The Dad Effect: How Travel Ball Parenting Limits Future Big Leaguers
Description
In this episode Matt sits down with Johan Martinez-Khalilian to explore a powerful and often overlooked dynamic in youth and professional sports: the role of fathers (and parents) in shaping athletes’ journeys.
Through raw stories, personal reflection, and lessons learned from working with elite athletes, this conversation dives into how parents can either empower or unintentionally hold back their children — on and off the field.
👉 Topics we cover in this episode:
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How fathers impact their children’s athletic development
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Why performance-focused parenting can damage relationships
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Johan’s emotional story of soccer and his dad
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Matt’s hockey experience and tough love parenting
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Tools parents can use to encourage growth and confidence
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Why awareness, curiosity, and trust matter most
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How to pivot as a parent (even if you feel it’s too late)
🔗 Connect with Johan:
🔗 Connect with Matt:
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