Former pro player Rickey Hill shares from his incredible story which has been turned into a movie called The Hill releasing August 25 starring Dennis Quaid and Colin Ford.He shares of being born with a degenerative spinal disease yet went on to play four seasons in the minor leagues with the Montreal Expos on Episode 70. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation with Rickey as well as producer Jeff Celentano…1. How Rickey and producer Jeff Celentano persevered over 17 years in the ups and down to fund the production and what led to the breakthrough moment to be able to get this story out for all to see2. How Rickey earned a second chance at a pro tryout which ultimately led to getting signed by the Expos3.  Why you should go see the movie opening weekend August 25-27Rickey's story shows that the obstacle which work against you can ultimately be used for a purpose bigger than yourself by inspiring others to reimagine what is possible when they face seemingly impossible scenarios.To learn more about the movie, you can visit thehillmov.com or the Instagram page.

Former D1 college player Willie Shaw shares from his journey launching his career with NASA to currently living in Nashville working for a VC backed tech startup while songwriting and singing on Episode 69. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation…1. Why he chose to get a knowledge based Bachelor's degree and combined it with a specific skill based Master's degree in Accounting 2.  How he used networking to get his foot in the door to launch his career working with NASA3.  He pivoted by taking a risk moving to Nashville to pursue songwriting and singing, why he turned down being on the hit show The Voice and how this led to getting signed by CAA 4. Willie shares about his role at Remedy Technology, a VC backed tech firm, which is solving a niche challenge in the music industry and has landed Big Machine and Big Loud Records as clients Willie's story shows how taking calculated risks allows pursuing dreams to happen now versus hoping to go for it one day.To connect with Willie, you can find him on LinkedIn or his website at willieshawmusic.com.

Former big league vet and Silver Slugger Award winner Michael Barrett shares from his 12 year MLB playing career, coaching in the Nationals organization and getting into business afterwards on Episode 68.Here are some of the highlights from our conversation…1. The setbacks he faced in the initial years after making it to big leagues by 21 after being a 1st round pick out of high school and how he overcame them to have a long big league career. He includes the detailed story of making two costly errors on Opening Day 2000 in front of 52,000 fans as well as being demoted to AAA later in the season.2. How current players can navigate playing in an analytics driven world without selling out who they naturally are as a baseball player3. While Michael eventually established himself as a catcher, he played between third and catching in the early days of his big league career. He shares how he finds himself in a similar spot today in business wearing multiple hats running the Georgia Roadrunners travel ball program and acquiring his real estate and insurance license only a few years removed from coaching for the Nationals.4. The trap of comparison and why it is imperative to focus on running your own race whether it be in baseball or businessMichael's story shows how to go beyond simply realizing a dream by achieving long term success within that dream. To connect with Michael, you can find him on LinkedIn or his website at barrettbaseball.com.

Former pro baseball player Bob Wheatley shares from his journey to becoming an author and specializing in working with individuals on their personal brand after his playing career at USC and in the minor leagues on Episode 67.Here are some of the highlights from our conversation…1. What Bob did to go beyond what was required which allowed him to maximize his potential and get drafted by the Blue Jays out of college despite not being an All-American or All-Conference pitcher2. Why Bob turned what could be deemed failure in not achieving his ultimate dream to become a big leaguer into the foundational idea for writing his book, Our Hearts' Desire3. The outline of the three main acts of storytelling and why he referenced hit movies to demonstrate how this common storyline can be found in our own life  4. The key formula to attracting attention in order to create fans of you and/or your businessBob's story shows the power of vulnerability and finding a lesson to learn from every situation on and off the field.To connect with Bob, you can find him on LinkedIn or his website at bobwheatley.com.

2x NL MVP and 7x All-Star Dale Murphy shares from his 19 year big league career, leading his family and using his story to help corporations implement the success principles he's lived out on Episode 66.Here are some of the highlights from our conversation…1. How Dale and his wife Nancy were highly intentional in their relationship and parenting which led to success not just on the field but also raising their 8 children 2. A story of a big league vet having a difficult conversation with him early in his career during a slump and the importance of leaders speaking up3. Why Dale has not gone at it alone in his business ventures whether it be his restaurant, speaking engagements or MVP experiences4. The unique MVP experience he is co-leading tailored specifically for business leadersDale's story shows that winning in one aspect of life doesn't have to come at the expense of others.To connect with Dale and learn more about his ventures, you can find him on LinkedIn or his website at dalemurphy.com.

Former pro baseball player Dylan Rheault shares from his time on the mound and afterwards working for an athlete centric company along with starting his own company on Episode 65.Here are some of the highlights from our conversation…1. How treating baseball like a job led to Dylan to adding velocity in pro ball which topped out at 99 mph2. Why the fastest way to turning the page as a pro athlete is to understand you can develop into being a professional in a different aspect within business3. How Shift Group is helping former pro, Olympic and college athletes land sales jobs with companies nationwide interested in the innate skills of a high level athlete4. The problem Dylan faced trying to get clothes as a lean 6'9" guy and the solution he created for himself which led to starting a niche company helping others with 6 foot plus lean bodiesDylan's story shows the value of creating a solution to address a specific problem.To connect with Dylan, you can find him on LinkedIn.

This month's episode will give you the chance to hear a recent conversation between current & former pro & college baseball players discussing the future of Baseball and Business heading into 2023 on Episode 64.Here are key sections from our conversation…1. The unique challenges baseball players face in business2. The quick history of Baseball and Business3.  The future of Baseball and Business4.  How you can get involved by joining this exclusive network of current & former pro & college baseball playersIf you prefer to watch this conversation, go to BaseballtoBusiness.com to see the video and presentation.

Former big leaguer Brandon Beachy shares how switching to pitching led to making it to the highest level and what led to starting a business through the franchise model as his next step after playing on Episode 63.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How Brandon's decision to pivot from a being .300 hitter in college to exclusively focusing on pitching led to getting signed by the Atlanta Braves as a non-drafted free agent and ultimately a big league career2.  The biggest leadership lesson he learned playing under Hall of Fame Manager Bobby Cox3.  How the characteristics of a high level athlete aligned for him to pursue a path in starting a business through the franchise model as well as a consulting practice to help others especially athletes interested in finding the right franchise business 4.  What baseball players need to perceive from their playing experience to communicate their value when making the transition into businessBrandon's story shows the power of an opportunity and going all in on it.To connect with Brandon, you can find him on LinkedIn or can email him at BBeachy@FranChoice.com.

Former college player Kevin Kowalke shares how after building a successful mortgage business for 20 years he made a cross country move and teamed up with a long time friend to pivot into consulting on Episode 62.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Kevin and Luke chat about their paths crossing about a decade ago and how this sparked Baseball and Business to launch2.  Kevin shares why the traditional definition of success is often limiting and how through his journey he's been able to get better clarity on what is possible in the big picture3.  Kevin talks about the toughest challenge he faced going through a painful divorce and how he was able to be better after going through it not only in business but now as a husband and father to two children after getting remarried 4.  Kevin explains why he decided to pivot into consulting after 20 years in the mortgage industry and his advice for anyone else who is considering making a career transitionKevin's story shows that life is a journey of peaks and valleys which have lessons to learn in both places.To connect with Kevin, you can find him on LinkedIn or text him at 414-315-5555.

Former big leaguer Dirk Hayhurst shares on Episode 61 how he became a New York Times best selling author writing four books, battled anxiety when getting the ultimate call up and his journey on the other side of playing. Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Why writing is the most useful tip he recommends in helping process outcomes on the field and how he saw Roy Halladay do the same as a teammate2. How he was struck with anxiety when initially called up to the big leagues and getting a shot as a broadcaster on national TV and what he focused on to seek calming his nerves3. Why athletes struggle with identity issues when playing ends and why he suggests understanding skill sets and likes versus resurrecting identity in a new career4. His advice for former players navigating the interview process and how to best communicate the experiences baseball provides to stand out against other applicantsDirk's story shows that life is an never ending process of reinventing yourself.To connect with Dirk, you can visit his website at dirkhayhurst.com or find him on LinkedIn.

Former college player James "J.R." Reid shares on Episode 60 how he is helping big leaguers and high level business professionals navigate the pressure it takes to succeed at the top as a peak performance coach.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Several stories as a D1 baseball player, mentoring athletes while getting his J.D. and MBA at LSU and working as an agent to pro baseball players which give perspective on how to avoid pitfalls and make decisions that get you closer to your desired outcomes2. The process current players should use when deciding who work with as key advising relationships such as agents, attorneys, financial advisors, etc.3. Why he believes understanding your own core values and vision are key to being equipped to make decisions not just as a baseball player but in every aspect of life4. The three areas of life which must be aligned in order to perform at your highest levelJ.R.'s story shows how making the right decisions over a long period of time is how to get to where you are desiring to go.To connect with J.R., you can visit his website at jamesreid.com or on LinkedIn. Additionally, his podcast Coming Up Clutch with J.R. can be heard on all major platforms and comingupclutch.com.

Former pro player Keenan Long shares on Episode 59 how his company LongBall Labs is helping big league hitters maximize exit velocity by taking guessing out of the equation for when it comes to choosing their gamers.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How a conversation with Joe Girardi in college influenced the trajectory of Keenan’s future as a baseball player and engineering student2. How Keenan’s experiment with former MLB player Adam Rosales led to creating LongBall Labs3. A story of how Jed Lowrie’s use of LongBall Labs assisted in getting the A’s a win in a specific at bat this season4. The rule in baseball Keenan learned has the least amount of application in businessKeenan’s story shows how seeing beyond what currently exists in the marketplace may be what leads to a breakthrough.To connect with Keenan, you can reach him through their Twitter page @longballlabs1 or by calling/texting 773-870-1968.

Former San Francisco Giants prospect Jeff Burke shares how he successfully transitioned into the business world starting his career with a global company on Episode 58.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How not being able to play baseball for the first time having Tommy John surgery led to valuable perspective that benefited him within and beyond the game 2. How Jeff's blog to help his grandma keep up to date on his pro ball career led to an offseason internship and the importance of building relationships3. Why baseball players shouldn't overlook the discipline it takes to play at a high level and how this directly applies in the business world to set yourself apart from others while trying to get your career off the ground4. The importance of understanding being young in business compared to being an older baseball prospect when exiting the gameJeff's story shows the importance of having a long term focus when developing a career on the field or in business.To connect with Jeff, you can find him on LinkedIn.

Current Tampa Bay Rays prospect and 2019 4th Round Draft Pick Graeme Stinson shares how he has co-founded athlete-centric data storage company StatStak while playing pro ball on Episode 57.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. How an arm injury and the 2020 college season being cancelled led Graeme and his former college teammate Eli Herrick to launch StatStak2. How his experience playing under Coach Pollard at Duke helped formulate the mindset to overcome whatever challenges he has faced as a baseball player and businessman3. How Graeme believes current pro players can best make use of their time in the off-season4. What Graeme wants every player who will be drafted in the future to know before they begin their pro ball careerGraeme's story shows how negative situations can be turned into opportunities with the right perspective and actions.To connect with Graeme, you can find him on LinkedIn or by email at graeme@statstak.io. To learn more about StatStak, visit the website at statstak.io.

Former D1 college player Jim Convertino shares how he has built a business which now has 700+ pro athletes and entertainers as clients on Episode 56.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Why Jim believes focusing on becoming great at something leads to passion and is how he launched his professional career after graduating from Siena College2. How the first 15 years of providing consistency with his high touch service model in the insurance industry allowed him to build a niche working with professional athletes and entertainers over the past 15 years of his career3. Why Jim suggests those in a sales role should become the go to for products or services beyond what they sell4. Jim's advice for any former players looking to leverage their experience and knowledge of the game in their career after playingJim's story shows how building the ideal business takes having vision and daily action over many years.To connect with Jim, you can find him on LinkedIn or by email at jconvertino@mcgowanpae.com. To learn more about his firm, visit their website at mcgowaninsurance.com.

Former MLB and KBO player Xavier Scruggs shares how baseball set the table for him to launch his second career in sports media on Episode 55.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Why Xavier felt media was the perfect outlet for his second career which has had him working for ESPN, MLB Network Radio and hosting his own podcast2. Xavier's mindset as he persevered through 6 seasons between A and AA before making it to AAA which then led to his MLB debut that same season3. Xavier and his wife's experience overseas including the challenges of a new team, league and culture4. The impact Xavier is making on the next generation of athletes with the goal of long term career development in any field not just sports through Xtraordinary Athletes Xavier's story shows the importance of having a vision and taking the actions necessary to follow through on it.To connect with Xavier, you can find him on LinkedIn or on Instagram @xavier_scruggs. To learn more about Xtraordinary Athletes, visit www.xoathletes.com.

Former pitcher in the Milwaukee Brewers organization and at the University of Miami Javi Salas shares how baseball has been the precursor to bigger things in business on Episode 54.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. Why Javi returned for his senior year after being drafted by the Twins as a junior and how this led to a historic night throwing only the 23rd perfect game at the D1 level.2. Why Javi debated following through on the full time job offer he had already accepted in the fall of his senior year after being drafted by the Brewers in the 10th round as a senior.3. How Javi articulated the relevance of his baseball experience within business while applying to MBA programs.4. Why Javi decided the pandemic in 2020 created the perfect timing to leave his full time job to pursue his MBA after getting accepted to one of the top programs in the country at Duke University.Javi's story shows how baseball can be the springboard to success beyond the diamond.To connect with Javi, you can find him on LinkedIn or Twitter @Feliz_Javidad.

2009 World Series champion and former New York Yankees Director of Strength, Conditioning and Performance Coach Dana Cavalea is the featured guest for Episode 53, our last episode of 2020.Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation... 1. How after playing one year of college baseball Dana realized his most likely path to the majors wasn't going to be as a player which led to an internship and eventually full time job with the Yankees2. Behind the scenes stories of Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera's routines during their playing career that made them high performers consistently3. Why he wrote Habits of a Champion in an easy read 15 short stories format from interactions with Yankees greats and businesspeople along his life4. Why Dana suggests drowning out the noise of what other people are doing and instead answering specific questions he poses going into 2021Dana's story shows champions are made through focusing on being consistent.To learn more about Dana, visit his website at danacavalea.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Former MLB All-Star Russ Ortiz shares from his 12 year big league career and how he went on to start a business, 2GG Apparel, around his passion for golf afterwards on Episode 52. Here are a few of the highlights from our conversation...1. The common trait Dusty Baker, Bobby Cox, Bruce Bochy and Joe Torre shared as managers that empowered Russ and his teammates to succeed on the field2. Why Russ and his wife chose to live as if every contract was the last one and the importance of building a strong financial team to create a long term plan3. Why Russ chose to invest time being involved within the San Francisco community right out of the gates and continued to do so wherever he played throughout his career4. The story behind turning his passion for golf into 2GG Apparel after finishing playing which uses all of the profits to fund charitable causes meaningful to their familyRuss' story shows what it takes to create success in every aspect of life.To learn more about 2GG Apparel, visit 2GGApparel.com.

Former college player and Founder of Baseball and Business Luke Melms shares the vision for the future of B&B through a few updates on Episode 51. Here are a few of the highlights...1. Luke shares how COVID-19 while a negative event has allowed for an internship to develop for a few college baseball players within Baseball and Business and the opportunity available for this to expand2. Luke shares what has been going on behind the scenes to develop the opportunity for more engagement within the community3. The next possible evolution for the podcast to alternate between the traditional format and a live format 4. The opportunity for you to share any feedback on how Baseball and Business can become better.I want to thank everyone for the support that has allowed us to get to 50 episodes. I wanted to use a brief episode to recognize this about creating opportunities for everyone involved. While I've been the one leading Baseball and Business, it is anything but something revolving around me. I look forward to hearing from you after listening to this week's episode.