Behind the Business: Mass Captains Baseball Club
Every local organization has a story — and we’re here to tell it. In this edition of Behind the Business, we caught up with Corey Blair, co-owner and coach at Mass Captains Baseball Club, 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?
Baseball has always been a big part of my life, and having the chance to help young athletes grow both as ballplayers and as people really inspired me to pursue this opportunity. I had previously been involved with other clubs in the area and saw a chance to make a broader impact and improve the overall experience for players and families on the South Shore. Along the way, I connected with great baseball people and friends who shared the same passion. Jerod Edmondson, Jeremiah Toomey, and I decided to take a chance and see if our vision for a club baseball experience would resonate with local players and parents. We formed Mass Captains Baseball in June of 2024, and we have truly loved every minute of the experience so far. We are very excited about what we will be able to deliver in the future.
How would you describe your business to someone new?
Massachusetts Captains Baseball is a player development focused baseball club founded by former collegiate and professional players. We help athletes train, compete, and grow at a high level while supporting families with a clear and informed approach to the youth sports journey. Built on real playing, coaching, and parenting experience, our program focuses on doing things the right way and preparing athletes to succeed both on and off the field.
What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner?
The biggest challenge has been growing the organization while being extremely careful about the people we bring in. While we want to grow, culture and alignment with our vision are critical to running a sustainable business, and we work hard to protect that. Finding like minded coaches can be difficult, especially since most people involved are not doing this for financial gain but because they love baseball and enjoy developing young players.
What are you most proud of in your business journey?
I am most proud of the impact we have made in such a short amount of time. We have grown significantly in just our second year while maintaining the quality and standards we expect. The development we have seen from our players has been outstanding and is a testament to their work ethic and buy-in to the program.
I am also proud of the relationships and partnerships we have built. Partnering with Joel Barrett and Mass Attack Softball to develop 781 Sports in Hanover has allowed us to create one of the nicest indoor facilities in the area. Joel is a great friend and was really instrumental in helping us get off the ground. We have also partnered with Jason Maher of North Star Personal Training in Cohasset to provide a high level strength and conditioning program. Building these strong relationships and delivering something special for athletes on the South Shore means a great deal to us.
How has the local community influenced your business?
The local community has played a huge role in our growth. We take pride in helping grow the game of baseball across the South Shore, not just within our club. Our indoor facility, 781 Sports, is located in Hanover so we have built a great relationship with the town to help improve local fields. We have also donated and provided coaching to several town programs to support their efforts. Strong relationships with high school and Little League programs in the area are extremely important to us and are essential for building a sustainable business.
What sets your business apart from others in the area?
What sets Mass Captains Baseball apart is a truly unified, high level experience throughout the entire program. Every team receives consistent coaching and instruction with hands-on involvement from both Jerod and I to ensure no player or team is overlooked. We have a development first culture and are selective about the athletes, families, and coaches we bring in because the environment matters. Our coaches have real playing and coaching experience and tailor their approach based on age and stage of development.
We offer year round access to one of the largest baseball specific facilities on the South Shore, allowing players to train properly without overcrowding. Rosters are intentionally kept smaller, especially at younger ages, so players receive more repetitions, more attention, and greater opportunities to develop.
Families can expect clear communication and honest support throughout the year. Built in strength, speed, and agility training is included for all players age ten and up, eliminating extra fees while developing stronger and more athletic competitors. We train to win the right way by emphasizing preparation, work ethic, discipline, and character, while helping athletes succeed both on and off the field.
Who has helped or mentored you along the way?
All of us have been fortunate to have many great coaches and mentors who shaped both our playing careers and our lives. Baseball is a tight knit community, and there are many people we can lean on for guidance. While not mentors in the traditional sense, Jerod, Jeremiah, and I have also experienced youth and club sports as parents, which gives us valuable perspective on what works and what does not for families. I have also been lucky to have strong mentors in my business life who have helped me better understand how to run an organization that people want to be a part of.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Most of us also work day jobs, so this has become a second full time commitment. While that can seem overwhelming, being able to work with our players in the evenings and on weekends is the best part of the day and does not feel like work. It was important for Jerod and me to be visible and involved with all teams so players know they matter and are not just a number. Outside of the field, there is a lot of behind the scenes administration and organization that happens whenever there is a free moment during the day.
What trends are you seeing in your industry right now?
Youth sports, and baseball in particular, are becoming more professionalized and year round. Families are looking for programs that prioritize real development, not just games and tournaments. There is a growing emphasis on age appropriate training, injury prevention, strength development, and providing a clear pathway as players get older. Costs are rising, which has made families more selective and more focused on transparency, communication, and value. Technology and data are becoming more common and the best programs continue to balance those tools with fundamentals, leadership, and a genuine love for the game. Overall, the trend is toward fewer but higher quality experiences that focus on long term development.
What advice would you give to aspiring business owners?
Surround yourself with people you respect who share your vision, do something you truly enjoy, and do not be afraid to try new ideas. We are constantly evaluating what we offer and are willing to experiment. Some ideas work and continue to grow, while others do not and provide valuable lessons. If you understand who you are, communicate that clearly to your customers, and consistently look for ways to improve, people will respond regardless of the industry.