What does it really take to go from high school standout to pro baseball?

In this episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, former MLB player and Align Sports advisor Dylan Manwaring joins us to share the raw truths of navigating the path from youth baseball to the big leagues.

Dylan opens up about growing up with a major leaguer father (Matt Manwaring), standing out in a small town, and how showcases like Area Code Games and East Coast Pro shaped his journey to becoming an MLB draft pick.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or player trying to understand the pros and cons of going pro vs. going to college—this episode delivers rare insight and real talk from someone who's been there.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What MLB scouts actually look for at top showcases

• How Dylan got recruited out of a small town

• The role of Prospect Link and digital scouting today

• What families should consider when weighing college vs. draft

• How to parent (and coach) through pressure without control

• The mental grind of proving yourself in pro ball

If you're a parent, player, or coach looking to better understand how to navigate the path to college or pro baseball, this is the episode for you.

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.

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Dylan Manwaring: @d_manwaring 

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

In this premiere Travel Team Spotlight episode of The Most Valuable Agent podcast, we sit down with Andy Burress—former Reds draft pick and founder of Five Star National, one of the most successful and expansive travel baseball programs in the country.

From his playing days to building a 50+ location organization (spanning the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Australia), Andy opens up about the realities of youth baseball—the wins, the mistakes, and the deeper mission behind it all.

You’ll hear how his son Drew Burress (a Georgia Tech standout) developed as a player, and why Five Star’s model focuses on accountability, structure, and long-term growth—not just exposure or trophies.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Five Star National became a standout in the world of travel baseball

• The biggest misconceptions about “development vs. showcasing”

• What really helps players succeed in college recruiting

• Why failure, structure, and accountability matter more than early wins

• How Andy approached his own son’s development—and what you can learn from it

• Key advice for parents navigating the travel ball journey

⚾️ Know a baseball parent or coach who needs to hear this?

📤 Share this episode and help spread insights from one of the game’s most respected voices.

👍 Like if you’ve ever struggled with balancing development and exposure.

💬 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway—we read every one!

Resources & Mentions:

Five Star National: https://www.fivestarnational.com

Georgia Tech Baseball: https://ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-basebl/

PG Baseball (Perfect Game): https://www.perfectgame.org/

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

5 Star National Baseball: @5starnational

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Welcome back to The Most Valuable Agent podcast!

In this power-packed episode, Matt and Brian Hannaford unpack one of the most critical—but often misunderstood—aspects of a player’s career: how to actually maximize your relationship with your agent.

Whether you're navigating college recruiting, exploring NIL deals, entering the MLB Draft, or managing life in pro ball—having an agent isn’t enough. You need to know how to be a strategic partner in your own success.

From walking on at Arizona State to negotiating multimillion-dollar contracts, Matt and Brian share lessons learned on both sides of the player-agent relationship—along with hard truths every athlete and family should hear.

• Why college baseball is now a business—and how to approach it like one

• How NIL and the transfer portal have changed the game forever

• The “freedom point” every player should define to stay grounded

• How your honesty, interest, and communication affect your agent’s ability to advocate for you

• The #1 mistake players make when choosing an agent

• What a great agent-client relationship really looks like (spoiler: it’s not hand-holding)

• A behind-the-scenes look at the Austin Riley extension and what it reveals about long-term planning

• The 7 essential questions every player should ask before signing with any agent

This episode isn’t just about representation—it’s a masterclass in agency, alignment, and personal ownership.

If you're a player, parent, or coach looking to navigate the complex world of college recruiting, NIL, and pro baseball with clarity and confidence—this one’s for you.

👉 Ready to take control of your future?

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

Brian Hannaford: @bhannafo

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

What role does the MLB Players Association really play—and why should even high school athletes and their families care?

In this episode of The Most Valuable Agent, Matt Hannaford sits down with Tony Clark, former All-Star and current Executive Director of the MLBPA, for an unfiltered conversation about the past, present, and future of baseball.

From being a first-round draft pick to now representing thousands of professional athletes, Tony shares a rare, insider look at how labor rights, player empowerment, and education off the field are just as crucial as what happens between the lines.

Together, they explore:

⚾️ The formation and purpose of the MLBPA

⚾️ The legacy of Curt Flood, Marvin Miller, and the ’94 strike

⚾️ The union’s role in youth baseball, NIL, and mental health support

⚾️ Why young players must understand the business of the game

⚾️ How to become the CEO of your own career

This episode is a must-listen for prospects, parents, coaches, and fans who care about the soul of the sport—and the people in it.

🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with the game’s most influential voices 📤 Share this with a teammate, parent, or coach who needs to hear it

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

MLBPA: @mlbpa

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

What does it really take to go from overlooked to overachiever in professional baseball?

In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, Matt Hannaford sits down with Tyler Zombro—a former undrafted pitcher who battled his way to Triple-A and now serves as Special Assistant of Pitching for the Chicago Cubs.

Tyler’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless improvement. From setbacks and injuries to shaping how MLB teams develop arms today, his journey is packed with lessons for players, coaches, and anyone navigating the evolving world of baseball.

Whether you're chasing a roster spot, building a development system, or guiding a young athlete, this episode dives deep into the data, biomechanics, and mindset reshaping pitching at every level.

✅ How Tyler’s journey from undrafted free agent to AAA pitcher and front office exec unfolded ✅ Why command, pitch design, and self-awareness often trump velocity ✅ The real role of data in modern pitching development and talent evaluation ✅ How to build a plan for adding velo, refining pitch shapes, and avoiding injury ✅ What makes Tread Athletics different—and how it helped top arms like Cole Ragans ✅ Why transparent communication is the missing ingredient in many MLB organizations ✅ What amateur and pro players should consider when choosing a team, coach, or plan ✅ The importance of player development systems, biomechanics, and long-term strategy ✅ How teams like the Cubs and Dodgers build winning culture by maximizing undervalued arms ✅ Why mental models, adaptability, and understanding your identity matter more than ever

🔔 Subscribe for weekly baseball insights from the game’s brightest minds

📤 Share this with a teammate, coach, or young pitcher on the rise

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

Tyler Zombro: @t_zombro42

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

In the second part, of this episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, former MLB catcher and World Series champion Kurt Suzuki joins host Matt Hannaford to share his journey from overlooked Hawaii high school athlete to 16-year Major League veteran.

Kurt dives into the ups and downs of walking on at Cal State Fullerton, grinding through the minors, and eventually becoming one of the most respected catchers in the game—with an All-Star nod and a World Series ring to show for it.

Whether you're a baseball parent, aspiring player, or travel ball coach, this episode delivers real talk, mindset shifts, and hard-earned wisdom you won’t hear in typical recruiting conversations.

What You’ll Learn from This Episode:

✅ Growing up in Hawaii: Challenges and cultural uniqueness in pursuing baseball ✅ Choosing a walk-on opportunity over a full scholarship ✅ The mental edge: How Kurt built confidence and caught the eye of scouts ✅What college baseball really teaches you ✅ The game-changing mindset shift that transformed Kurt’s career ✅ Fullerton's legendary run to the College World Series ✅ The truth about travel ball, exposure, and scholarships for young athletes ✅ The problem with ego in youth baseball and how to develop winning players ✅ The role of parents: What every sports parent should (and shouldn’t) do ✅The value of choosing the right agent and building long-term trust

Whether you’re navigating youth baseball politics, making a college decision, or working your way through the minors, Kurt offers grounded wisdom, real stories, and actionable insight.

Subscribe for weekly interviews with athletes, coaches, and pros sharing lessons you won’t learn on the field.

📍 Check out more on Kurt Suzuki and PONO Baseball: https://ponobaseball.com

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

Kurt Suzuki: @kurt_suzuki_pono_baseball

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Think making it to the MLB is all about raw talent? Think again. 

Kurt Suzuki’s journey from an overlooked Hawaiian athlete to a 16-year MLB career proves that mindset, adaptability, and persistence matter more than anything else.

In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, World Series champion Kurt Suzuki sits down with host Matt to share his unfiltered story—from walking on at Cal State Fullerton to winning a College World Series and ultimately thriving in the big leagues.

Whether you're a youth baseball player, parent navigating travel ball politics, or just a fan of underdog success stories, this episode is packed with must-know lessons on perseverance, mental toughness, and making the most of every opportunity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

⚾️ The challenges of being a baseball prospect from Hawaii

⚾️ Why exposure and opportunity outweigh raw talent in recruiting

⚾️ How Kurt turned down a full-ride to walk on at Fullerton… and why

⚾️ The mindset shift that changed everything, thanks to Ken Ravizza

⚾️ The story behind becoming a national champion and Johnny Bench Award winner

⚾️ How humility, adaptability, and being a “winning player” matter more than stats

⚾️ Advice for parents navigating youth baseball and travel ball politics 🧠

⚾️ Behind-the-scenes insights on agents, the business of MLB, and staying in the bigs

💥 This isn’t just a story about baseball—it’s about life, mindset, perseverance, and becoming undeniable. Whether you’re a youth athlete, parent, coach, or fan of the game, you’ll walk away with a new perspective on what it takes to compete—and win—at the highest level.

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

Kurt Suzuki: @kurt_suzuki_pono_baseball

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

What if everything you thought about youth baseball, travel ball, and scholarships was upside down? In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Most Valuable Agent, host Matt sits down with former pro pitcher, travel ball coach, and baseball dad Craig Holman—father of LSU standout and MLB Draft pick Luke Holman.

This isn't just about rankings, exposure, or getting a D1 scholarship. This is about what really matters—the relationship between parent and child, the power of presence, and how chasing the wrong things can rob families of the joy that sports are supposed to bring.

✅ “Be a Dad First” – Why your relationship matters more than your kid’s batting average ✅ Development > Exposure – The dangerous lie most travel baseball families believe ✅ The College Decision – What every parent should know before their child commits ✅ Coaching Without Regret – How to pour into your kids without expecting a return ✅ Visualizing Success – The mental strategies Craig used as a pro and taught his kids ✅ Lessons from the Draft Process – What Craig learned representing his own son ✅ The Wolf at the Door – Why staying uncomfortable can be the greatest gift ✅ The Most Important Investment – Why time spent with your child is the ultimate ROI

Whether you're a baseball parent, aspiring athlete, or coach, this episode is a masterclass in humility, leadership, and legacy.

📲 SHARE this episode with a coach, parent, or athlete who needs to hear the truth 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

Craig Holman: @craigholman35

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Want to play college baseball or go pro? This episode is a must-hear! Auburn University assistant head coach Karl Nonemaker joins the podcast to discuss the college baseball recruiting process, the impact of the transfer portal, and how players can make the best decision between playing at the collegiate level and going pro.

Karl shares valuable insights from his experience as both a player and a D1 coach, offering real-world advice for high school athletes, parents, and aspiring college baseball players. If you're wondering how to stand out in the recruiting process, what SEC baseball is really like, or how to navigate the draft vs. college decision, this episode has the answers. The decisions you make NOW will shape your future.

Don't get left behind - learn what it takes to play at the next level.

✅ The reality of SEC baseball – Why it's one of the most competitive conferences in the country. ✅ Should you go pro or play in college? – Breaking down the factors that influence this critical decision. ✅ How to stand out in recruiting – What coaches actually look for in players. ✅ The impact of the transfer portal & NIL – How college baseball has evolved in the last few years. ✅ Social media & recruiting – How players can use video and social platforms to get noticed. ✅ Roster size changes & player development – What it means for incoming freshmen and two-way players.

If you're serious about baseball and want to learn from a top-level coach, hit play now!

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

Karl Nonemaker: @knonemak

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

What separates good athletes from elite performers? It’s not just talent—it’s mental discipline. In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, Sean Casey, former MLB All-Star and performance coach, breaks down the mental game of baseball and how mastering your mindset can transform your performance on and off the field.

Sean shares how Harvey Dorfman’s book, The Mental Game of Baseball, completely changed his approach to the game, giving him a sixth tool—the ability to stay calm, focused, and confident under pressure. He reveals how mental toughness helped him go from being overlooked in high school to becoming one of the best hitters in the country.

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What You’ll Learn from This Episode: ✔️ Why 80-90% of baseball is mental—but few players train their mindset ✔️ How Sean Casey used visualization & breathing techniques to stay locked in at the plate ✔️ Lessons from Ken Griffey Sr. & the legends of the game that shaped his career ✔️ Why players fail at showcases—and how to dominate at game time ✔️ The power of self-belief & outworking the competition

Unlock the Mental Edge to Dominate in Baseball & Life!

Sean Casey isn’t just talking theory—he lived it. If you’re an athlete, coach, or competitor looking for an edge, this is the episode to watch.

📌 Check out Sean’s 8 Week mental performance program: https://www.seancaseylive.com/breakthroughpro

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

Sean Casey: @themayorsofficemlb

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford