What if the real game isn't played on the field, but at home, in the way we raise, support, and speak to our kids? In this heartfelt episode, Craig Holman, former pro player and father of two elite athletes, joins Matt Antonelli to share the untold truth about youth and travel baseball.
From watching his son Luke battle childhood cancer to seeing him become one of the nation's top prospects, Craig reveals how failure, faith, and love shaped both his family and his coaching philosophy. This isn't just about baseball -it's about building resilient, grounded humans in a culture obsessed with wins and exposure.
Whether you're a parent, coach, or young athlete, this episode will change how you see youth sports and what truly defines success.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
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Why "more exposure" isn't the same as development
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The single most powerful thing parents can say to their kids
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How to build confidence without pressure or comparison
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Why failure and struggle are essential for long-term success
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The life-changing difference between listening to your kids vs. for your kids
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How perspective-not performance-shapes greatness
Craig shares unforgettable stories of parenting through adversity- including his son Luke's fight with cancer, his daughter's final at-bat, and how the "tennis ball moment" changed his understanding of effort forever. His insights remind us that the greatest wins happen off the field and that the true job of a parent-coach is to nurture purpose, not pressure.
CALL TO ACTION:
Subscribe for weekly coaching and real conversations about the mental, emotional, and developmental side of baseball.
Comment below: What's the biggest lesson baseball has taught your family?
LINKS & RESOURCES:
Follow the MVA Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MostValuableAgent
Bear Bryant's Prayer: "This is the beginning of a new day…"
ABOUT MATT HANNAFORD
Matt Hannaford is a 25-year veteran MLB agent who's represented MVPs, All-Stars, and first-round draft picks. Through the Most Valuable Agent podcast, he helps parents and players cut through the noise and focus on what really works.
#YouthBaseball #BaseballParenting #CraigHolman #MVA #SportsParenting #AthleteMindset #BaseballDevelopment
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