Help Me Help You

Hosted by Jason Hoffman

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Apr 2024

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About the show

Are you a sports agent looking for some words of wisdom and advice? Maybe you’re a sports fan and curious about the agent side of the business! My name is Jason Hoffman and welcome to “Help Me Help You” podcast! I am a certified MLBPA (Major League Baseball Players Association) agent. 2024 will be year number 20 for me. I have negotiated over 20 million dollars in on-field contracts with teams like the Yankees, Giants, Diamondbacks etc. I have also negotiated lucrative endorsement deals with companies like, Rawlings, NIKE, Topps etc. I was drafted twice in the MLB draft and played professionally briefly. I am a graduate of William Penn University as well. My passion for baseball dates back to 5 years old, with that came a desire to help people. Sports Management (agents) is a growing business, when I started in 2004 there were no Sports Management courses being offered in college and most agencies were just "mom and pops shops.” Fast forward to today, almost every university offers some version of a “Sports Management” class or even degree. Problem is, they are being taught be professors who aren’t actual agents and never were. Getting an actual certified agent to speak with you is very difficult. So my podcast aims to talk about what it’s like to negotiate multimillion dollar player contracts with teams, how to recruit and retain players, the art of contract negotiation and the overall day-to-day grind of a sports agent maintaining a roster of professional athletes. So let me help you launch your career by sharing my knowledge and experience. Step up to the plate and “Help Me Help You”! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Listen to episodes

9 recent

April 17, 2024Episode 835 min

Ep. 8 - Agent: Kurt Varricchio

In the world of sports, Kurt stands out not just as an MLBPA-Certified Agent and seasoned California attorney, but as a true advocate for change. With over 25 years in Professional Baseball, from the Kansas City Chiefs to the San Diego Padres, Kurt's expertise extends far beyond the field. He's negotiated Major League contracts, tackled MLB Arbitration, and even sealed deals across Asia.But there's more to Kurt than meets the eye. A product of Florida’s Foster Care System, his personal journey from juvenile delinquent to baseball agent is both inspiring and transformative. His best-selling memoir, "Behind in the Count," tells a story of resilience, growth, and redemption.Join Kurt as he shares his wisdom, experiences, and passion for helping athletes. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, aspiring agent, or someone looking to make a difference, "Help Me Help You" is the podcast that dives deep into the world of sports, law, and life. Don't miss out on this incredible journey of empowerment and guidance. Subscribe now!

March 26, 202452 min

Ep. 7 - Agent: Rafael Godoy

Welcome, listeners, to another captivating episode of Help Me Help You! Today, we have a special treat for you. Joining us is none other than Rafael Godoy, a seasoned MLB agent and the mastermind behind Godoy Sports Group. Rafael isn't just your average agent - he's also a practicing attorney in the San Francisco Bay Area and a former collegiate athlete himself. In this episode, he takes us on a fascinating journey through his unconventional entry into the world of baseball representation. But that's just the beginning. Rafael dives deep into his experiences negotiating with one of baseball's most iconic teams - the Oakland A's - under the leadeshp of the legendary Billy Beane. Yes, that's the same Billy Beane depicted by Brad Pitt in the blockbuster movie 'Moneyball.' So, whether you're a die-hard baseball fan, a budding agent, or simply intrigued by the inner workings of the sports industry, this episode is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat. Don't miss out! Tune in to Help Me Help You and get ready for an insider's look at the world of baseball representation with the one and only Rafael Godoy.

March 12, 20241 hr 15 min

Ep. 6 - Agent: Lee Johnson

Welcome, listeners, to another exciting episode of Help Me Help You! Today, we've got a special guest joining us in the studio. Get ready to be inspired as we sit down with none other than Lee Johnson, the dynamic CEO of Lee Johnson Agency. Lee wears many hats - not only is she a MLBPA Certified Minor League Baseball Agent, but she's also a Certified WNBPA Agent and holds a JD. Today, she takes us on a journey through her life, starting with her roots in New York City. Lee opens up about her journey, sharing the pivotal moments that led her down the path of becoming a sports agent. So, whether you're a sports enthusiast, an aspiring agent, or just someone looking for some inspiration, this episode is for you. Tune in as Lee Johnson gives us a glimpse into the world of sports agency and the power of perseverance. Don't miss out! Subscribe now and join us for an enlightening conversation on Help Me Help You.

February 27, 20249 min

Ep. 5 - Video Killed the Radio Star...Not the Sports Agent

In this episode I guide you through the intricacies of assessing baseball players' physical attributes, skills, and potential. Drawing from my own experiences I explore the evolution of talent evaluation in the digital era, highlighting the transformative impact of technological innovations such as video analysis. While acknowledging the convenience of remote scouting, I emphasize the irreplaceable value of firsthand observation at the ballpark. From speed and arm strength to hitting prowess and fielding finesse, I dissect the five fundamental tools of baseball while underscoring the importance of a player's innate baseball instincts and character. By emphasizing traits like work ethic, attitude, coachability, and character, I stress their pivotal role in shaping a player's long-term success in the Major Leagues. Tune in for invaluable insights into mastering the art of talent evaluation and player representation.

February 20, 202411 min

Ep. 4 - Why Would I Go To Yale??

In this episode of Help Me Help You I unravel the intricate world of amateur baseball. As the college baseball season kicks into gear and high school diamonds prepare to shine, I’ll explore how these platforms provide aspiring athletes with a pathway to showcase their skills and potentially land a spot in the MLB draft. Join me as I take you on a journey through my own eyes, as a former player who experienced the whirlwind of the draft firsthand. I’ll share personal anecdotes and insights, shedding light on the realities of pursuing a career in professional baseball straight out of high school. But my journey doesn’t stop there. As a baseball agent, I delve into the strategies behind identifying and assessing prospects, from attending college games to building relationships with coaches and leveraging data analytics. Along the way I uncover the importance of production over potential and the invaluable wisdom hidden within the stands.

February 13, 202411 min

Ep. 3 - Don’t Be an Idiot, Be Reasonable

Welcome back to another episode of Help Me Help You, your go-to podcast for unraveling the intricacies of the sports agent world. Today, as we delve into episode #3, we tip our caps to an iconic #3 in baseball history. Now, let's pick up where we left off last week. From negotiating my first draft signing bonuses to learning a valuable lesson from a scouting director. I'm taking you on a journey through my early days in the industry. Discover the key principles every young agent needs to know, from being prepared and professional to the importance of being reasonable in negotiations. Learn why contract negotiation is not a zero-sum game and how being unflappable is crucial in this field. Join me as I explore the evolving landscape of endorsements and hear the story of David Hernandez, a 16th round draft pick turned Major League pitcher, and the pivotal role he played in my early career as an agent. From his Double-A all-star status to his Major League debut against baseball icons like Miguel Cabrera and Ken Griffey.

February 6, 202410 min

Ep. 2 - From the Dugout to the Desk

Welcome to episode 2 of Help Me Help You, the podcast where I delve into the world of sports agents through interviews with a diverse range of guests. In this episode, I’m taking you on a personal odyssey from the Jupiter, Florida spring training fields to the pivotal moments that transformed me from a baseball player to a baseball agent. Join me as I recount the unexpected turns, from being released by the St. Louis Cardinals to contemplating overseas offers and navigating the independent league circuit in Wyoming. Learn how a library book ignited the spark that led me to pursue a career as a sports agent. Discover the moment that changed everything, as I secured my first job in sports representation just weeks before the 2004 MLB draft, and the story of a hidden gem during the draft that proved my instincts right.

January 30, 20247 min

Ep. 1 - From Junior College Gems to Big League Dreams: Recruiting Success For a Rookie Agent

Welcome to episode one! In this episode of “Help Me Help You,” I dive into the crucial world of player recruitment strategies for sports agents. From targeting Junior College players to understanding the dynamics of the draft process, I share personal experiences and strategic insights that can shape the trajectory of a budding agent’s career. Learn the ropes, calculate commissions, and discover the winning strategies that led me to secure a big league client in my first ever draft. Don’t miss this episode full of valuable wisdom and actionable advice for aspiring sports agents. Don’t forget to subscribe so you get notifications when a new episode drops!

December 31, 20231 min