Jeff Francoeur and Greg Olsen talk balance, specialization and the goal of youth sports

Jeff Francoeur, former MLB outfielder and 2010 World Series player, is also a father of four and an advocate for youth sports. Currently, he serves as a broadcaster for the Atlanta Braves and TBS, and as a podcast host for Pure Athlete, a platform dedicated to helping young athletes, parents and coaches navigate youth sports and become the best version of themselves in sports and in life.

Francoeur recently joined Greg Olsen on the Youth Inc. podcast for a conversation about his journey through sports, balance and how to help kids love the game.

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Key Takeaways

Pure Athlete and Youth Inc.

Pure Athlete and Youth Inc. share the mission of helping kids, parents, and coaches navigate youth sports. Francoeur said: “Ultimately we want the kids to learn, to get better, and to do it the right way.”

Check out Pure Athlete's episode with Greg Olsen here.

Balance and Specialization in Youth Sports

Francoeur played both football and baseball growing up, and his parents protected his free time by keeping the seasons separate. “I look back and I’m so glad that my Mom and Dad protected that time,” he said. Playing multiple sports helped him develop diverse skills, stay motivated, and enjoy the journey.

Francoeur's Journey

In high school, Francoeur had committed to play football at Clemson, but he was ultimately drafted by the Atlanta Braves. Interestingly, his dad didn’t reveal that he thought Jeff had a real shot at the major leagues until he was entering his senior year. Looking back, Francoeur sees that moment as a reminder to focus on the process rather than the outcome and to let kids grow at their own pace. His journey shows how a foundation in multiple sports can prepare young athletes for any opportunity.

The True Goal of Youth Sports

Francoeur emphasized that the main goal should be fun, growth, and creating memories. “At the end of the day, what is the main goal you’re trying to get out of all of this stuff?” he asked. Even after a 12 year career in the MLB, Francoeur's favorite memories playing sports were Friday night football games in high school. Greg Olsen echoed the sentiment: “If I never earned a dollar in the NFL, I have 500 memories playing high school and college sports before I ever made a cent.”

Creating the Right Environment

Parents and coaches play a critical role in shaping experiences. Olsen explained: “If we don’t focus on creating those core experiences and those core memories, you’re pinning the entire journey on the outcome… the ultimate desired outcome which is to be a professional athlete, and the likelihood of that happening is so small.”