What does it really take to land an endorsement deal? In this episode, I sit down with Charley Stobbs, U.S. Sports Marketing Director for Adidas Baseball and Football, to break down the business of branding & sponsorships in sports — including the differences between NIL in baseball vs. football, how social media is reshaping athlete branding, and what young players need to do to build real marketing value. We talk about how brands like Adidas select their athletes, and why performance matters more than just hype. Charley also shares why East Coast Pro is a must-attend event, what brands look for beyond talent, and how sponsorship deals have evolved in today’s game.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Charley Stobbs, U.S. Sports Marketing Director for Adidas Baseball and Football.

07:30 How has athlete marketing changed with social media?

12:45 What Adidas looks for when signing players to sponsorship deals.

18:00 What athletes need to know about brand partnerships beyond wearing the gear.

24:00 How brands strategize around signing athletes with All-Star potential.

27:00 How player brand transitions happen when switching from one major brand to another.

29:45 The underrated factor that can make or break an athlete’s brand potential.

33:45 Advice for young athletes looking to land a brand deal.

38:00 When should parents start thinking about athlete branding for their kids?

44:30 What young players should focus on instead of social media hype.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Charley Stobbs: @cstobbs2

Pitching development has changed dramatically over the last decade. In this episode, I am joined by Tyler Zombro, the Special Assistant to the Cubs Pitching Director. We talk about the biggest developments in pitching – why velocity isn’t everything, how pitch shapes and biomechanics change the way pitchers train, and how organizations like the Cubs use data to maximize every arm in their system. Plus, we dive into the critical aspect of transparency between teams and players, the mistakes players and parents are making in youth baseball, and what free agents need to consider before signing with a team. 

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 What are the controllables that determine pitching success?

06:15 The mental shift that pitchers must make to survive in pro baseball.

10:30 The turning point that made Tyler realize he wanted to help other pitchers succeed.

17:00 What happens when a pitcher walks into Tread Athletics for the first time?

20:15 The difference between private pitching development vs MLB front office.

28:00 One thing every free agent should demand from teams before signing.

36:30 Why the right organization matters more than the signing bonus.

43:00 How minor adjustments in pitch usage turned pitchers into multi-millionaires.

47:45 The risks of forcing mechanical changes that don’t fit a pitcher’s body.

50:00 What parents of young pitchers need to stop doing immediately.

52:00 The surprising pitch that’s dominating modern baseball.

53:15 The pitching metric that reveals if a pitcher will succeed in the big leagues.

58:15 When is the right age for a player to start throwing a breaking ball?

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Tyler Zombro: @t_zombro42

The jump from amateur baseball to the big leagues is bigger than most people realize. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Keoni DeRenne, Assistant Major League Hitting Coach for the Kansas City Royals, to break down the realities of making it to the pros. He shares the hidden struggles of big leaguers and what truly separates them from everyone else. We talk about what parents need to do differently when talking to their kids about the game, how young players should structure their training, and what every aspiring pro needs to be thinking about NOW if they want to make it.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 The common pitfall parents make when coaching their kids after a game.

07:30 How has baseball changed over the last 15-20 years?

12:15 The hardest part about transitioning from playing to coaching in the big leagues.

17:45 How does music impact player performance and mindset?

22:30 The best way to approach players struggling with performance slumps.

29:15 How parents can support their kids in baseball without adding pressure.

35:15 How can players develop a drill package from tee work to live BP?

40:00 What mindset and process does it really take to make it to the big leagues?

45:45 What are the biggest challenges for youth and travel baseball players from Hawaii?

53:45 How former Hawaiian pros stay connected and mentor the next generation.

56:15 The one thing every aspiring major leaguer should pay attention to.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn more at aligndsports.com

Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE

FOLLOW

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

Keoni DeRenne: @kepony__derenne

What defines a winning player from the rest? In this episode, I’m joined again by World Series Champion and MLB All-Star Kurt Suzuki for part two of our conversation. We break down what it takes to develop a winning mindset that opens up doors to opportunity, both in baseball and in life. Kurt shares his wisdom as a player, coach, and parent in creating positive team chemistry to navigate the decision-making process of youth baseball and the business of baseball. Tune in to discover the traits and habits young players need to succeed!

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 The biggest benefits of building college team culture.

06:45 Why team chemistry remains critical (even at the professional level).

12:45 Josh Donaldson’s transition from catcher to third baseman.

21:00 How Kurt went from MLB player to front office leadership.

29:00 The ideal role of parents in supporting young athletes.

33:45 Why being coachable and open-minded transforms a player’s career.

36:00 What players need to know about the business side of baseball.

44:30 Advice for parents and players navigating the business of baseball.

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 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