Social Media's Impact on AthletesThe panel discusses the impact of social media on athletes. Brian Mcrae, a former MLB player, joins the group for the first time. Rob introduces the topic, asking whether social media helps athletes build their brand or if it negatively affects their focus, development, and mental health. The conversation is set to explore the challenges and opportunities that social media presents for athletes at all levels.Social Media's Impact on Young AthletesA discussion on the impact of social media on young athletes, particularly in baseball and softball. The participants agreed that while social media can be a useful tool for building a player's brand and getting them noticed by college recruiters, it can also have negative effects. They noted that some players become overly focused on their individual stats and performance, which can lead to pressure and mental health issues. The coaches also expressed concerns about the shift towards individualism in sports, as they believe that the team concept is becoming less emphasized. They suggested that young athletes should focus on their game and let their results speak for themselves, rather than relying too heavily on social media.Social Media's Impact on AthletesBrian discussed the challenges of maintaining a social media presence as a professional athlete, particularly during the season. He suggested that social media could be distracting and negatively impact mental health. Robert and Chris agreed that social media policies might be necessary for teams to help athletes navigate these challenges. Joe highlighted the potential for social media to be used positively, but also noted the prevalence of negativity and its impact on mental health. The team acknowledged the need for further understanding of how social media affects young athletes.Managing Social Media for AthletesThe team discussed the challenges of managing social media for their athletes. They agreed that it's crucial to have someone in charge of capturing and managing social media content to prevent negativity and maintain focus on the game. Coaches also shared strategies for handling phones during games and practice, emphasizing the importance of setting clear rules and consequences. The team also discussed the need for coaches to be more aware of social media's impact on their teams and to address the issue appropriately.Social Media Management for Young AthletesThe panel discussed the importance of social media for young athletes, emphasizing the need for careful management and branding. They advised athletes to focus on their performance and not be swayed by negative opinions from peers. The panel also touched on the potential for social media managers for young athletes, but cautioned that this might not be necessary for all players. They also briefly mentioned the issue of parental pressure on athletes, but decided to save this topic for a later discussion.Our Amazing Panel of Coaches and PlayersFormer MLB Player Brian McRae https://x.com/kcsluggers?lang=enCoach Joe Conti https://x.com/LiquidJoeNitroCoach Antone Gomes https://thebaseballcoach.comSo athletes, coaches, fans—let us know in the comments:Is social media helping the game evolve, or is it slowly eroding what made sports great in the first place?Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who’s going viral for all the wrong reasons."Why student-athletes are struggling with clout culture and social media pressure

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