Behind the Business: Joel Barrett Baseball
Every local organization has a story — and we’re here to tell it. In this edition of Behind the Business, we caught up with Joel Barrett, owner of Joel Barrett Baseball, to talk about how it all began, the lessons learned along the way, and what keeps him inspired to serve the South Shore community.
What inspired you to start your business?
It really wasn’t a decision I sat down and made one day. I’ve been teaching, coaching, and working with baseball and softball players since I graduated college, and when you do something for that long, it doesn’t feel like you’re starting a business. It feels more like you’ve just found a way to do more of what you love.
Over time, the need grew. Families kept asking for more training, more structure, and more opportunities for their athletes. What started as coaching naturally turned into something bigger, but at its core, it’s still about teaching the game and helping kids grow through sports.
How would you describe your business to someone new?
We offer year-round baseball and softball clinics and camps that focus on strong fundamentals while also providing high-level training. Everything we do is built around proper development, attention to detail, and meeting athletes where they are whether they’re just starting out or preparing for the next level.
What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner?
The biggest challenge has been growth while maintaining quality. Whether it’s our clinics and camps with JB Baseball & Softball or managing a club program like Attack Softball, the responsibility is the same, every athlete deserves the same level of instruction, care, and attention.
Over the past five years, we’ve worked with more than 5,000 athletes. Making sure each one feels supported and properly coached takes intentional planning, strong staff, and a commitment to never cutting corners, even as demand continues to grow.
What are you most proud of in your business journey?
I’m most proud of our ability to give back to the community that has supported us. We provide multiple scholarships to families who need assistance, sponsor local high school programs, little league teams, and support other small businesses.
I believe one of the responsibilities of any small business is to support its community. We’re grateful for the South Shore and its towns, and we’re fortunate to be in a position where we can give back to the people who believe in us.
How has the local community influenced your business?
The local community is truly what makes this all possible. We’ve had athletes from over 30 towns attend our camps, and every year we even have athletes travel from out of state; one from Virginia consistently comes back year after year.
What means the most is when I’m at a tournament or another sporting event and one of our athletes comes up just to say hello. That’s when we really understand the impact we’ve had. We take that responsibility seriously, and it motivates everything we do.
What sets your business apart from others in the area?
What sets us apart is simple,we take the little things seriously. As a former Division I baseball player, a former college and high school coach, and now an educator with nearly 20 years in education and my current role as a middle school administrator, I view development through a wide lens.
Who we hire matters. We hire leaders and role models. What we teach matters. Our programs focus on the total athlete, on and off the field, because success in sports and in life is built on habits, character, and consistency.
Who has helped or mentored you along the way?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from many coaches, educators, and mentors throughout my career. Just as important has been learning from families, athletes, and fellow coaches along the way. Every experience adds perspective.
What does a typical day look like for you?
After finishing my school day, I head straight to 781 Sports, our indoor baseball and softball training facility. From there, the day can go in many directions, running individual lessons, clinics, or camps, fixing batting cage nets, maintaining turf, repairing doors, or helping with facility upkeep.
I also coach multiple teams within Attack Softball, from 8U through 18U Elite showcase teams. On any given day, I might be a coach, custodian, mentor, scheduler, plumber, or even restocking our baseball card vending machine. Every day is different, and that’s part of what I love.
What trends are you seeing in your industry right now?
One positive trend is the increased focus on strength and conditioning and nutrition awareness, especially when programs approach it in an age-appropriate way. Keeping athletes healthy has to be a priority, and coaches can play an important role in holding athletes accountable.
One concerning trend is an overemphasis on games and a lack of true development. Games are important, and I love competition, but real growth happens in the work that comes before the games. The process matters. Families should look for programs with a clear roadmap for skill and physical development that aligns with their athlete’s goals.
What advice would you give to aspiring business owners?
The advice I give business owners is the same advice I give my athletes. We use a phrase: “Win or learn.” We take it one step further—“Win or learn. The only way you lose is if you quit.”
Be patient. Stay consistent with your morals and ethics. Focus on what truly matters. And if you’re lucky enough to build something around what you love and are passionate about, you’ll never feel like you’re working a day in your life.