Episode 181: A History Lesson In The Nashville Music Business w/ Mickey Hiter

Episode 181 of The Hitstreak, a podcast where we talk about anything and everything!  

This week we are joined by the Founder and President of SANDLOTT Baseball, former Music Publisher, and my Dad, Mickey Hiter!

Episode in a Glance:

Check it out! In this episode, my father, Mickey Hiter, and I explore the intersections of music and baseball, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from our respective careers. Mickey reflects on his time in the music industry, discussing the importance of authenticity, memorable encounters with stars like Garth Brooks, and the impact of technology on the music landscape. The conversation also delves into Mickey's transition from music to baseball, highlighting the challenges and decisions he faced during this significant career shift. We highlight the importance of authenticity in music, the breakthrough of Kenny Chesney, and the creative process behind songwriting and production. Mickey and I give personal anecdotes and insights into the music business, emphasizing the connections and relationships that have shaped our careers. Tune in as we reflect on the lessons learned from industry icons, the challenges of navigating a career in music, and the joy of collaboration. We end by touching on the impact of our familial relationship on our professional journeys, emphasizing the significance of mentorship and the passing down of knowledge across generations.

Key Points:

- The importance of capturing inspiration immediately.

- Building relationships in the music industry is crucial.

- Authenticity is key to success in music.

- Transitioning careers can be a significant challenge.

- Personal stories can illustrate broader industry trends.

- Kenny Chesney's breakthrough was a result of networking.

- Songwriting can be a divine inspiration experience.

- Production quality in demos is crucial for artist interest.

- Personal connections in the industry can lead to unexpected opportunities.

- The importance of having a supportive family in a music career.

- Radio broadcasting has evolved significantly over the years.

- Family legacies play a crucial role in personal development.

- The music industry is filled with rich stories and history.

- Understanding the needs of a song is essential for musicians.

- Mentorship is vital for growth in any profession.

About our guest: 

Mickey Hiter has dedicated his life to baseball as a player, coach, and entrepreneur. An All-City catcher at Antioch High School, he played at David Lipscomb University and later in the Tri-State Adult Baseball League, where he shared the field with both his father, Wayne Hiter, a Hall of Famer, and his son, Nick Hiter, a league MVP. As a coach, he led Twitty City Hallmark to over 500 wins, six World Series appearances, and the 1998 NABF High School Division World Championship. More than 60 of his players have gone on to college or professional baseball, and his instructional videos have amassed over 2.6 million views.

Beyond the field, Mickey spent two decades in the music industry, publishing "1982” by Randy Travis and producing albums for Garth Brooks, Doug Stone, and others. He later founded SANDLOTT Baseball, which hosts elite travel team events for 200 teams annually. Honored as “Mr. Baseball” by the Old Timers Baseball Association in 2002, his legacy was further cemented in 2019 when the City of Nashville named Mickey Hiter Field in his honor. A past President of the Old Timers Baseball Association, he continues to shape the future of the sport through his leadership and mentorship.

Follow and contact:

Instagram: @sandlottsports

sandlotter.com