My Journey to Director of Corporate Partnerships at The Players League

Two years ago, I contacted Alec Allred out of the blue. I came across his profile in a random prospecting search, and a deeper dive quickly revealed that he was someone who shared my passion for serving small communities to help level the playing field in recruiting. At the time, I was working with the Purcellville Cannons to build a blueprint for player development in the Valley League. Alec and his father, Reggie, were busy building out the Old North State League, which was the first big step in realizing a small dream shared between a father and son.

Back in 2018, Alec, a professional baseball player, worked his way through independent minor league baseball with his dad, Reggie, his biggest supporter and an entrepreneur. In the late summer of that year, Alec phoned his dad on his way back home to North Carolina from his team in Michigan. What started as a casual conversation to pass the time during the 10-hour car ride soon turned into the creation of one of the largest Summer Collegiate Baseball Leagues in the United States, along with a national plan to unite all college summer baseball leagues.

In March of 2023, the Old North State League signed an agreement to become the first Partner League of The Players League, also known as the “League of Leagues.”

The Players League

The Players League, based out of North Carolina, is a new and innovative take on the structure of baseball in America. Inspired by the professional baseball league of the 1890s and owned by the players themselves, the new TPL seeks to fulfill the goals set out by those players over a century ago.

One of TPL's main objectives is to foster unity among leagues to drive innovation, prioritize player health, nurture athletes' development, and support baseball teams in scaling as major sports entertainment businesses.

To realize this vision, The Players League is strategically partnering with leaders in the sports and entertainment industry across the country. Through these collaborations, the TPL aims to transform how players are valued and treated within the game.

Out of Left Field

Over the last two years, there have been countless exchanges of ideas, some successfully put into action, with others, well, not so much. Through it all, the player-centric proposals have often found their way into the league domain to help TPL fulfill its mission. From these humble beginnings, it is surreal to say I’m now the Director of Corporate Partnerships for The Players League (TPL), one of the country's most player-centric college wood-bat leagues. My path here hasn’t been a straight line, and if you’d asked me three years ago, I wouldn’t have guessed I’d be in this role. Yet, looking back, every step has prepared me for this incredible opportunity to help companies see the value in supporting a league that’s deeply invested in its players and the communities it touches.

For those who don’t know, TPL isn’t just any summer league. It’s a growing network of leagues and teams spread across states like North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, and Maine, where athletes develop their skills and fans get to experience the heart of grassroots baseball. What drew me to this league—and what I believe draws corporate partners—is how much it focuses on the players. Every decision, from scouting to training to community involvement, is centered around ensuring these athletes have the best possible experience on and off the field.

Beyond Brand Visibility

Coming into this role, I knew my priority was simple: help companies see how partnering with TPL is more than just placing a logo on a field or website. It’s about aligning with a league that’s passionate about serving the next generation of baseball talent and bringing communities together through sport. I’ve always been a believer that great partnerships don’t just benefit the organization—they provide real value to the partners as well. That’s my mission with TPL.

I’m not someone who shouts from the rooftops, but I’ve come to appreciate the value in speaking up about the good work happening here. The companies I work with invest in something that matters—not just baseball but people. They’re contributing to the dreams of young athletes and supporting local communities that come alive during the summer season.

The truth is, I’m learning as much as I’m contributing in this role. Every day brings new conversations with passionate business owners, marketing teams, and local leaders who believe in our vision. And that’s the humbling part—knowing that I get to be a bridge between these companies and an organization that’s making a difference in the lives of its players and fans.

Where Do We Go From Here?

It’s a privilege to be here, and I’m excited for what’s to come. Let's chat if you want to learn more about how TPL can help your company connect with passionate fans and communities nationwide. I’d love to hear your story and explore how we can provide engagement that makes meaningful impact.

Until next time, keep it in fair territory.