In this episode, Matt sits down with Long Beach State Head Baseball Coach TJ Bruce for an honest and powerful conversation about coaching, parenting, and what true success really looks like.

TJ shares his journey from playing and coaching at Long Beach, to UCLA, Nevada, TCU, and now leading the Dirtbags. But this conversation goes deeper than baseball—it’s about raising men of integrity, balancing faith and career, and why player development is more than just wins and losses.

We dive into the challenges of today’s college baseball world—the transfer portal, NIL, year-round travel ball—and how parents and players can focus on what really matters. From instilling discipline and accountability, to building a culture rooted in toughness, brotherhood, and selflessness, Coach Bruce reveals the values that define Long Beach State Baseball.

If you’re a parent, athlete, coach, or fan of the game, this episode will inspire you to rethink success—on and off the field.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why coaching is about developing men, not just players

• The challenges of NIL, the transfer portal & today’s college baseball landscape

• Parenting lessons: multi-sport athletes, discipline, and accountability

• The “Dirtbag Way” and building culture at Long Beach State

• Balancing faith, family, and career in a results-driven world

• Why success goes beyond stats, rings, and draft picks

📌 Subscribe for more conversations with top coaches, players, and leaders in baseball.

Alignd Sports: https://www.aligndsports.com/

📷 Follow on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/lbdirtbags

https://www.instagram.com/mfhannaford/

#CollegeBaseball #LongBeachState #TJBruce #BaseballPodcast #PlayerDevelopment

Want to know the five real traits of big league cool for travel ball players? ⚾ Learn how to earn respect and play with purpose. Subscribe now!

In this episode of The Most Valuable Agent Podcast, host Matt Hannaford shares what truly sets big leaguers apart—and it’s not chains, bat flips, or walk-up songs. These five traits reveal how young players can gain the respect of teammates, coaches, scouts, and even opponents.

• The difference between confidence and ego

• How to enjoy the game without losing focus

• Why chasing every new drill won’t make you better

• The value of curiosity and asking questions

• How mastering fundamentals makes tough plays look effortless

Drawing on decades inside MLB clubhouses, Matt explains how the pros who are admired most aren’t the flashiest - they’re the ones teammates trust and coaches rely on. Each trait offers a practical “pro tip” that travel ball players can apply immediately, whether it’s body language on the field, how to approach practice, or knowing when to stick with what works.

Parents will gain a fresh perspective on what “cool” really looks like at the next level, while players will leave with a roadmap for becoming the type of athlete scouts remember.

If this episode hit home, subscribe on YouTube and Apple Podcasts for more behind-the-scenes insights on baseball and player development. Share which trait you’re building this season in the comments!

Links & Resources

Follow Matt Hannaford: www.instagram.com/mfhannaford

Follow Alignd Sports: www.instagram.com/aligndsports

#TravelBall #BigLeagueCool #BaseballDevelopment #YouthBaseball

On this episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, Matt Hannaford brings on top sports attorney Ben Levine, who represents high-profile athletes and entertainers. Together, they break down the fast-changing NIL landscape and explain what parents, players, and advisors need to know before signing any deal.

From the Reggie Bush and Jameis Winston controversies to today’s multimillion-dollar NIL contracts, Matt and Ben highlight how quickly the game has changed—and how dangerous it can be to overlook the fine print. They also share practical advice on negotiating leverage, protecting athlete rights, and avoiding one-sided agreements that can impact a player’s future.

Whether you’re a parent navigating your child’s recruiting journey, a student-athlete weighing brand partnerships, or simply curious about the business of college sports, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the NIL era.

• How the House Settlement is reshaping NIL deals in college sports

• Why state-by-state NIL laws can make or break athlete opportunities

• Common contract traps (like clawbacks, offsets, and “in perpetuity” clauses)

• Why every family should consider legal review before signing

• The difference between school revenue-sharing and private NIL brand deals

If you found this valuable, hit Subscribe to the Most Valuable Agent Podcast for more insider episodes on sports, business, and athlete development.

Drop a comment with your NIL questions—we may cover them in a future episode!

Links & Resources

Follow Matt Hannaford: www.instagram.com/mfhannaford

Alignd Sports: www.instagram.com/aligndsports

Connect with Ben Levine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belevine/

#MostValuableAgent #NILContracts #SportsLaw #AthleteProtection