In this episode, Matt sits down with Jon Paino, longtime coach, teacher, and one of the architects behind CBA Baseball. From starting the program in honor of pioneer Mike Spears, to shaping a culture that develops players on and off the field, Jon shares the lessons that have helped CBA produce 1,400+ college commitments, 185 draft picks, and 23 MLB players (and counting).

💡 This conversation dives deep into:

• How Jon pivoted from a sudden end to his playing career into coaching.

• The founding story and guiding philosophy behind CBA Baseball.

• Why confidence and culture matter more than wins and losses.

• Player development success stories, including MLB Draft picks.

• What parents need to know about routines, discipline, and supporting their kids.

• How Diamond Allegiance is reshaping opportunities with cutting-edge player testing.

• The balance between tradition and innovation in today’s youth sports.

Whether you’re a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with insight into what it really takes to grow through the game—and why it’s about so much more than baseball.

📺 Subscribe for more conversations on baseball, development, and culture

👍 Like this video if you found it valuable

💬 Comment below: What do you think is the most important factor in developing young athletes?

🔗 Links & Resources:

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

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

CBA Baseball: https://www.cbabaseball.org/

Follow CBA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbabaseballusa/

What does it really take to make it in the big leagues and stay there? In this emotional and eye-opening episode, LA Dodgers pitcher and World Series Champion Anthony Banda shares his raw, unfiltered journey through baseball’s toughest trials. Subscribe now for more powerful sports stories and lessons!

What You’ll Learn:

• The truth about life in the minor leagues (it’s not what you think)

• How Anthony Banda bounced back after Tommy John surgery and nearly quitting

• What it's like being traded between 9 MLB teams in 5 years

• The mindset shift that changed everything and led to a World Series win

• Behind-the-scenes development insights from the Dodgers' coaching staff

The Journey Behind the Jersey (Full Story)
In this episode, Anthony Banda opens up about the rollercoaster path from being a late-round draft pick to stepping onto the World Series mound with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Alongside host Matt, Anthony breaks down the brutal realities of minor league pay, the mental toll of Tommy John rehab, and the crushing moments that nearly pushed him to retire.

But instead of walking away, Anthony found purpose in the process and the courage to give it one last go. A cold bullpen session in front of MLB scouts sparked the comeback that no one expected. With support from advanced coaching and the right mindset, Banda transformed into a vital bullpen piece for the Dodgers.

Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a parent navigating youth sports, or a die-hard baseball fan, this episode offers a masterclass in resilience, perspective, and trusting the journey.

🔥 Love this episode? Subscribe for more pro athlete stories & comment your favorite moment!

🔗 Related Links & Resources

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

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

Discover the truth about player development with Michael Garciaparra: former first-round pick, pro scout for the St. Louis Cardinals, and founder of GBG, a college and pro development powerhouse. Subscribe now!

What You’ll Learn:

• How MLB scouting has changed over the last 20 years

• The real value of rankings and how scouts filter hype

• Why multi-sport athletes often stand out in baseball

• GBG’s mission to be a development program, not just a travel team

• The “Cardinal Way” approach to makeup, mindset, and resilience

In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, Matt Hannaford sits down with Michael Garciaparra, a name baseball fans know well, but for more than just being Nomar’s brother. Michael shares insights from his unique career as a four-sport high school athlete, professional baseball player, MLB scout, and founder of Garcia Parra Baseball Group (GBG). He breaks down why GBG refuses the “travel ball” label, focusing instead on long-term athlete development and college placement.

Michael offers a behind-the-scenes look at scouting, from blocking out the noise of rankings to identifying “separators” that set players apart. He explains the Cardinal Way, the importance of genuine makeup, and why love for the game matters just as much as raw skill. This conversation delivers rare, unfiltered advice for athletes, parents, and coaches navigating the modern baseball landscape.

Love this episode? Hit Subscribe for more insider conversations with MLB scouts, agents, and executives. Drop your questions in the comments we might feature them in a future episode!

Links & Resources:
Garcia Parra Baseball Group – https://garciaparrabaseball.com
Follow Matt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfhannaford/