In this episode of the Playbook Featured Podcast (PFP), host Nelson Gord sits down with Matt DeSantis, the founder and CEO of AC Sports — home to the legendary Cap Classic® tournament series and one of the fastest-growing multi-sport tournament operators on the East Coast.

From humble beginnings as "just an ordinary baseball guy," Matt walks us through the evolution of AC Sports, sharing how a simple idea grew into a trusted brand across baseball, softball, and now basketball. The conversation dives into community engagement efforts like the Mother's Day event, marketing and growth strategies, and the critical role of communication with parents and coaches.

You’ll hear about the importance of hotel partnerships, how tournament scheduling templates and facility relationships keep everything running smoothly, and why mentorship and loving the game matter just as much as logistics. Matt also discusses expanding into new markets, embracing technology like Playbook365, and how AC continues to streamline operations and prepare for the future.

Whether you’re in youth sports management, coaching, parenting, or just a fan of well-run events — this episode offers a masterclass in event operations and leadership.

🔑 Key Topics:

• The growth of AC Sports and the Cap Classic® brand

• Importance of relationships with teams, hotels, and CVBs

• Communication strategies that build trust and retention

• Technology’s role in efficient tournament operations

• Multi-sport expansion and lessons from basketball

• Parenting, coaching, and leadership through mentorship

👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from leaders in the sports world!

📍 Learn more at: https://playacevents.com
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

#ACSports #YouthSports #SportsEvents #TournamentManagement #Playbook365 #SportsMarketing #EventPlanning #Baseball #Basketball #Coaching #Mentorship #HotelPartnerships #Scheduling #SportsTech #PFPpodcast

In this episode of the PFP Podcast, Nelson Gord sits down with Aaron Pridmore — host of The S.L.I.D.E. Podcast and Tournament Coordinator for the Savannah Bananas — for a powerful and purpose-driven conversation about youth sports, fun-first environments, and building confidence in the next generation of athletes.

Aaron shares his journey from 25+ years in retail leadership to finding his true calling: creating safe, inspiring spaces for kids to be kids. We dive deep into the wild world of Banana Ball, what makes it such a transformational experience for families, and how the S.L.I.D.E. acronym (Sportsmanship, Leadership, Inspire, Dedication, Excitement) drives everything Aaron does.

We also talk about:

• The origin of The Slide and its national impact on youth sports culture

• Why Banana Ball might be the future of youth baseball

• How the Savannah Bananas are empowering kids and umpires alike

• Real stories of kids finding their voice through podcasting and play

• Why Aaron is a raving fan of Playbook365 and how it's simplified tournament operations

• His dream to have Coach Prime on the podcast and what it would mean for youth sports

This one is packed with laughs, perspective, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you're a parent, coach, player, or fan of the game — this one will hit home.

📲 Follow Aaron and the movement at theslidepodcastshow.com

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

🎙️ In this episode of the PFP Podcast, host Nelson Gord sits down with Michael Tucker (VP, Bullpen Ventures) and Cam Eveland (Director of Operations, Bullpen Tournaments) to discuss the evolution of youth sports, tournament operations, and the future of event management at Grand Park Sports Campus.

🏟️ Topics Covered:
✅ The growth of Bullpen Tournaments from 1,400 teams to over 6,000 annually
✅ How Grand Park became a premier destination for youth baseball and softball
✅ The importance of team placement, fair competition, and scheduling
✅ Challenges in running massive tournaments (from crazy weather to missing umpires!)
✅ The future of youth sports, sports tourism, and innovation in event management
✅ The impact of Playbook365 and Staybook in simplifying registration, scheduling, and housing

⚾ Memorable Moments:
🔹 The first time they saw Max Clark play (and why he's a baseball icon today)
🔹 How relationships & customer service set Bullpen apart from other tournament providers
🔹 A hilarious "oh no" moment when umpires were nearly forgotten for an entire event!

🎧 Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights from two industry leaders shaping the future of youth sports tournaments.

👉 Watch on YouTube | Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
🔗 https://open.spotify.com/episode/5A7aN7BEcjxMVYwNulUbtC?si=NnF5eCSiR1CB3Wk9yGTOMg

#YouthSports #BaseballTournaments #BullpenTournaments #GrandPark #SportsManagement #TravelBaseball #Playbook365

⚾🥎 The Future of Youth Baseball & Softball Starts Here! 🥎⚾

In Episode 2 of the PFP Podcast, we explore the evolution of youth baseball and softball, the importance of scouting and showcase events, and the changing dynamics of college sports. Featuring insights on Commonwealth Softball, Softball Scouting Report, and the impact of the transfer portal, this episode dives into what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive sports landscape.

🔑 Key Topics Discussed:
✅ The Birth of Commonwealth Softball – Addressing the need for better local resources
✅ Softball Scouting Report & Showcase Events – Helping athletes gain visibility & exposure
✅ College Sports & The Transfer Portal – How it's reshaping college selection & recruitment
✅ Gender Disparities in Sports – The lack of equal resources for girls' athletics
✅ The Role of Parents in Athletics – Supporting young athletes beyond the field
✅ Choosing the Right College – Balancing academics, athletics, and social fit
✅ Community Engagement & Coaching – The power of strong support systems

💬 Memorable Sound Bites:
🎙️ "There are fewer opportunities and resources for girls in sports—it's time to change that."
🎙️ "Showcase events give young athletes the platform they need to get noticed."
🎙️ "The transfer portal has completely changed how athletes and colleges connect."

🚀 Tune in to learn how to navigate today’s sports world and empower the next generation of athletes!

📲 Like, Subscribe & Comment if you're passionate about growing the game!
#CommonwealthSoftball #SoftballScoutingReport #YouthBaseball #CollegeSports #ShowcaseEvents #TransferPortal #AthleticDevelopment #Coaching #CommunityEngagement #PFPpodcast #Playbook365

Welcome to Episode 1 of the PFP Podcast – the Playbook Featured Podcast, where we bring together top minds in youth baseball and softball to discuss the state of the game, share industry insights, and highlight the people making a difference.

In this episode, host Nelson Gord is joined by a powerhouse lineup of tournament directors, coaches, and industry leaders:

🔥 Chad Parker – Former minor league coach and founder of Braves Country Baseball & Softball, a grassroots initiative redefining youth recreational baseball.
🔥 Mike Langford – 26-year umpire and tournament director, discussing his signature events, including the DFW Youth World Baseball Classic and his focus on youth player development.
🔥 Brian Werner – President of Prospect Wire & USA Premier Baseball, diving into event growth, live streaming, and media integration to enhance the player experience.
🔥 Bill Duby – Founder of Golden State Grind, sharing his evolution from training and development to launching tournaments and recruiting-focused events.
🔥 Aaron Pridmore – Savannah Bananas' Tournament Coordinator, discussing the explosive growth of Youth Banana Ball and how Playbook365 is simplifying event management.

Topics Covered:
✅ The impact of youth baseball tournaments on the game’s future
✅ The shift toward grassroots & recreational leagues
✅ The role of technology in event management & media coverage
✅ How major league teams are influencing youth development
✅ Social media’s impact on player exposure & engagement

🎙️ Join the conversation and subscribe for more insights into youth baseball!

🔗 Follow Playbook365 & PFP Podcast for more episodes!
👍 Like, Comment, & Share to help grow the game!
🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

#YouthBaseball #BaseballDevelopment #BravesCountry #SavannahBananas #ProspectWire #PFPpodcast #Playbook365 #TravelBall #BaseballTournaments