How Kurt Suzuki Beat the Odds: College Baseball, Mental Toughness & the Big Leagues

In the second part, of this episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, former MLB catcher and World Series champion Kurt Suzuki joins host Matt Hannaford to share his journey from overlooked Hawaii high school athlete to 16-year Major League veteran.

Kurt dives into the ups and downs of walking on at Cal State Fullerton, grinding through the minors, and eventually becoming one of the most respected catchers in the game—with an All-Star nod and a World Series ring to show for it.

Whether you're a baseball parent, aspiring player, or travel ball coach, this episode delivers real talk, mindset shifts, and hard-earned wisdom you won’t hear in typical recruiting conversations.

What You’ll Learn from This Episode:

✅ Growing up in Hawaii: Challenges and cultural uniqueness in pursuing baseball
✅ Choosing a walk-on opportunity over a full scholarship
✅ The mental edge: How Kurt built confidence and caught the eye of scouts
✅What college baseball really teaches you
✅ The game-changing mindset shift that transformed Kurt’s career
✅ Fullerton's legendary run to the College World Series
✅ The truth about travel ball, exposure, and scholarships for young athletes
✅ The problem with ego in youth baseball and how to develop winning players
✅ The role of parents: What every sports parent should (and shouldn’t) do
✅The value of choosing the right agent and building long-term trust

Whether you’re navigating youth baseball politics, making a college decision, or working your way through the minors, Kurt offers grounded wisdom, real stories, and actionable insight.

Subscribe for weekly interviews with athletes, coaches, and pros sharing lessons you won’t learn on the field.

📍 Check out more on Kurt Suzuki and PONO Baseball:
https://ponobaseball.com

Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content:
https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/

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RESOURCES + LINKS

ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact.

From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE.

FOLLOW

Kurt Suzuki: @kurt_suzuki_pono_baseball

Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford