The Advocate Podcast

Matt Hannaford
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The Advocate Podcast

I’m Matt Hannaford, a former collegiate baseball player turned agent to some of the game’s best Major League Players and this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the world of Major League Baseball and the road to get there. In this podcast, we’ll go behind the scenes with players, parents, scouts, front office executives, team doctors and more, each pulling back the curtain on the business of baseball. Get ready as we immerse ourselves into the world of baseball like never before and give you everything you will need to support your athlete on his journey from travel baseball to the Big Leagues.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    The Science and Soul of Hitting: Personal Big League Hitting Coach Benny Craig on Mindset, Mechanics, and Development

    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

    1h 21m

  2. 17 DEC

    How Your Son Can Become More Valuable in the MLB Draft with the National Crosschecker for the New York Yankees, Mike Wagner

    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

    59 min

  3. 10 DEC

    Dallas Braden on How to Get to the Big Leagues When You’re Not a Top Prospect

    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

    1h 2m

  4. 3 DEC

    Inside MLB Scouting, Draft Models, and Player Development with Jonathan Mayo

    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

    44 min

  5. 26 NOV

    The Power of Breath: Enhancing Performance in Youth Baseball with Major League Human Performance Coach, Harvey Martin

    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

    1h 24m

  6. 19 NOV

    The Front Office Perspective: Insights from Former GM, Bill Geivett

    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

    1h 5m

  7. 12 NOV

    Navigating the NIL Landscape with Former NCAA Investigator and Current NIL Attorney, Tim Nevius

    Are NIL deals a huge opportunity or a legal headache for student-athletes? In this episode, I sit down with Tim Nevius, former NCAA Investigator and current NIL Attorney, to unpack the evolving landscape of NIL – Name, Image, and Likeness – in college sports. Tim shares tips with college athletes and families about the complexities of NIL deals. We break down the latest developments in college sports reform, including NIL collectives, brand partnerships, and revenue sharing, and how these changes affect student-athletes at both high school and collegiate levels. Get ready to make smart and balanced decisions in the NIL space.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Tim’s journey from college athlete to athletes’ rights advocate. 07:45 The current state and legal evolution of NIL in college sports. 10:45 Common misconceptions about collectives vs. NIL brand deals. 14:15 How can athletes protect their eligibility while maximizing NIL opportunities? 17:30 Advice for parents on protecting their children’s eligibility. 25:15 One major factor brands consider in NIL deals. 30:15 Red flags athletes and families should watch for in NIL contracts. 36:00 Why young athletes must prepare for tax responsibilities and seek financial guidance. 41:00 What's your advice for student-athletes figuring out NIL?   RESOURCES LINKS Learn more about Nevius Legal HERE Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE   FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford Tim Nevius: @timnevius Tim Nevius Email: [email protected]

    46 min

  8. 5 NOV

    Mental Skills for the Next Generation of Athletes with Sean O'Brien

    In the highly competitive world of youth sports, how can players get mentally prepared to reach their highest potential? In this episode, I’m joined by Sean O’Brien, founder of HeadTop Performance, to talk about the mental skills that set great athletes apart. He shares proven strategies for handling pressure, reframing failure, and creating routines that boost confidence. We also dive into the mindset shifts that separate pros from amateurs, daily habits for consistency, and tips for athletes and parents to build and support mental strength from a young age. Tune in to discover tools to build a mindset that drives athletes to their peak performance.   HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 What is it like to work with athletes on mental performance? 04:45 The standard mindset that defines top athletes in sports and life. 07:00 Tools for overcoming failure and pressure at showcases. 10:30 How commitments to yourself impact sports and life success. 13:00 Reflection exercises for athletes after games and showcases. 16:15 Tools that prepare athletes mentally for peak performance. 19:15 One common pitfall players rarely recognize early in their careers. 24:00 How to balance motivation and commitment. 25:30 How reverse engineering helps athletes reach their ultimate potential. 30:30 The mindset that separates professionals from amateurs. 34:00 What is your advice to parents on supporting their children’s athletic journey? 40:30 How to handle adversity and reframe negative situations. 42:45 How young athletes start building mental discipline early. RESOURCES LINKS Learn more about Sean O’Brien and HeadTop Performance HERE Learn more at aligndsports.com Book a 1:1 Consultation HERE FOLLOW Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

    53 min
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Trailer

About

I’m Matt Hannaford, a former collegiate baseball player turned agent to some of the game’s best Major League Players and this podcast is your go-to source for navigating the world of Major League Baseball and the road to get there. In this podcast, we’ll go behind the scenes with players, parents, scouts, front office executives, team doctors and more, each pulling back the curtain on the business of baseball. Get ready as we immerse ourselves into the world of baseball like never before and give you everything you will need to support your athlete on his journey from travel baseball to the Big Leagues.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Hannaford
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    Alignd©
  • Show Website
    The Advocate Podcast

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