Today we’d like to introduce you to Blaine Johnson.
Hi Blaine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started Protégé Baseball (now Protégé Athletics LLC) back in 2014 because I wanted to provide quality baseball instruction to the youth in Houston. My initial focus was travel teams that played in competitive tournaments which grew quickly to 10 teams. However in 2019 I pivoted to more one on one and group instruction. In 2020 during covid is where our business took off, with so many kids at home during covid parents where looking for something to keep their kids active and I was the right person at the right time. With tournaments shut down for (3-4) all the kids could do was train. Our focus was to have them ready for whenever they were able to play again. This is where I found my niche as a hitting instructor, when tournament play restarted all of my athletes were having success. Word of mouth spread and my business just continued to grow. By end of 2020 I was full-time self employed private baseball instructor. I always knew I’d be in baseball for life but just didn’t know at what capacity. Baseball was always what kept me focused in school, allowed me to build relationships with so many different people, and kept me out of trouble. I truly believe I’m walking in my purpose and I tell people all the time that baseball is just the tool that I use to teach kids life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Heck no, I learned so much about business and coaching because those are two completely different things. They both present their challenges from daily operations, payroll, marketing, brand identity to player development, parent relationships, leadership/mentorship. One of my strengths has always been building relationships but running a business forced me to be more organized with my schedule, revenue, making time for family, and and truly listening to people’s thoughts and opinions.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What set me apart from others is my ability to teach high quality instruction to each individual regardless of the age. People want real coaching, real development, real results and we deliver.
I’m most proud my personal growth over the years and my business growth. They go hand in hand.
I specialize in hitting instruction and infield training.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Network with everyone, go to social events, training seminars, coaching clinics/camps, never stop learning. The day I stop learning is the day my players stop learning.
Honestly I talk to people in higher positions than me to seek advice from, business is business. Alot of times my mentors have found mind me because they see my ambition and drive. Successful people want to help others be successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.protegebaseball.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_baseball_performance_coach?igsh=MW16b204OWQwajZiNw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16HPAma41K/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@baseballperformancecoach?_t=ZT-8vPm0qwT6Fy&_r=1
