Baseball has become big business, even for some of the youngest players. Across the Capital Region, children as young as 7 are joining highly competitive travel teams in hopes of playing in high school and, eventually, college. For families, that means finding a well-run team and investing in player development, as Business Report writes in its latest issue.
Baton Rouge native and former Mississippi College player Matt Mistretta saw an opportunity to address both needs. After working in player development with several Major League Baseball affiliates, he returned to Baton Rouge in 2021 to launch Total Diamond Performance and Louisiana Mariners Baseball and Softball.
The independent but complementary businesses include a travel ball organization of about a dozen teams and a training company offering private lessons, small-group training, camps, clinics and mental performance programs. Mariners players have access to TDP’s coaches and facilities, while TDP also serves athletes outside the organization. Using video and data analytics, the company helps players track their progress.
The businesses operate an indoor facility in Prairieville and a sprawling complex on Burbank Drive in Baton Rouge. Field rentals and tournaments provide additional revenue.
Read the full story from the latest issue of Business Report.
