The Baseball and Business Podcast

With the MLB Draft in less than 2 weeks, we've compiled 42 years of MLB playing experience wisdom and condensed it into 10 minutes. These 3 former players together have a trophy case full of accolades but are much more than just great players. They are all great people which is demonstrated by their willingness to selflessly share from their playing journey on the podcast.We've pulled out the best couple minutes from past guests to make this unique episode. Here is a quick summary from each clip...1. Dale Murphy shares 3 necessary elements he believes need to come together in order to have a long big league career. Over his 18 year big league career, he hammered 398 home runs while winning back to back NL MVPs, making 7 All-Star game appearances, winning 5 Gold Gloves and 4 Silver Slugger Awards. A beloved Brave, his number 3 is retired and still holds 13 franchise records. To listen to the entire episode with Dale, you can listen to Episode 66.2. Michael Barrett shared the importance of developing beyond the mechanics of baseball in order to become the best player possible and give yourself the best chance at having a long career. He also shares a humbling story from a Home Opener while playing with the Expos which demonstrates why resilience is a must have skill.Over his 12 year big league career, he was the battery mate of Greg Maddux, Jake Peavy and Kerry Wood among many others. He also was an offensive weapon winning a Silver Slugger Award in 2005 while collecting 925 career hits. To listen to the entire episode with Michael, you can listen to Episode 68.3. Russ Ortiz shared some wisdom from his baseball journey where he won a College World Series at the University of Oklahoma in 1994 before going on to a successful big league career where he would pitch in the World Series in 2002 with the San Francisco Giants.He developed from a prospect in the Giants organization after being drafted in the 4th round to a successful 12 year MLB career. This included winning 113 games over his career and was named an All-Star in 2003 while taking home the NL win title with a 21 game win season. To listen to the entire episode with Russ, you can listen to Episode 52.

Former pro player Rickey Hill shares from his incredible story which has been turned into a movie called The Hill releasing August 25 starring Dennis Quaid and Colin Ford.He shares of being born with a degenerative spinal disease yet went on to play four seasons in the minor leagues with the Montreal Expos on Episode 70. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation with Rickey as well as producer Jeff Celentano…1. How Rickey and producer Jeff Celentano persevered over 17 years in the ups and down to fund the production and what led to the breakthrough moment to be able to get this story out for all to see2. How Rickey earned a second chance at a pro tryout which ultimately led to getting signed by the Expos3.  Why you should go see the movie opening weekend August 25-27Rickey's story shows that the obstacle which work against you can ultimately be used for a purpose bigger than yourself by inspiring others to reimagine what is possible when they face seemingly impossible scenarios.To learn more about the movie, you can visit thehillmov.com or the Instagram page.

Former D1 college player Willie Shaw shares from his journey launching his career with NASA to currently living in Nashville working for a VC backed tech startup while songwriting and singing on Episode 69. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation…1. Why he chose to get a knowledge based Bachelor's degree and combined it with a specific skill based Master's degree in Accounting 2.  How he used networking to get his foot in the door to launch his career working with NASA3.  He pivoted by taking a risk moving to Nashville to pursue songwriting and singing, why he turned down being on the hit show The Voice and how this led to getting signed by CAA 4. Willie shares about his role at Remedy Technology, a VC backed tech firm, which is solving a niche challenge in the music industry and has landed Big Machine and Big Loud Records as clients Willie's story shows how taking calculated risks allows pursuing dreams to happen now versus hoping to go for it one day.To connect with Willie, you can find him on LinkedIn or his website at willieshawmusic.com.

Former big league vet and Silver Slugger Award winner Michael Barrett shares from his 12 year MLB playing career, coaching in the Nationals organization and getting into business afterwards on Episode 68.Here are some of the highlights from our conversation…1. The setbacks he faced in the initial years after making it to big leagues by 21 after being a 1st round pick out of high school and how he overcame them to have a long big league career. He includes the detailed story of making two costly errors on Opening Day 2000 in front of 52,000 fans as well as being demoted to AAA later in the season.2. How current players can navigate playing in an analytics driven world without selling out who they naturally are as a baseball player3. While Michael eventually established himself as a catcher, he played between third and catching in the early days of his big league career. He shares how he finds himself in a similar spot today in business wearing multiple hats running the Georgia Roadrunners travel ball program and acquiring his real estate and insurance license only a few years removed from coaching for the Nationals.4. The trap of comparison and why it is imperative to focus on running your own race whether it be in baseball or businessMichael's story shows how to go beyond simply realizing a dream by achieving long term success within that dream. To connect with Michael, you can find him on LinkedIn or his website at barrettbaseball.com.

Former pro baseball player Bob Wheatley shares from his journey to becoming an author and specializing in working with individuals on their personal brand after his playing career at USC and in the minor leagues on Episode 67.Here are some of the highlights from our conversation…1. What Bob did to go beyond what was required which allowed him to maximize his potential and get drafted by the Blue Jays out of college despite not being an All-American or All-Conference pitcher2. Why Bob turned what could be deemed failure in not achieving his ultimate dream to become a big leaguer into the foundational idea for writing his book, Our Hearts' Desire3. The outline of the three main acts of storytelling and why he referenced hit movies to demonstrate how this common storyline can be found in our own life  4. The key formula to attracting attention in order to create fans of you and/or your businessBob's story shows the power of vulnerability and finding a lesson to learn from every situation on and off the field.To connect with Bob, you can find him on LinkedIn or his website at bobwheatley.com.

2x NL MVP and 7x All-Star Dale Murphy shares from his 19 year big league career, leading his family and using his story to help corporations implement the success principles he's lived out on Episode 66.Here are some of the highlights from our conversation…1. How Dale and his wife Nancy were highly intentional in their relationship and parenting which led to success not just on the field but also raising their 8 children 2. A story of a big league vet having a difficult conversation with him early in his career during a slump and the importance of leaders speaking up3. Why Dale has not gone at it alone in his business ventures whether it be his restaurant, speaking engagements or MVP experiences4. The unique MVP experience he is co-leading tailored specifically for business leadersDale's story shows that winning in one aspect of life doesn't have to come at the expense of others.To connect with Dale and learn more about his ventures, you can find him on LinkedIn or his website at dalemurphy.com.

Former pro baseball player Dylan Rheault shares from his time on the mound and afterwards working for an athlete centric company along with starting his own company on Episode 65.Here are some of the highlights from our conversation…1. How treating baseball like a job led to Dylan to adding velocity in pro ball which topped out at 99 mph2. Why the fastest way to turning the page as a pro athlete is to understand you can develop into being a professional in a different aspect within business3. How Shift Group is helping former pro, Olympic and college athletes land sales jobs with companies nationwide interested in the innate skills of a high level athlete4. The problem Dylan faced trying to get clothes as a lean 6'9" guy and the solution he created for himself which led to starting a niche company helping others with 6 foot plus lean bodiesDylan's story shows the value of creating a solution to address a specific problem.To connect with Dylan, you can find him on LinkedIn.

This month's episode will give you the chance to hear a recent conversation between current & former pro & college baseball players discussing the future of Baseball and Business heading into 2023 on Episode 64.Here are key sections from our conversation…1. The unique challenges baseball players face in business2. The quick history of Baseball and Business3.  The future of Baseball and Business4.  How you can get involved by joining this exclusive network of current & former pro & college baseball playersIf you prefer to watch this conversation, go to BaseballtoBusiness.com to see the video and presentation.

Former big leaguer Brandon Beachy shares how switching to pitching led to making it to the highest level and what led to starting a business through the franchise model as his next step after playing on Episode 63.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How Brandon's decision to pivot from a being .300 hitter in college to exclusively focusing on pitching led to getting signed by the Atlanta Braves as a non-drafted free agent and ultimately a big league career2.  The biggest leadership lesson he learned playing under Hall of Fame Manager Bobby Cox3.  How the characteristics of a high level athlete aligned for him to pursue a path in starting a business through the franchise model as well as a consulting practice to help others especially athletes interested in finding the right franchise business 4.  What baseball players need to perceive from their playing experience to communicate their value when making the transition into businessBrandon's story shows the power of an opportunity and going all in on it.To connect with Brandon, you can find him on LinkedIn or can email him at BBeachy@FranChoice.com.

Former college player Kevin Kowalke shares how after building a successful mortgage business for 20 years he made a cross country move and teamed up with a long time friend to pivot into consulting on Episode 62.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Kevin and Luke chat about their paths crossing about a decade ago and how this sparked Baseball and Business to launch2.  Kevin shares why the traditional definition of success is often limiting and how through his journey he's been able to get better clarity on what is possible in the big picture3.  Kevin talks about the toughest challenge he faced going through a painful divorce and how he was able to be better after going through it not only in business but now as a husband and father to two children after getting remarried 4.  Kevin explains why he decided to pivot into consulting after 20 years in the mortgage industry and his advice for anyone else who is considering making a career transitionKevin's story shows that life is a journey of peaks and valleys which have lessons to learn in both places.To connect with Kevin, you can find him on LinkedIn or text him at 414-315-5555.

Former big leaguer Dirk Hayhurst shares on Episode 61 how he became a New York Times best selling author writing four books, battled anxiety when getting the ultimate call up and his journey on the other side of playing. Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Why writing is the most useful tip he recommends in helping process outcomes on the field and how he saw Roy Halladay do the same as a teammate2. How he was struck with anxiety when initially called up to the big leagues and getting a shot as a broadcaster on national TV and what he focused on to seek calming his nerves3. Why athletes struggle with identity issues when playing ends and why he suggests understanding skill sets and likes versus resurrecting identity in a new career4. His advice for former players navigating the interview process and how to best communicate the experiences baseball provides to stand out against other applicantsDirk's story shows that life is an never ending process of reinventing yourself.To connect with Dirk, you can visit his website at dirkhayhurst.com or find him on LinkedIn.

Former college player James "J.R." Reid shares on Episode 60 how he is helping big leaguers and high level business professionals navigate the pressure it takes to succeed at the top as a peak performance coach.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Several stories as a D1 baseball player, mentoring athletes while getting his J.D. and MBA at LSU and working as an agent to pro baseball players which give perspective on how to avoid pitfalls and make decisions that get you closer to your desired outcomes2. The process current players should use when deciding who work with as key advising relationships such as agents, attorneys, financial advisors, etc.3. Why he believes understanding your own core values and vision are key to being equipped to make decisions not just as a baseball player but in every aspect of life4. The three areas of life which must be aligned in order to perform at your highest levelJ.R.'s story shows how making the right decisions over a long period of time is how to get to where you are desiring to go.To connect with J.R., you can visit his website at jamesreid.com or on LinkedIn. Additionally, his podcast Coming Up Clutch with J.R. can be heard on all major platforms and comingupclutch.com.

Former pro player Keenan Long shares on Episode 59 how his company LongBall Labs is helping big league hitters maximize exit velocity by taking guessing out of the equation for when it comes to choosing their gamers.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How a conversation with Joe Girardi in college influenced the trajectory of Keenan's future as a baseball player and engineering student2. How Keenan's experiment with former MLB player Adam Rosales led to creating LongBall Labs3. A story of how Jed Lowrie's use of LongBall Labs assisted in getting the A's a win in a specific at bat this season4. The rule in baseball Keenan learned has the least amount of application in businessKeenan's story shows how seeing beyond what currently exists in the marketplace may be what leads to a breakthrough.To connect with Keenan, you can reach him through their Twitter page @longballlabs1 or by calling/texting 773-870-1968.

Former San Francisco Giants prospect Jeff Burke shares how he successfully transitioned into the business world starting his career with a global company on Episode 58.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How not being able to play baseball for the first time having Tommy John surgery led to valuable perspective that benefited him within and beyond the game 2. How Jeff's blog to help his grandma keep up to date on his pro ball career led to an offseason internship and the importance of building relationships3. Why baseball players shouldn't overlook the discipline it takes to play at a high level and how this directly applies in the business world to set yourself apart from others while trying to get your career off the ground4. The importance of understanding being young in business compared to being an older baseball prospect when exiting the gameJeff's story shows the importance of having a long term focus when developing a career on the field or in business.To connect with Jeff, you can find him on LinkedIn. 

Current Tampa Bay Rays prospect and 2019 4th Round Draft Pick Graeme Stinson shares how he has co-founded athlete-centric data storage company StatStak while playing pro ball on Episode 57.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How an arm injury and the 2020 college season being cancelled led Graeme and his former college teammate Eli Herrick to launch StatStak2. How his experience playing under Coach Pollard at Duke helped formulate the mindset to overcome whatever challenges he has faced as a baseball player and businessman3. How Graeme believes current pro players can best make use of their time in the off-season4. What Graeme wants every player who will be drafted in the future to know before they begin their pro ball careerGraeme's story shows how negative situations can be turned into opportunities with the right perspective and actions.To connect with Graeme, you can find him on LinkedIn or by email at graeme@statstak.io. To learn more about StatStak, visit the website at statstak.io.

Former D1 college player Jim Convertino shares how he has built a business which now has 700+ pro athletes and entertainers as clients on Episode 56.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Why Jim believes focusing on becoming great at something leads to passion and is how he launched his professional career after graduating from Siena College2. How the first 15 years of providing consistency with his high touch service model in the insurance industry allowed him to build a niche working with professional athletes and entertainers over the past 15 years of his career3. Why Jim suggests those in a sales role should become the go to for products or services beyond what they sell4. Jim's advice for any former players looking to leverage their experience and knowledge of the game in their career after playingJim's story shows how building the ideal business takes having vision and daily action over many years.To connect with Jim, you can find him on LinkedIn or by email at jconvertino@mcgowanpae.com. To learn more about his firm, visit their website at mcgowaninsurance.com.

Former MLB and KBO player Xavier Scruggs shares how baseball set the table for him to launch his second career in sports media on Episode 55.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Why Xavier felt media was the perfect outlet for his second career which has had him working for ESPN, MLB Network Radio and hosting his own podcast2. Xavier's mindset as he persevered through 6 seasons between A and AA before making it to AAA which then led to his MLB debut that same season3. Xavier and his wife's experience overseas including the challenges of a new team, league and culture4. The impact Xavier is making on the next generation of athletes with the goal of long term career development in any field not just sports through Xtraordinary Athletes Xavier's story shows the importance of having a vision and taking the actions necessary to follow through on it.To connect with Xavier, you can find him on LinkedIn or on Instagram @xavier_scruggs. To learn more about Xtraordinary Athletes, visit www.xoathletes.com.

Former pitcher in the Milwaukee Brewers organization and at the University of Miami Javi Salas shares how baseball has been the precursor to bigger things in business on Episode 54.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Why Javi returned for his senior year after being drafted by the Twins as a junior and how this led to a historic night throwing only the 23rd perfect game at the D1 level.2. Why Javi debated following through on the full time job offer he had already accepted in the fall of his senior year after being drafted by the Brewers in the 10th round as a senior.3. How Javi articulated the relevance of his baseball experience within business while applying to MBA programs.4. Why Javi decided the pandemic in 2020 created the perfect timing to leave his full time job to pursue his MBA after getting accepted to one of the top programs in the country at Duke University.Javi's story shows how baseball can be the springboard to success beyond the diamond.To connect with Javi, you can find him on LinkedIn or Twitter @Feliz_Javidad.

2009 World Series champion and former New York Yankees Director of Strength, Conditioning and Performance Coach Dana Cavalea is the featured guest for Episode 53, our last episode of 2020.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation... 1. How after playing one year of college baseball Dana realized his most likely path to the majors wasn't going to be as a player which led to an internship and eventually full time job with the Yankees2. Behind the scenes stories of Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera's routines during their playing career that made them high performers consistently3. Why he wrote Habits of a Champion in an easy read 15 short stories format from interactions with Yankees greats and businesspeople along his life4. Why Dana suggests drowning out the noise of what other people are doing and instead answering specific questions he poses going into 2021Dana's story shows champions are made through focusing on being consistent.To learn more about Dana, visit his website at danacavalea.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Former MLB All-Star Russ Ortiz shares from his 12 year big league career and how he went on to start a business, 2GG Apparel, around his passion for golf afterwards on Episode 52. Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. The common trait Dusty Baker, Bobby Cox, Bruce Bochy and Joe Torre shared as managers that empowered Russ and his teammates to succeed on the field2. Why Russ and his wife chose to live as if every contract was the last one and the importance of building a strong financial team to create a long term plan3. Why Russ chose to invest time being involved within the San Francisco community right out of the gates and continued to do so wherever he played throughout his career4. The story behind turning his passion for golf into 2GG Apparel after finishing playing which uses all of the profits to fund charitable causes meaningful to their familyRuss' story shows what it takes to create success in every aspect of life.To learn more about 2GG Apparel, visit 2GGApparel.com.

Former college player and Founder of Baseball and Business Luke Melms shares the vision for the future of B&B through a few updates on Episode 51. Here are a few of the highlights...1. Luke shares how COVID-19 while a negative event has allowed for an internship to develop for a few college baseball players within Baseball and Business and the opportunity available for this to expand2. Luke shares what has been going on behind the scenes to develop the opportunity for more engagement within the community3. The next possible evolution for the podcast to alternate between the traditional format and a live format 4. The opportunity for you to share any feedback on how Baseball and Business can become better.I want to thank everyone for the support that has allowed us to get to 50 episodes. I wanted to use a brief episode to recognize this about creating opportunities for everyone involved. While I've been the one leading Baseball and Business, it is anything but something revolving around me. I look forward to hearing from you after listening to this week's episode.  

Former pro player Brian McAfee shares from his experiences as a student-athlete at Cornell and Duke before being drafted by the Rays and now working at Nike as a Data Scientist on Episode 50. Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Brian talks about how he juggled the heavy workload as a student-athlete at Cornell and Duke2. Brian shares his underdog story of being drafted out of Duke in the 38th round by the Rays3. Brian speaks to how he navigated finding his first job out of baseball to land at adidas which then also led to his current position as a Data Scientist at Nike4. Why he co-founded Walk-Off Analytics and created the Seqnzr product to provide quantitative feedback on lineup optimization to baseball teams in order to maximize run productionBrian's story shows how important it is to go all in wherever you are at. Click here to connect with Brian on LinkedIn.To learn more about the Seqnzr product through Walk-Off Analytics, visit seqnzr.com.

Former pro player Branden Berry shares how his dream of playing in the big leagues evolved into helping pro and amateur hitters get an edge working for Axe Bat on Episode 49. Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Branden talks about his competitive mindset going into playing at the University of Washington and how it helped earn the opportunity to start as a Freshman2. Branden shares why he re-enrolled in school within hours of being released by the Marlins3. Branden describes how he turned an internship at Blast Motion into a full-time job within a handful of months after proving himself4. Branden shares how he got his current job at Axe Bat and why Mookie Betts and other MLB stars are swinging the bat challenging the status quo of how baseball bats are madeBranden's story shows the importance of being able to pivot when new opportunities are ahead.Click here to connect with Branden on LinkedIn.To learn more about Axe Bat, visit axebat.com or @axebat on Instagram and Twitter.We've teamed up to create a special promotion to give the listeners 20% off any non-sale products on AxeBat.com. Use Business20 at checkout to receive the discount. Thanks to Branden and the Axe Bat team for making this happen!

Former MLB player Jim "The Rookie" Morris shares from his incredible story which Disney turned into a movie and the insurmountable odds he has once again overcome beating Parkinson's since the movie came out on Episode 48. Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Jim talks about his difficult first stint in pro ball which led to pursuing teaching and coaching and how a bet he made with his high school baseball players propelled him to earn a second chance at pro ball as a 35 year old2. He shares the valuable lessons veteran teammates Wade Boggs, Fred McGriff and others shared and the importance of finding those who believe in your dreams3. Jim shares his Parkinson's diagnosis after baseball and his miraculous defeat of the disease which his neurologist has never seen 4. Jim talks about his journey as public speaker and the release of his brand new book Dream Makers which will help you learn how to be your best from surrounding yourself with the bestJim's story shows the importance of finding the right teammates in life and not allowing others to put limitations on what is possible.Click here to connect with Jim on LinkedIn.Get 30% off a signed copy of his book by clicking the link and ordering today.dreammakersbook.com/signed-copy

Dave Stevens shares his remarkable story as a legless college athlete who also had the chance to play independent league baseball for the St. Paul Saints on Episode 47. Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...0:52 Dave describes the challenges he faced growing up without legs in Arizona and the resilience he gained from overcoming these trials16:16 Dave recounts his tryout for USA Baseball in 1983 on the same field with some of the best talent in the nation at the time including Barry Bonds and Oddibe McDowell20:00 Dave talks about his experience playing independent league baseball which included a pinch-hit AB for Darryl Strawberry22:45 Dave describes the development of his career in broadcasting which eventually led to accepting a job at ESPN where he was awarded 7 Sports Emmy Awards over his careerDave's story clearly shows the importance of focusing on the strengths you do have versus the attributes you don't.Click here to connect with Dave on LinkedIn. You can also visit his website at davestevensspeaks.com to learn more about Dave and access all his social media channels.

Former MLB player Casper Wells V shares from his 10 year pro ball career and journey afterwards building a career in business on Episode 46. Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. What Casper's first call up taught him and allowed him to thrive hitting over .300 his first year in the big leagues2. How Casper mentally prepared every day when in a platoon situation 3. How going back to finish his degree at age 30 allowed Casper to get focused on the long term outlook of his career before getting into the business world4. How the advice of a former college teammate helped Casper figure out medical sales would be a great path to pursue after finishing schoolCasper's story shows the importance of being prepared for new opportunities especially when they arise unexpectedly.Click here to connect with Casper on LinkedIn or on Instagram @capwells.

Former MLB player Nick Hagadone shares from his 5 year big league career and how this taught him to focus on incremental growth which he has carried into business on Episode 45. Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How Nick went from barely pitching as a freshman to being a 1st round pick as a junior out of the University of Washington2. What it takes to be successful coming out of the bullpen in the big leagues3. Why Nick and his wife decided to start a business 18 months ago in one of the most competitive and crowded industries globally4. Why Nick believes working a full-time job and running the business on the side increases the odds of creating a sustainable business long term Nick's story shows the importance of having a long term mindset when it comes to reaching goals.Click here to connect with Nick on LinkedIn. To learn more about Nick's company, visit the website at launchcoffeeco.com or @launchcoffeeco on Instagram.

Former MLB pitching coach and pro player Rick Peterson takes us behind the scenes of constantly being on the cutting edge as a coach on Episode 44.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. What during Rick's college career piqued his interest in studying psychology 2. Rick selling Jerry Reinsdorf on investing into developing a sports psychology program which allowed him to co-direct it and coach Michael Jordan during his baseball stint 3. The real story behind Moneyball and Rick's practical use of analytics which gave his pitchers an edge4. How Rick turned his experiences into a book as well as speaking to corporations to help leaders reach peak performanceRick's story shows the importance of challenging the status quo and focusing on finding growth opportunities. Click here to connect with Rick on LinkedIn. To learn more about what Rick is up to and buy his book, visit his website at rickpetersoncoaching.com.

Former MLB player Daniel McCutchen shares how he maximized his opportunities while playing and how this set him up afterwards to start his own business on Episode 43.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Daniel's decision to take on a tough economics major while playing at the University of Oklahoma2. Daniel's journey overcoming those who doubted him to make it to the big leagues after being drafted in the 13th round3. Why Daniel created business cards as a baseball player even though he wasn't doing anything in business while he was playing4. Daniel's transition out of baseball into entrepreneurship starting and expanding Big League Car WashDaniel's story shows the power of believing in yourself. Click here to connect with Daniel on LinkedIn. To learn more about his business, visit their website at bigleaguecarwash.com.

Private hitting consultant and former pro player Kevin Wilson shares from his own playing journey and how this led to guiding some of the best hitters in Major League Baseball since 2007 on Episode 42.  Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How the challenges faced as a player created the desire to create an all-in-one solution between mechanics, the mental side of the game and balancing life for the next generation of hitters 2. Why Kevin literally goes on walks with his hitters to bring clarity3. Why he believes hitters are drowning information and need to "know thyself" more than anything 4. The importance of finding something beyond baseball to concentrate on away from the fieldKevin's story shows that your calling may be found in some of the hardest challenges you've walked through. Click here to connect with Kevin on LinkedIn. To learn more about him, visit his website at kwbaseball.com.

Stage 4 brain cancer survivor and former college player Chase Jones shares from his comeback story on the University of North Carolina baseball team and beyond on Episode 41.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How the motivation to return to campus and the baseball field were main drivers that kept Chase going through intense cancer treatments2. Why Chase believes every athlete should not overlook the platform they have3. How the leadership skills developed on the field led to creating the Vs. Cancer Foundation which has raised over $6 million to date and becoming President of the Wharton Graduate Association while getting his MBA at Wharton4. Why Chase decided to get his MBA and what others considering grad schools should consider before they pursue this pathChase's story shows that the biggest setbacks in life can be used to propel us forward if we persevere.Click here to connect with Chase on LinkedIn. You can also email him at a.chase.jones@gmail.com. To learn more about the Vs. Cancer Foundation, visit the website at vs-cancer.org.

Former college player Larry Long Jr. shares from his time on the field at the University of Maryland and rise through the tech space in business on Episode 40.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How Larry overcoming a 1 for 24 start as a freshman on his way to starting all 4 years and becoming a team captain prepared him to thrive in sales2. Why Larry believes outside of being a pro athlete sales is the best job an athlete can have3. What Larry does in leading a team as the Director of Team Sales at Teamworks to empower athletes and coaches through their platform4. Practical ideas each of us can participate in to see our country made up of different races move forward togetherLarry's story shows the importance of bringing high energy and a positive attitude everyday to your craft regardless of what happened yesterday.You can reach out to Larry on LinkedIn if you'd like to connect with him.

Former pro player Mike McCarthy shares how after a 6 year pro ball career that touched every minor league level he transitioned into becoming a coach at the AAA level with the Twins on Episode 39.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How Mike really put himself on the map his senior year in college which led to being drafted by the Red Sox in 20112. How Mike used most of his free time as a minor leaguer to complete an MBA program3. Why he got involved with Baseball Miracles which has taken him around the world sharing the game with children in under-served communities4. How proper preparation and developing a growth mindset played a pivotal role in landing a coaching job in pro ballMike's story shows the importance of focusing on making every environment walked into better.You can connect with Mike on LinkedIn or @mmccarthy35 on Twitter and Instagram. To learn more about Baseball Miracles, visit the website at baseballmiracles.org.

Former pro player Todd Blyleven shares how he used his baseball experiences and knowledge to create a career as a pro scout, employee for several large sports companies and now entrepreneur on Episode 38.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How Todd wrestled through several jobs after playing before becoming a pro scout for the Angels and Rockies that signed Troy Tulowitzki among many other MLB players2. Todd's advice for any player potentially being selected in the unique circumstances of this year's five round draft3. How Todd successfully transitioned into a corporate career around marketing and business development 4. How Todd used his background as a player, scout and sports business professional to recently launch The Scout Hub, a service giving amateur athletes the ability to be graded by pro scouts and coachesTodd's story shows the importance of not being complacent and being open to learning new things.You can connect with Todd on LinkedIn or contact him directly at info@thescouthub.com. To learn more about The Scout Hub, visit the website at thescouthub.com.

Current pro player Anthony Shew shares how he's climbed through the Cardinals organization and become a web developer along the way on Episode 37. Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation... 1. How Anthony's first pro ball paychecks led him to develop to a second skill set to make money on the journey to the big leagues 2. His story of being 1 of 400+ MiLB players "adopted" by a sponsor to receive financial support through the non-profit Adopt a Minor Leaguer 3. One of the most important investment choices every baseball player will make 4. Why Anthony believes doing something other than playing baseball makes him a better baseball player Anthony's story shows the power of going all in on developing a skill. Connect with Anthony on Instagram @anthonyshew. To learn more about Adopt a Minor Leaguer, visit the website at adoptaminorleaguer.com, follow on Instagram @adoptanmilbplayer or Twitter @adoptmilbplayer.

Former pro player Alex Farina shares how a line drive to the face abruptly ended his career and how he's bounced back in business on Episode 36.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How sending letters to every GM in baseball his senior year cracked the door to getting two workouts and eventually signing with the Brewers2. The unfortunate last pitch of his pro career that led to his mouth being wired shut for 4 weeks and forced him to put his attention 100% into business3. Why relationships are the most valuable asset and how he's landed each of his jobs 4. Alex's recommendation for anyone who is trying to figure out life after baseballAlex's story shows the importance of controlling the variables that can be controlled and letting go of everything else.To connect with Alex, you can find him on Twitter and Instagram @thealexfarina.

Former college player Tyler Scaturro shares how he began his business career working for Pocket Radar in the early startup days 8 years ago and how he's developed into a key player that has made it the established company it is today on Episode 35. Here are the highlights from our conversation... 1. How going the JUCO route out of high school helped setup stability on the field and classroom 2. How Tyler beat out other candidates despite having less experience to get his foot in the door at Pocket Radar which has developed into being the Brand Manager 3. How social media and marketing evolving while the product itself continuing to mature both have taught him the importance of testing 4. Why working for a startup can be an advantageous route for baseball players transitioning into business full-time Tyler's story shows the power of creating an opportunity and running with it. To learn more about Pocket Radar, visit their website at pocketradar.com or Instagram page @pocketradar.

Former pro player CJ Beatty shares how he used his God given talents and combined them with baseball after stepping off the field to build a business that's empowering the next generation to win on the field on Episode 34. Here are the highlights from our conversation... 1. CJ's perspective on how to be prepared to transition from college to pro ball 2. How CJ's voice was the spark to the global brand The Baseball Motivator has become 3. Why CJ added making music to his brand and how he's grown to having 500k+ streams 4. How Richard Petty and Evander Holyfield's brand manager recently became CJ's brand manager CJ's story shows how not being afraid of your haters and instead going all in on your gifts are the key to success. To learn more about CJ and TBM, visit his website at cjbeatty.com or Instagram page @cjbeatty44.

Former college player Josh Shapiro shares how he turned a lifestyle on the field into a thriving business on Episode 33.Here are the highlights from our conversation...1. How Josh's passion for the game combined with the early days of social media led to partnerships with some of the biggest baseball brands 2. The difficult decision Josh made which led to the launch of the Baseball Lifestyle 101 branded store3. What made the 2018 College World Series a defining moment for the business 4. How Josh engaging his targeted audience and current pro players has been a winning combo to grow the business and brandJosh's story shows the importance of knowing your audience and finding unique ways to provide value.To learn more about Baseball Lifestyle 101, visit the website at bl101.com or Instagram page @baseball_lifestyle101.

Oakland A's prospect Ryan Gridley shares how through the launch of his business ProCo+ he's created a solution to the financial challenges many minor leaguers face on Episode 32. Here are the highlights from our conversation... 1. How Ryan went from being known more for his glove than bat as a freshman at Mississippi State to earning First Team All-SEC honors as junior hitting well over .300 which led to being drafted by the A's 2. Different challenges playing in the minors has presented which created the idea to launch his business ProCo+ 3. How the platform allows pro players to make money year round while giving amateurs direct access to pros during their season not just in a cage during the winter 4. Ryan's biggest lesson learned from diving into entrepreneurship and his best tip for anyone else that desires to launch their own business Ryan's story shows the best way to deal with a problem is to create a solution versus hoping someone else comes along to solve it.  To learn more about ProCo+, visit the website at ProCoPlus.com or Instagram page @procoplus. You can follow him on Instagram @ryangridley10. You can also email him at support@procoplus.com.

Former college player Clayton Gelfand shares how he's turned the page from winning 3 conference championships, a D2 College World Series appearance and playing in the Cape Cod League in undergrad to now maximizing the window of time as a current student in the J.D.-M.B.A. program at Michigan State on Episode 31.Here are the highlights from our conversation...1. How Clayton turned a resume after undergrad strictly with baseball and academic accomplishments into getting valuable hands on work experience including landing an internship at a Fortune 10 company2. Why regardless of age or experience everyone should be on LinkedIn and how to use it to create networking opportunities3. How a mentor's advice guided him on how to get his first tangible experience which created momentum for additional internships4. How sending a cold email led to an internship being created that did not previously existClayton's story shows that the opportunities that exist aren't always the ones obviously in front of us and that action always wins.Tune into Episode 31 by clicking above or by going to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify.

This week former pro player and current VP of Product Development at Original Nations Walt Nolen shares his story from playing in the Cubs organization to business executive and now partner on Episode 30.Here are the highlights from our conversation…⚾ How Walt dealt with the promising potential of being drafted as a junior in college to eventually signing as a non-drafted free agent with the Cubs after his senior year ⚾ The key lesson former teammate and big leaguer Sam Fuld taught Walt while playing in the minors that revolutionized his perspective and was a catalyst for thinking long term about business ⚾ How Walt starting a plan after baseball of mastering product development eventually led to combining his business acumen within sports working at Marucci Sports and SKLZ in senior leadership positions ⚾ The importance of finding the right partners to go into business with and key sign when it makes sense to cut the cord from a job to go full time into entrepreneurship...Walt's story shows the importance of creating a vision and being patient enough to see it through. In the end, our choices to take action not the opinions of others determine how far we can go. Tune into Episode 30 by clicking above or by going to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify.

Former college player and owner of Athletes Brand Kyle Mauch shares the story behind how he has helped 1500 pro athletes fully maximize the platform since starting his company on Episode 29.Here are the highlights from our conversation...1. How a back injury ended Kyle's playing career but sparked going all in on business2. How an ultimatum from Kyle's brother led to Kyle entering a contest to win $50,000 from Go Daddywhich ultimately had him pitching his business idea to Danica Patrick while riding shotgun at Charlotte Motor Speedway3. How Athletes Brand has evolved from a t-shirt company to helping athletes make a permanent impact by standing up for causes they believe in4. Kyle's best tips for current players on how to navigate using social media and their platform while the spotlight is on them...Kyle's story shows that when you know your why you can go beyond where you initially imagined.Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn or go to KyleMauch.com to get his e-Book explaining his legacy formula he's used with athletes. To learn more about Athletes Brand, visit the website at athletesbrand.com or on Instagram at @athletesbrand. 

Former college player and current medical school student Jonathan Melms shares from his journey on the field and how this has prepared him for his biggest test on Episode 28. Here are the highlights from our conversation…1. How juggling being a student-athlete at Macalester College prepared Jonathan for med school by being at an academically challenging school while playing baseball 2. Why having the right motives when chasing a significant goal can be the difference between success and failure 3. The importance of creating "teammates" beyond baseball 4. Why creating new dreams around the balance of passion and making the money needed to live the lifestyle you want is a key to balance...Jonathan's story shows that life after baseball can allow us to set our sights on significant goals beyond the field. Baseball and Business is really just another way of saying baseball and whatever life is beyond the field. This is a great example of one of many paths beyond the game. 

The transition from playing baseball to business can be one of the most challenging situations that we as baseball players face. This week former college player and Founder of Baseball and Business Luke Melms shares a few questions that have been emailed in recently and shares his thoughts and perspective on Episode 27. Here are the questions that were discussed…1. How do I overcome the struggle with identity and the inability to see exactly what is in store for the future now that playing baseball is done? 2. How do I re-establish myself within a new business community after moving to a new city? 3.  How do I find my passion and/or niche after baseball having several interests but unsure which one to pursue? 4. How do I know whether to be patient about the potential to get promoted internally or look for new opportunities outside my current company?...We are all at different points in this journey on the field and/or in business. The beauty of the network is the ability to grow together in both areas.

Former MLB player and 2006 1st Round Pick of the Padres Matt Antonelli shares from the highs and lows of his pro ball career and how this perfectly positioned him to coach after his playing career in Episode 26.  Here are the highlights from our conversation…1. Why Matt decided to go to college versus signing after being drafted out of high school 2. How Matt's journey going from draft pick to the big leagues in 2 years would teach him lessons that carried into coaching 3. How Matt juggled being a graduate assistant at Wake Forest, finishing his degree and starting Antonelli Baseball all at once 4. The power of building a brand through social media and specifically video... Matt's story shows that being able to look back without regret is something we should all aspire for in baseball and business. To learn more about Matt, visit his website at antonellibaseball.com. To connect with Matt, you can find him on Instagram @antonellibaseball or his YouTube channel by searching Antonelli Baseball.

Former D1 college player and Navy SEAL Jason Kuhn shares from his time on the mound, in special ops and how both led to starting his company Stonewall Solutions on Episode 25. Here are the highlights from our conversation...1. How Jason went from dealing on the mound for a Top 25 team at Middle Tennessee State to losing complete control as a senior because of performance anxiety otherwise known as the yips 2. The search and struggle to find the same sense of purpose and identity baseball provided which ultimately led to going into the Navy after graduating college 3. Jason describing how he made it through hell week to become 1 of 20 guys in his class of 135 to survive training and earn the opportunity to become a Navy SEAL carrying out special ops overseas 4. How his experiences on the battlefield and baseball field led to starting his company Stonewall Solutions after serving 10 years active military to empower sports teams to be better equipped mentally to win on the field... Jason's story shows that our biggest challenges can become our biggest victories when we reframe them and stay focused on the current moment versus tapping out. To connect with Jason, you can find him on LinkedIn. Visit Stonewall Solutions at stonewall-solutions.com or on Instagram at @stonewall_solutions. 

Former pro player and Red Sox draft pick Jeff Natale shares on Episode 24 from his journey in pro ball making it to AAA along with his transition to the other side where he recently took the dive into entrepreneurship. Here are the highlights from our conversation...1. How Jeff was able to get attention of pro scouts and ultimately get drafted by the Red Sox in 2005 as a senior out of D3 Trinity College in Connecticut 2. Jeff's journey from starting in the Florida Gulf Coast League to playing at AAA within the Red Sox and Yankees organizations 3. Jeff's transition after baseball into his first job working at Milton Academy in Connecticut developing high school students and baseball players  to be ready for college 4. How Jeff's educational experience personally having a degree, working in education and playing as a pro player has led to starting a company called BAATS, Baseball Academic Advisory Team Support...Jeff's story shows that being the underdog and constantly playing with a chip on your shoulder can go a long ways. In baseball, this translated to nearly having a .300 career average over 6 minor league seasons.  In business, he is going against the odds by starting his own company. To connect with Jeff, you can find him on LinkedIn.

Former D1 player Alex Tuccio shares how the idea for starting his business ScoutDay was the byproduct of his own recruiting journey as a high school player on Episode 23. Here are the highlights from our conversation...1. How Alex's transition from Seton Hall to Siena after one semester was an importnat part of the journey that birthed ScoutDay  2. How the initial investor in ScoutDay falling through led Alex to become a better entrepreneur because of having less resources to work with  3. Alex's recent sale of the business which led to his current role as Head of Growth for :betr, a company started by one of the key employees in the earlier days of Facebook 4. Alex's advice on how to leverage social media and the window of time as a current player to get a meeting with anyone you want within business...Alex's story shows that the problems we face today may be a solution waiting to be provided in the marketplace tomorrow. To connect with Alex, you can find him on LinkedIn or Instagram @tuccio.

Former big leaguer with the Red Sox Jonathan Van Every shares from his 8 year journey through the minors before making his big league debut on Episode 22. Here are the highlights from our conversation...1. His experience playing on a defending World Series championship team in Boston along with facing Araldis Chapman and Mariano Rivera 2. Going back to school at 31 to get a Bachelor's degree after pro ball ended 3. How the 8 year journey in the minors before getting to the big leagues helped in the process of navigating finding an industry where his interests and skills best aligned in the business world after experience in several industries 4. The risk Jonathan took to get into his current role in a new industry...Jonathan's story shows that persistence is often the key ingredient needed in order to get where we are ultimately trying to get to.To connect with Jonathan, you can find him on LinkedIn.

2015 Draft Pick by the Chicago White Sox and current pro player Alex Katz shares from his journey on the field and how this led to co-founding KD Custom Kicks on Episode 21. Here are the highlights from our conversation...1. How Alex's formal education at St. John's University helped him learn first hand from some of the best in the sports business world 2. What sparked the idea to start KD Custom Kicks with his friend Anthony after playing for Team Israel in the 2017 World Baseball Classic 3. How the business has allowed him to have a better perspective of his on the field goals 4. How KD Custom Kicks was able to help David Wright be sent off in style in the last games of his big league career...Alex's story shows what can happen through the power of a team when complementary skills come together on and off the field. To follow Alex on Instagram and Twitter, his handle on both is @kittyelgato12. To follow KD Custom Kicks, the handle on both is @kdcustomkicks. To visit their website, go to kdcustomkicks.com.