Matt Baysinger

Calling all parents of athletes, coaches, athletic directors, and club programs. You are missing the most important ingredient in developing your kids. Let’s start giving them the tools for success. Message me if you want to try Athletic Mindset where we measure how an athletes thinks while practicing and competing in sports.

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A week before the 2024 United Shore Professional Baseball League Season began, Andrew Huffman, an RHP for the Utica Unicorns, signed a professional contract with the Minnesota Twins, making him the 52nd player in USPBL history to join an Major League Baseball (MLB) organization. Huffman, a graduate student from SUNY Brockport, was named the 2023 USPBL Pitcher of the Year, leveraging his impressive season to elevate his status as a potential prospect for 2024. Upon hearing the news of Huffman’s signing, I reached out to Shane McCatty, the current Director of Baseball Operations for the USPBL, to learn more about his journey. Shane, who served as the USPBL pitching coordinator from 2018 to 2021, has been instrumental in integrating the DVS Methodology into pitchers across the league. Huffman's rise as a pitching prospect mirrors the path of many pitchers who diligently work on their areas for improvement and are committed to making necessary changes. When Huffman first arrived at the USPBL, his command and results were inconsistent. However, with his strong physique and promising rising fastball, he was identified as a potential prospect. Early in his training, Huffman’s inconsistency was traced to his throwing mechanics, specifically his arm action. His throwing arm would rotate into position before his pelvis, leading to larger margins of error at release. After six weeks of focused training and adjustments to his timing, Huffman began to see significant progress by July. His transformation was evident in his performance: May through June: 10.3 IP, 8 ER, 24 K, 8 BB, 11 H, 6.99 ERA July through August: 35.2 IP, 6 ER, 43 K, 18 BB, 15 H, 1.53 ERA Jim Essian, manager of the Utica Unicorns, commented on the decision to make Huffman a starter: "His confidence grew. His off-speed pitches started to land in the zone more consistently, hitters continued to chase his fastball, and he became a prospect for us. We wanted to get him more innings to give him more exposure and allow him to get out of here." The process of developing a pitcher involves teaching and time commitment, helping to build a "confidence loop." Consistent visual feedback enables pitchers to trust their improvements and see the ball’s trajectory more optimally. This growing confidence in their pitching skills during catch play, bullpens, and games propels their success to a higher level. Congratulations to Andrew Huffman, his family, and the entire USPBL for creating another remarkable story to share!

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As we near the finish line of another school year, we want to celebrate our student-athletes and the profound lessons gained through high school sports. While we acknowledge and celebrate these accomplishments, it's also an opportune time to look toward the future of education-based athletics in Indiana. As an Association, we have always aimed to approach the future by listening to our membership and the needs of their school communities. Of course, we are aware that public perception, at times, has suggested otherwise—that we operate behind closed doors. However, that is not the case. We do not exist in an echo chamber. We are active listeners who take action—when appropriate—in response to what we hear. That is why in 2024-25 the Association will conduct a study on what the transfer process may look like in the future. We are spearheading this effort because we empathize with families burdened by making school choice decisions before high school. Furthermore, in today's era of school choice—particularly in urban areas—we realize that families are sometimes forced to reassess the education paths for their children. To be clear, this study is not an avenue to make athletically driven transfers possible. Instead, this study aims to explore solutions that provide families with flexibility while preserving the integrity of our education-based athletic programs. The 2024-25 transfers study will follow the same philosophy that drives the straw polls we conduct at area principal meetings yearly. And it aligns with the same principles that govern our sectional realignment process (https://bit.ly/3RmPcwA). It is another example demonstrating how essential it is for the Association to listen to its membership, understand the needs of our school communities, and take action to protect and preserve the integrity of high school sports in Indiana. Like we always have been, we will continue to be your IHSAA. (Read the entire Spring Spectator Newsletter here: https://bit.ly/3RvAu6j) #ThisIsYourIHSAA #EducationBasedAthletics #HighSchoolSports

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The cutthroat power struggle within US Soccer is plunging the sport into a downward spiral, with MLS at the forefront of the controversy. Accusations of MLS deliberately sabotaging the USL in a bid to cling onto its dominance are rife, exposing a desperate grasp for power. This calculated move by MLS comes as no surprise, considering its ongoing assault on the USL's modest strides in lower league soccer. The recent demise of USL San Diego serves as a grim reminder of the ruthless tactics employed by MLS to crush any potential competition. Such ruthless maneuvers not only stifle the growth of the sport but also erode the very essence of healthy competition that soccer thrives on. Instead of nurturing an environment of fair play and rivalry, MLS's actions reek of a monopolistic agenda aimed at controlling markets, ultimately tarnishing the integrity of the beautiful game. https://lnkd.in/eEmjB5db

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I'm Brian Morris, Founder of Oklahoma Scholastic Esports (OKSE), a program that started with just 9 schools and has grown to over 200+ in 4 years – and it's not slowing down. We built OKSE differently. We kept it Oklahoma-based, with students, educators, and parents from our great state. We saw the potential of esports in education, and the impact it could have on students. Throughout my life, I've been underestimated for coming from a small town. But that doubt only fueled my drive. I balanced work, school, and personal life to achieve my goals. This same relentless spirit is what built OKSE. There were moments I wanted to quit, but giving up wasn't an option. It's about more than winning; it's about student success. When we empower students, the potential of esports in education becomes limitless. At OKSE, we're all in. We fight for what we believe in. If you're interested in partnerships, sponsorships, or joining our mission, reach out directly. I'm Brian Morris, the founder who built this from the ground up, alongside a passionate team. Together, let's rewrite the ending for esports in education. #esports #education #Oklahoma #students #community Connect with me directly to discuss how we can work together. P.S. Don't go to a secondary source. Get your information straight from the source.

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Over the past seven years, the number of outdoor public park pickleball courts in major cities has skyrocketed 650%, according to a new report by the Trust for Public Land. St. Louis is ranked in the top 10 for # of courts per person...and there is still demand for more courts. https://lnkd.in/dT84TRBw #pickleball #mlp #majorleaguepickleball

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Heads Up Superintendents, Principals, School Resource Security Athletic Directors - 1-minute video on effective communication crucial in managing athletic events and ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors. We would like to introduce you to the V!NE Event Notification System, a state-of-the-art solution designed to enhance communication across your entire campus. V!NE is a patented visual, networked-based alert system that utilizes industry-standard Ethernet infrastructure and POE switching, making it easy to use and scalable to fit your needs. With V!NE, you can create custom notifications for specific events and push critical alerts instantly to those who need them most. This system is especially effective in noisy environments or high-stress situations where traditional communication methods may fall short. By integrating V!NE, you can extend your security and communication network from the main school buildings to adjacent indoor and outdoor facilities, ensuring everyone stays informed and connected during events. When seconds count, there may not be a more effective communication system than V!NE. DM for details on partner programs and direct sales or connect with Angela Trajkovska for scheduling #schools #security #athletics #poe

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Wow, NCAA Power 5 Schools Paying Players?! 🏈🏀 This is a game-changer for college sports! The NCAA's new decision could drastically reshape the landscape. I'm excited to explore how the $20M cap on athlete compensation and other details will play out. Check out the article and share your thoughts in the comments! I'll dive deeper into this in our upcoming newsletter—stay tuned! #NCAA #StudentAthletes #SportsReform #AthleteCompensation #CollegiateAthletics https://bit.ly/3KhpntE

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Negro Leagues stats are now MLB stats. Here’s how the record book changed. https://lnkd.in/gmzcGFzE Good move "Major League Baseball announced Wednesday that the statistics of more than 2,300 Negro Leagues players will be incorporated into its record book. The addition, which comes a few years after MLB declared the Negro Leagues should be considered “major league level,” means the achievements of some of the sport’s all-time greats will now be considered against those of their contemporaries, even though they were not allowed to compete against them on the field. Stars such as Homestead Grays slugger Josh Gibson now stand alongside the likes of Babe Ruth and Ted Williams in a record book that long excluded them. The Negro Leagues stars generally played fewer official games than White players of the same era, so the top of the leader boards for many of the counting statistics (hits, home runs, strikeouts, etc.) are unchanged. But rate stats, which speak to how effective a player was without being subject to scheduling, reveal a much different picture."

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With a smart game plan and plenty of preparation, any company or effort of any size can succeed. However, there are also pitfalls when one is handed the "Golden Goose", and avoiding them can sometimes feel like a field of land mines placed before you. The #WNBA was handed such an opportunity with the debut of collegiate sensation Caitlin Clark, but recent events show the League is faltering badly in their zeal, and is now left facing difficult questions they would prefer not be discussed in public. Your takeaway here are lessons learned in how not to gaffe at your one excellent opportunity. #leadership #sales #marketing #publicrelations #racism https://lnkd.in/e7FTUWpU

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Expectations. For some, the idea of expectations can be crushing. For others, it’s invigorating. How we think about “expectations” is critical to whether they allow us to crumble under or rise to them. There’s an intricate balance we must find that calls people (including ourselves) up to the boundary of our next layer of greatness without causing a “why even try” mentality. Know yourself. Know your people. Set the expectations high, and the love and support in pursuit of those expectations even higher. #ChampMindset.

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If your interested in the business of Sport Joe Pompliano is a must follow. Here he does a great job of breaking down the complex scenario which is the NBA's new media rights deal. We think the money is big in American sports - wait until we see the new world this media rights deal will unleash! #sports #business #professionals #media #TV #nosuchthingasTVanymore #sportsbusiness #NBA

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There's this oft-discussed phenomenon in sports where "the game slows down" for some of the best players. You're able to think one step ahead of your opponent and the hours of practice seem to finally pay off. As I posted about last week, I have a LONG way to go when it comes to feeling that way about my career as a whole. But, I am really fortunate that some parts of my day-to-day have indeed "slowed down". The prime example of this? How successful Franchise YoungConference really has been for us this year. Some fact bombs to drop on you all: 💣 With our agenda coming out today, we're excited to announce 50+ speakers and mentors that will be speaking at the event. You've seen me cite Scott Abbott, Morgan Kline and Devan Kline already; we have other fantastic speakers (some of which have never spoken at a Franchisors.com event before) that we're privileged to have. Be sure to check out the agenda here: https://lnkd.in/dBMc8ecb 💣 When we had our first event down in Miami in 2019, we had only 96 people attend (and yes, that includes all of the staff we brought). For our virtual event in 2020, we had 103 sign onto the webinar at some point or another. 2022 in Fort Lauderdale brought us 133 (in a hotel I did NOT love). Last year was amazing with 155, but it turns out Chicago is a bit more expensive than we bargained for 😅 For 2024? 170 people and counting, with a record amount of franchisors, franchisees, fractional executives, suppliers and third-party investors. 5 spots left until we breach fire-code, so get registered ASAP: https://lnkd.in/dazvZjKw 💣 We have some fantastic new additions to the agenda this year, in large part due to my wonderful committee of Jake Fishman, Aaron Harper, Olivia DiGirolamo, CFE, Gabriella Ferrara, Courtney Stillings, CFE, Jeff Horst, Madeleine Zook and Brooke Budke assisting Ryan Hicks, CFE and myself. Look out for the *brand new* fractional executive/private equity breakfast roundtables to get all of your questions answered by the experts, what brands *actually* do with the money they get in M&A, finding out how all of these new laws on Capitol Hill REALLY affect Millennials in franchising and cutting-edge changes to Ops, Marketing, Recruiting, FranDev and much more. There's a lot to be excited for that you all will find out more about in the coming days. But for now, let's stick with one of my favorite pictures of last year, my friend Aaron Harper posing with Joseph Trahan, Grant Marcks, Tony Zaccario and Nick Rhoads after winning YC Shark Tank 2023. Watching his rapid (and responsible) growth since then has been amazing to see, couldn't be happier to be a small part of it. People like Aaron Harper is why we started Franchise YoungConference! You have the agenda now folks, what are you most excited for? Drop a comment 💣 below ⬇

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Why I believe EYBL should be the goal for players and parents. The EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League) is a highly prestigious AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) circuit that features some of the top high school basketball players in the United States. Here are a few ways in which the EYBL circuit is different from other AAU showcases: 1. Invitation-only: The EYBL circuit is invitation-only, meaning that teams and players must be invited to participate. This selective process ensures that only the top teams and players are competing in the league. 2. Nike sponsorship: The EYBL circuit is sponsored by Nike, which provides financial support, equipment, and exposure for the participating teams and players. This sponsorship helps elevate the level of competition and provides enhanced resources for player development. 3. High level of competition: The EYBL circuit is known for its high level of competition. Top teams from across the country compete against each other in a series of tournaments, culminating in the EYBL Finals. This intense competition allows players to showcase their skills against the best in the nation. 4. Exposure and scouting: The EYBL circuit attracts a significant amount of attention from college recruiters, scouts, and media outlets. The league provides a platform for players to gain exposure and catch the attention of college coaches, increasing their chances of earning scholarships and playing at the collegiate level. 5. Player development: The EYBL circuit focuses not only on competition but also on player development. Teams and players have access to top-level coaching, training facilities, and resources that help them improve their skills and basketball IQ. Overall, the EYBL circuit stands out as one of the premier AAU showcases due to its invitation-only format, Nike sponsorship, high level of competition, exposure opportunities, and focus on player development. #nike #eybl #aau #real #toptier #tough #fyp #strive #compete #strong

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As a mother, wife, and career-driven woman, I am disheartened by the recent remarks from Harrison Butker concerning women’s “vocations.” It’s disappointing that we are still encountering narratives that attempt to define and limit our roles. Women are incredibly diverse, and we should all feel empowered to pursue whatever path we choose. This issue isn’t just about public statements; it reflects deeper, systemic problems which manifest in our workplaces too. Too often, women are funneled into supportive roles based on outdated biases and misconceptions. While some boast about having a high percentage of female employees, this number loses its shine when we see that only a fraction hold leadership positions. It’s time for a change. We need to challenge these outdated frameworks and biases vigorously. Let’s have more open discussions in our boardrooms and workplaces about how these stereotypes hinder women from reaching their full potential. Together, we can break down these barriers and create a truly inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

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Are collegiate esports heading towards professionalization? 🤔 With the NCAA's recent approval for direct athlete compensation, collegiate athletics are shifting from the traditional amateur spirit to a more professionalized model. 📈 As colleges focus more on vocational training, this change could significantly impact collegiate esports, possibly emphasizing commercial interests over educational values. 🏫💼 The Big Question: How can institutions balance the pursuit of professional opportunities with the educational and personal development of students? Pros of Professionalization: 1. Greater financial support for student-athletes 2. Enhanced career pathways in esports and related industries 3. Attraction of top talent to collegiate programs Cons of Professionalization: 1. Risk of prioritizing profits over education 2. Potential loss of traditional college sports values 3. Increased pressure and commercialization in academic settings What do you think? Is the professionalization of collegiate esports a step in the right direction, or does it risk compromising the core values of education? Share your thoughts 👾🏆 Source: https://bit.ly/3VKmA2P

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