Episode 190: The Business of the Bat: MLB, NIL, and the Torpedo Takeover w/ Travis Copley

Episode 190 of The Hitstreak, a podcast where we talk about anything and everything!  

This week we are joined by the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Old Hickory Bat Company and a Former Professional Baseball Player, Travis Copley!

Episode in a Glance:

Check it out! In this episode, Travis and I sit down and talk about everything from the evolution of baseball bats—especially the innovative torpedo bat—to the importance of customization for player performance. Travis shares how Old Hickory grew from humble beginnings to becoming a top name in the game, and we explore how analytics, relationships, and community shape the future of baseball. We also dive into the joys and challenges of coaching youth sports, parenting through the game, and the value of kids hearing different mentoring voices. Travis opens up about his journey in the industry, memorable moments with players like Mike Trout, and the impact of NIL on college sports. At its core, this conversation is about relationships, family, and the love of baseball.

Key Points:

- The mind can cloud your focus; sometimes you need to clear it out.

- Building relationships is key in the bat manufacturing business.

- Allowing kids to hear other voices can enhance their love for the sport.

- Building core memories through sports is invaluable for both parents and children.

- Memorable encounters with players can shape one's career.

- Surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial for success.

- Personal development is a continuous journey.

- Lessons from successful individuals can provide valuable insights.

About our guest: 

Travis Copley is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Old Hickory Bat Company, where he brings over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, manufacturing, and leadership. A former professional baseball player, Travis bridges his on-field career with his off-field expertise—helping deliver some of the best wood bats in the game to players from Little League to the Major Leagues. His work includes brand development, promotions, and partnerships with top athletes like Mike Trout, Matt Olson, Michael Harris, and Kyle Tucker. 

A graduate of Soddy-Daisy High School, Travis went on to play at the University of Tennessee, where he was a 1995 College World Series participant, Freshman All-American, and two-time Second-Team All-SEC honoree. Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1998, he played five years professionally before transitioning into the business side of the sport. He also earned a degree in Sports Management and worked in both the Sports Information and Marketing departments at UT. Beyond Old Hickory, Travis serves on the board and coaches with Midland Baseball of Tennessee, a non-profit supporting over 20 youth teams based in Franklin. 

He’s married to Chris, a former UT volleyball player, and they have two sons: Tanner, a former college pitcher at Roane State, and Tyson, who will play at Carson-Newman this fall.

Follow and contact:

Instagram: @oldhickorybat

www.oldhickorybats.com

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