Get ready to discover how you go from college walk-on to World Series Champion. In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and former client, Kurt Suzuki. He shares what it takes to compete at the highest level, the critical role of mental preparation, and why short-term goals are important for long-term success. Plus, he shares the best life-changing advice he received from legendary sports psychologist Ken Ravizza to stand out and compete as an elite player.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Kurt Suzuki, College World Series and MLB World Series Champion.

05:00 How do players overcome the challenges of growing up with limited exposure to scouts?

09:15 When did you realize you could compete at the highest level? 

14:00 The risks of today’s travel ball culture and why polished players are becoming rare.

19:00 How to stand out and catch the attention of scouts.

22:30 Lessons from legendary sports psychologist Ken Ravizza. 

26:00 Ways to overcome injury fears and confidence.

31:00 BTS stories from the 2004 College World Series Championship run.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Kurt Suzuki: @kurt_suzuki_pono_baseball

Get ready to learn how a player goes from good to generationally great! In this second part of our two-part conversation with Jonny Gomes, we delve deeper into the intricacies of professional baseball and the business behind the game. He shares tips on simplifying the game, leveraging preparation, and adapting to the relentless demands of professional baseball. We also discuss the fine line between analytics and instinct, coaching challenges, and how data can help prevent injuries in young athletes. 

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 The habits that separate top players from the rest.

03:45 Advice on how to simplify the game.

09:00 The mindset and preparation that separate elite players like Joey Votto.

14:30 The toughest opponent in major league baseball.

19:30 Why modern coaching is more challenging than ever.

26:00 What should matter more than winning in youth baseball?

32:00 How self-evaluation and smart coaching build trust in player development.

35:45 How data is reshaping injury prevention.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Jonny Gomes: @jonnygomesusa

What does it take to turn untraditional beginnings into a major league career? In this first installment of a two-part series, I’m joined by the two-time World Series champion Jonny Gomes. We talk about how today’s amateur baseball landscape differs from previous generations, how to secure a college scholarship, and what it takes to grind through the challenges of minor league baseball. Jonny shares how to build confidence, the critical role of preparation, and how to make adjustments to thrive at every level of the game. 

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 How to secure a college scholarship in baseball.

05:30 Lessons from a zero-scholarship athlete who earned a pro tryout.

09:00 Advice for parents on guiding young athletes through rankings and expectations. 

13:45 How to build confidence as an athlete.

18:30 How do support systems help overcome the challenges of minor league baseball?

25:15 The most important skill for young players.

33:00 Strategies to simplify the game.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Jonny Gomes: @jonnygomesusa

How do you stand out in college baseball recruiting? In this episode, I sit down with Karl Nonemaker, Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Auburn University. He breaks down what it takes to catch a coach's eye and shares actionable advice for players, parents, and coaches navigating the recruiting process. We also dive into the impact of rule changes like the transfer portal, and the role of technology and NIL in college baseball. Get ready to level up your understanding of college baseball recruitment.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Auburn’s Recruiting Coordinator, Karl Nonemaker.

05:30 Factors to consider when deciding between college and professional baseball.

14:30 How the recent rule changes shape the early recruitment process.

17:30 Ways to use social media to grab a coach’s attention.

24:15 Why two-way players are a growing asset for college programs.

27:00 How NIL is reshaping opportunities in college baseball.

33:30 Advice for high school players navigating the recruiting process.

40:00 Why transparency is critical among players, parents, and coaches.

47:45 What parents should and shouldn’t do to support their athletes.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Karl Nonemaker: @knonemak

Ever wondered what you need to excel at hitting, both physically and mentally? In this episode, I’m joined by renowned hitting coach Benny Craig, founder of Feel Good Hitting. He shares his strategies for developing hitters through an individualized approach, combining mechanics, mindset, and MORE. We also dive into lessons from legends like Ted Williams, Sadaharu Oh, and Kobe Bryant. Tune in to learn how to sync your breathing with your swing, and develop a powerful hitting approach that goes beyond the basics.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 The mindset that sets elite athletes apart.

04:00 Meet Benny Craig, personal Big League hitting coach.

07:15 Lessons from Ted Williams and Sadaharu Oh that every hitter should know.

16:30 Ted Williams’ three golden rules for hitting success.

21:30 What’s missing in high school that prepares athletes for the next level?

30:00 Two must-know breathing techniques to improve hitting performance.

39:30 What are the pillars of great hitting?

47:30 How to create consistency with feedback and game-speed training.

55:15 What separates great hitters like Aaron Judge from the rest.

01:01:45 The mindset and work ethic that made Ted Williams and Kobe Bryant legends.

01:08:45 Who is a hitter young players should watch to improve their game?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more from Benny HERE

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Benny Craig: @bennycraig

What separates a good prospect from a great one? In this episode, I am joined by Mike Wagner, the National Crosschecker for the New York Yankees, to share ways your son can stand out in the scouting process. He breaks down the role of technology and analytics, the difference between on-field and off-field makeup, and tips on choosing the right coaches and programs for youth players. He also shares the challenges of transitioning into professional play. Get ready to know what scouts are really looking for!

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Mike Wagner, National Crosschecker for the New York Yankees.

06:30 When do scouts start evaluating young players?

10:30 What is on-field vs off-field makeup in scouting?

16:15 How scouts and directors collaborate to find the next MLB stars.

25:15 How teams evaluate player performance.

31:30 Should young players specialize in one sport?

35:30 The difference between a player's skills vs top-end potential.

44:00 What is the 20-80 player grading scale?

54:30 Advice for youth players on choosing the right team and coach.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Mike Wagner: @michaelwagner

What does it really take to defy the odds, going from an overlooked underdog to an MLB player? In this episode, I sit down with former MLB pitcher, Dallas Braden. We break down what good representation in the MLB draft really looks like, and the challenges of being an overlooked prospect. Dallas shares the mindset, lessons, and advice that shaped his Major League Baseball career and transformed his approach on the mound. He also opens up about the impact of his grandmother's unwavering support and the lessons parents need to hear about setting realistic expectations to manage the player’s pressures of travel ball. Tune in to learn how to rise above systemic challenges and adversity.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Dallas Braden, former MLB pitcher.

05:00 What advice transformed your approach to pitching?

10:00 Why junior college was a "launching pad" for Dallas’ career.

16:15 Advice for parents on setting realistic expectations.

22:30 How parents' behavior affects a player’s future.

25:00 What good representation in the MLB draft really looks like.

31:30 The mindset that turns an underdog into a Major League pitcher.

38:00 The story behind Dallas’ perfect game on Mother’s Day.

44:45 What parents need to know about managing travel ball schedules.

54:45 Who should young players watch to learn how to play the game the right way?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Dallas Braden: @the209mayor

What really makes a baseball player thrive? Is it raw talent, hard work, or a bit of both? In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Mayo, a renowned expert in the MLB draft, minor leagues, and scouting. We dive into the evolution of scouting since COVID, the pros and cons of hybrid draft models, and the role of the MLB combine. Jonathan also shares insights from his book, which dives into the origin stories of baseball's unexpected stars like Joey Votto, Jacob deGrom, and Albert Pujols. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories that will change the way you view baseball development.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Jonathan Mayo, expert in the MLB draft, minor leagues, and scouting.

08:00 How has scouting changed since COVID?

13:30 Is the MLB draft combine worth it for players?

17:45 How to create draft and minor league prospect rankings.

22:00 The origin stories of baseball's unexpected stars.

26:45 What makes MLB teams excel at player development.

33:00 Why is raw talent not enough?

37:45 How minor league top 30 rankings are created.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Get your copy of Jonathan’s book “Smart, Wrong, and Lucky: The Origin Stories of Baseball's Unexpected Stars” HERE

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Jonathan Mayo: @jonathanmayob3

What drives elite performance? Today, I speak with Harvey Martin, former Human Performance Coach for the San Francisco Giants. He shares how he overcame anxiety and the yips as a professional baseball player to become a leader in human performance coaching. We break down the critical connection between physiology and psychology in achieving peak performance. Plus, we unpack how breathing techniques enhance athletic performance, regulate emotions, and unlock untapped potential. Tune in to learn breathing exercises that boost your game! 

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Harvey Martin, former Human Performance Coach for the San Francisco Giants.

04:00 Harvey’s journey from collegiate baseball to the Milwaukee Brewers.

15:30 Breathing exercises to boost athletic performance at any level.

23:00 The physiological impacts between nasal and mouth breathing.

42:30 How has breathwork reshaped your life and coaching philosophy?

51:30 Advice for young players to handle pro baseball’s mental and physical demands.

56:30 What is your baseball coaching approach?

01:01:00 Strategies for creating open communication between players and coaches.

01:04:45 How can high school or college players better prepare for pro baseball?

01:19:00 How to overcome psychological challenges as an athlete transitioning out of their sports career.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Get your copy of Harvey’s book “Without Words” HERE

Learn more about Harvey HERE

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Harvey Martin: @harveyjmartin

What makes a championship team? In this episode, I sit down with Bill Geivett, former Senior VP of Major League Operations for the Colorado Rockies, to uncover the mindset, strategy, and systems behind elite performance. We dive into the evolving role of data in baseball, the balance between analytics and on-the-ground scouting, and the high stakes decision-making process in professional sports. He also introduces an innovative platform designed to transform how athletes, teams, and fans connect. Get ready to elevate your game to the next level!

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Level up your game with former GM, Bill Geivett.

02:15 How data and analytics have transformed baseball.

08:30 The high stakes involved in making professional sports decisions.

15:15 What parents and players need to know about the draft process.

22:00 How minor league development aligns with major league goals.

26:45 What defines a great teammate?

30:45 What made you write “Do You Want to Work in Baseball?”.

41:45 How to prepare your mindset to thrive in Major League Baseball.

46:45 The app designed to revolutionize social connections in sports.

54:00 Bill’s long-term mission for youth sports.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Get your copy of Bill’s book “Do You Want to Work in Baseball?” HERE

Download the IMA Team app HERE

Learn more about IMA Team HERE

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Bill Geivett: @geivettbill