Former UT player teaches children the fundamentals

As a student at the University of Texas, Scott Leon had to give a speech on youth sports for a class. Struggling in the class and not sure what he wanted to do with his life, Leon views the speech as a turning point.

"I always knew that I wanted to do coaching in some capacity," Leon said. "I gave a speech on the importance of coaching youths and the importance of encouragement and being positive. [The speech] gave me direction. It became something more than just a college project."

Leon went on to play minor league baseball, and when his playing career ended, that school project became an independent business, he said.

Leon began offering private lessons in the Austin area, and in 1999 he moved his operations to a warehouse in Lakeway.

After six months, Leon was ready to shut down his operation, but when January hit, things took off, he said.

"It was like the floodgates opened," Leon said. "I learned that it is a very seasonal, very tough business."

Leon continued to work part time doing odd jobs to supplement his income, but in 2005 he was finally able to focus solely on Positive Baseball Development. Leon attributes a lot of that success to being in an area that is growing rapidly and to his business having a good reputation.

"We've been around for almost 14 years where a lot of businesses have come and gone," Leon said. "The main thing is our integrity and honesty. We care about every kid that walks through the door, whether they are all-stars or not. We give them just as much of our passion as we can."

Eventually Leon said he would like to expand the number of children his business can reach, but he doesn't have a time frame in mind.

"I've always wanted to expand across the state, the region and even the country," Leon said.

Leon said that he fears expanding his business could hurt the focus on positive teaching on which his company thrives. Expanding and putting people in charge of other locations would make it harder for Leon to ensure every child is being taught a positive lesson, he said.

Regardless of what happens in the future, Leon said he believes PBD is the best thing he could be doing.

"Its been great," Leon said. "I couldn't imagine doing anything else."

Hiring former students

Scott Leon, owner of Positive Baseball Development, said that he has had a number of children come back as adults and work for him.

"I've got two guys right now who work here that I taught as kids," Leon said. "It is a good way to grow your business. You train kids since they were 9 [years old], then they know how you want stuff done. You can also trust them to work their butts off when they are here."

That trust allows Leon to be able to leave the building and know that his business is in the hands of someone he can count on as opposed to someone just there for a paycheck.

"That was always part of my plan for growing the business," Leon said. "To bring those guys back and help me run the business."

Positive Baseball Development, 15506 Clara Van St., Austin, 512-569-4766, www.positivebaseball.com

• Mon.–Fri. 3–9 p.m.
• Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.