Xavier Scruggs, ESPN Baseball Host & Commentator, CEO of Xtraordinary Athletes

Braving Business Podcast: Xavier Scruggs: From the Diamond to the BoardroomEpisode Summary: In this riveting episode of the Braving Business Podcast, we sit down with former Major Leaguer Xavier Scruggs, now ESPN's top baseball commentator, host of Baseball Tonight, and entrepreneur. From being drafted in the 50th round out of high school to showcasing his perseverance by finally reaching the major leagues after seven seasons in the minors, to starting and mastering broadcasting, to starting his company, Xavier's journey is a testament to resilience and unwavering determination. But beyond the baseball diamond, there's an equally compelling story of mentoring, business endeavors, and a genuine passion for guiding athletes in their post-sport journeys.Key Points:- Xavier’s journey through the minors, his time with the Cardinals and Marlins, and his impressive stint in Korea.- The birth and growth of his business, Xtraordinary Athletes, and its mission to guide athletes in brand building and smooth transitions to life post-sports.- The deep conversations with baseball's top names on 'The Bigs', shedding light on Xavier's knack for genuine connection and conversation.Questions Discussed:1. Xavier, take us back to those minor league days. How did you keep pushing, especially when you weren’t billed as a top prospect?2. With your experience both on and off the field, what's been the most pivotal lesson about resilience and determination that you'd want young athletes to grasp?3. As you transitioned from player to mentor, coach, and now entrepreneur, what challenges did you face in the business world that felt similar to your challenges in sports?4. Tell us about the inception of Xtraordinary Athletes. What drove you to focus on helping athletes grow their brands and connect with aligned businesses?5. Your work with Tal's son Jacob – how does mentoring the younger generation shape your perspectives both in sports and business?Bonus: As both Tal and PJ are big baseball fans, they couldn’t resist getting Xavier's insights on the upcoming post-season and what to expect from the key players and teams.Tune in to this episode to draw inspiration from Xavier's journey, which beautifully encapsulates the essence of braving challenges in both sports and business. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, budding entrepreneur, or someone seeking motivation, Xavier's story promises a dose of inspiration and actionable insights. Don't miss out!