35 – Baseball mindset: the Vegas bet exercise on success and failure

06:08 – MLB draft process explained: why draft day isn’t the finish line

07:48 – What scouts really look for beyond stats and tools

09:56 – Parents’ role in player development: the constant factor

11:07 – The lighthouse analogy: how to guide your son through adversity

12:36 – Key takeaway: the draft is an invitation, not validation

If you found this valuable, hit Subscribe to the Most Valuable Agent Podcast for more insider episodes on sports, business, and athlete development.

Drop a comment with your NIL questions—we may cover them in a future episode!

Links & Resources

Follow Matt Hannaford: https://www.instagram.com/mfhannford

#baseball #MLBdraft #travelbaseball #playerdevelopment #mindset #collegebaseball #youthbaseball

From high school stardom to becoming an MLB All-Star, Derek Norris shares the raw truth about the draft process, the grind of the minor leagues, and how catching has evolved. ⚾ Subscribe for more insider baseball stories!

In this episode, former MLB All-Star catcher Derek Norris sits down with Matt to break down his journey through the game. From the emotional rollercoaster of draft day to grinding through rookie ball, Derek opens up about what it really takes to succeed in professional baseball.

He also shares strong opinions on the evolution of catching techniques—from traditional fundamentals to the new knee-drop receiving style—and why he believes many young catchers are being led astray by trends and gadgets instead of focusing on the basics.

For parents and young athletes, Derek’s story is both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration. He talks openly about the role of advisors, the business side of baseball, and the importance of developing mental toughness when everyone around you was once “the best player in their town.”

Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this conversation is packed with insights on youth baseball development, the college recruiting process, and how to prepare for the draft. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Derek Norris went from Kansas high school ball to being drafted by the Washington Nationals.

• The behind-the-scenes reality of the MLB draft process. Why catching has changed dramatically in the last decade — and what young players should focus on.

• The mental and physical grind of the minor leagues.

• Practical advice for parents and youth players navigating showcases and college recruiting.

👉 If you found this episode valuable, hit Subscribe and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway. 👉 Share this with a parent, coach, or young player who needs to hear Derek’s story.

Connect with Matt: https://www.instagram.com/mfhannford 

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

What do MLB scouts really look for in players and families? In this episode, Matt Hannaford unpacks one of the most honest scouting director talks ever shared with Perfect Game All-American families. From multi-sport athletes to classroom behavior, in-home visits, and the critical factor of signability, this episode dives into the real conversations scouts have behind the scenes. Matt Hannaford brings an advisor’s perspective to help families and players understand how scouts evaluate talent, on and off the field.

If you’re a parent, player, or coach preparing for the next 11 months leading up to the MLB Draft, this episode delivers clarity, strategy, and practical tools for navigating one of the most important processes in baseball. What You’ll Learn

• Why scouts value multi-sport athletes and well-rounded development

• How tournament play, Jupiter, and spring games impact evaluations

• What scouts look for in classroom behavior, community reputation & professionalism

• The truth about in-home visits and family communication

• Signability explained—and how families can approach it wisely

• The role of pre-draft workouts, the MLB Combine & advisor clarity

📲 Connect with Matt Hannaford:

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

https://www.aligndsports.com/ 

Previous Episodes Mentioned: 

• Michael Garciaparra: https://youtu.be/mheMuyG3IDg 

• Trevor Haley: https://youtu.be/_fV0WFimwIM 

• Mike Wagner: https://youtu.be/y2hfBQOB8m4 

• Alex McClure: https://youtu.be/BRPpUyfkFmE 

#MLBDraft #BaseballParents #PlayerDevelopment #PerfectGame #MLBScouting #MostValuableAgentPodcast #BaseballAdvice #MLBCombine

In this episode Matt sits down with Brock Bennett, Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Georgia, to talk about the realities of SEC recruiting, what makes a “Bulldog” player, how families can best navigate the recruiting process, and why honesty and communication are crucial.

Brock shares insights from his playing days at Alabama, his time in professional baseball, and his current role at Georgia—helping families understand what it really takes to compete at the highest level of college baseball.

If you’re a player or parent looking to understand the SEC recruiting process, this episode is packed with gold.

Connect with Matt: https://www.instagram.com/mfhannaford/ 

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

Follow Brock Bennett: https://www.instagram.com/br41bennett/  

Follow Georgia Baseball: https://instagram.com/baseballuga

#CollegeBaseball #SECBaseball #GeorgiaBulldogs #BaseballRecruiting #MVA #AthleteAdvice #TravelBall #NCAARecruiting

In this episode Matt sits down with Johan Martinez-Khalilian to explore a powerful and often overlooked dynamic in youth and professional sports: the role of fathers (and parents) in shaping athletes’ journeys.

Through raw stories, personal reflection, and lessons learned from working with elite athletes, this conversation dives into how parents can either empower or unintentionally hold back their children — on and off the field.

👉 Topics we cover in this episode:

• How fathers impact their children’s athletic development

• Why performance-focused parenting can damage relationships

• Johan’s emotional story of soccer and his dad

• Matt’s hockey experience and tough love parenting

• Tools parents can use to encourage growth and confidence

• Why awareness, curiosity, and trust matter most

• How to pivot as a parent (even if you feel it’s too late)

🔗 Connect with Johan:

• https://www.instagram.com/johanspeaks 

• https://www.johankhalilian.com/ 

• https://www.dvlpmnt.studio/ 

🔗 Connect with Matt: 

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

• https://www.aligndsports.com/ 

💡 If you found value in this episode, make sure to hit LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more powerful conversations on sports, life, and leadership.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Jon Paino, longtime coach, teacher, and one of the architects behind CBA Baseball. From starting the program in honor of pioneer Mike Spears, to shaping a culture that develops players on and off the field, Jon shares the lessons that have helped CBA produce 1,400+ college commitments, 185 draft picks, and 23 MLB players (and counting).

💡 This conversation dives deep into:

• How Jon pivoted from a sudden end to his playing career into coaching.

• The founding story and guiding philosophy behind CBA Baseball.

• Why confidence and culture matter more than wins and losses.

• Player development success stories, including MLB Draft picks.

• What parents need to know about routines, discipline, and supporting their kids.

• How Diamond Allegiance is reshaping opportunities with cutting-edge player testing.

• The balance between tradition and innovation in today’s youth sports.

Whether you’re a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with insight into what it really takes to grow through the game—and why it’s about so much more than baseball.

📺 Subscribe for more conversations on baseball, development, and culture 👍 Like this video if you found it valuable 💬 Comment below: What do you think is the most important factor in developing young athletes?

🔗 Links & Resources: 

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

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

CBA Baseball: https://www.cbabaseball.org/ 

Follow CBA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbabaseballusa/ 

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/

___

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