2025 ABCA Convention Recap

Big Takeaway #1: Relationships Always Win

One of the most rewarding aspects of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Convention is reconnecting with the people who make this industry special. Coaches change schools and programs. People transition from one company to another or launch their own products. Yet, at the heart of it all, the relationships we build remain constant. This year, I truly enjoyed catching up with individuals I’ve worked with in the past, whether we’ve gone in different directions or are now working with (or even for) competitors. Beyond our professional titles, we are husbands, fathers, wives, daughters, mothers—people trying to do our best for our families while working in an industry we love.

Big Takeaway #2: SO. MANY. PRODUCTS.

Walking through the exhibit hall this year was both exciting and overwhelming. I remember my early days at the ABCA Convention, eagerly picking up training tools, books, and innovative products designed to help players improve. Back then, the big players—glove, bat, and uniform companies—dominated the scene, with a few smaller brands trying to carve out a niche.

This year, the sheer number of custom glove companies, wood bat brands, and uniform providers was astonishing. It highlights a major market shift toward fully custom products and the reduced barriers to entry for starting these types of businesses. Are there significant performance differences between all these products? Maybe marginal. However, the real competition is in the branding—connecting with kids on social media and creating products they’ll beg their parents for because "it looks cool."

Big Takeaway #3: Niche Tech

The evolution of technology in our field over the past 20 years has been staggering. I remember working with my college roommate on a video analysis tool and taking calls with Don Slaught and the RVP team (IYKYK). Back then, we saw enormous potential as hardware became smaller and more affordable.

Today, dozens of new tech companies emerge each year with features that put those early tools to shame. Many developers excel at creating one or two standout features that make their products appealing, but often miss the mark on delivering the full package. This forces consumers to cobble together multiple solutions, creating inefficiencies. The real winners in this space are those with the team and resources to deliver an all-in-one (AIO) experience, seamlessly integrating the full suite of tools coaches, business owners, and enterprises need to simplify their work and bring greater value to their athletes and customers.

I also want to highlight Tom Koerick jr and SkillShow . I continue to work with and support all of SkillShow’s efforts because 20+ years ago they set out to provide video at scale, and not only have done that better and more consistently than anyone else, but continue to do it with class and treat people the right way. It's a testament to hard work, innovation, and sustained relationships.

Pulling It All Together

Nine months ago, I made the decision to join the Playbook365 team, and it was all about relationships. Billy Becher is a standup individual who stays true to his word and works tirelessly to create the best possible product for our customers. Our team has the backing and resources of Travel + Leisure Co. to achieve what no one else has: building the first true AIO experience for tournament and league directors, facility owners, travel team administrators, and hotel/travel booking companies—all accessible from a single UI/UX and login.

With the addition of TourneyBoard and the introduction of our affiliate marketplace, we’re not just focusing on the big players. We’re also providing a platform for lesser-known brands, started and run by everyday people, to gain nationwide exposure. Our mission is to enhance the experience for every part of the ecosystem: the player, the parent, the coach, and the business owner or employee. By eliminating inefficiencies, we’re helping everyone spend less time on logistics and more time enjoying the moments that matter.