In this solo episode, Matt brings you inside the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego, where he spoke to a room of baseball parents about the truth behind the draft, development, and success in this game.
You'll hear the story of two very different players—one who looked like a sure thing, the other overlooked and doubted. Both were drafted the same year, same organization, same position… but their careers couldn't have been more different.
This isn't just about prospects or draft picks—it's about how players (and parents) respond to the journey, the setbacks, and the storms that come with this game.
If you're a parent navigating travel ball, recruiting, or the draft process, this message will shift the way you look at your role in your son's career.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
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Why draft position doesn't guarantee success in baseball
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The difference between talent and the traits scouts really value
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How E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome) shapes every career
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The powerful role parents play as the steady lighthouse in their son's journey
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How to help your player handle setbacks and turn them into opportunities
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The truth about the draft: it's not the finish line—it's just the start
Timestamps
00:00 – Baseball parents and prospects: why this message matters
01:08 – Travel baseball lessons: why it's always about your son, not you
02:18 – Player development story: the tale of two MLB draft prospects
04:35 – Baseball mindset: the Vegas bet exercise on success and failure
06:08 – MLB draft process explained: why draft day isn't the finish line
07:48 – What scouts really look for beyond stats and tools
09:56 – Parents' role in player development: the constant factor
11:07 – The lighthouse analogy: how to guide your son through adversity
12:36 – Key takeaway: the draft is an invitation, not validation
Call to Action
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Drop a comment with your NIL questions—we may cover them in a future episode!
Links & Resources
Follow Matt Hannaford: https://www.instagram.com/mfhannford
#baseball #MLBdraft #travelbaseball #playerdevelopment #mindset #collegebaseball #youthbaseball
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