After nearly a decade living his dream in professional baseball, former Phillies player Shane Watson has found himself back on the field. But these days, it’s a different kind of team he’s leading. The Los Angeles native now runs an i9 Sports franchise in Southern California, where he’s traded high-stakes competition for something more meaningful: helping local kids fall in love with sports.
From the Phillies to the Sidelines
Watson’s story with i9 Sports didn’t begin as a business venture. It started, as so many parent stories do, on the sidelines. His daughters began playing in a Bakersfield i9 Sports league, and what he saw there surprised him: smiling kids, relaxed parents, and a culture that prioritized fun, confidence, and family time over competition and pressure. It stood in stark contrast to the youth sports environment he grew up in, where schedules were intense and time at home was rare.
“I started playing baseball and football year-round at a really young age,” Watson said. “I missed birthdays, weekends, just being a kid. When I saw the i9 model in action, I thought, ‘this is what youth sports should feel like.’”
That once-a-week structure, designed to offer balance between athletics and everyday family life, resonated deeply with Watson and his wife. Before long, the two made the bold move to open a franchise of their own in the Antelope Valley.
Turning a Personal Discovery into a Purpose-Driven Business
The decision marked a new chapter for Watson, both professionally and personally. Leaving the world of pro sports came with its challenges, especially without a traditional business background. But what he lacked in corporate experience, he made up for with discipline, grit, and a deep understanding of what sports can mean to kids.
His time with the MLB club gave him a global perspective on teamwork and resilience, and those lessons now shape the culture he’s building in his local franchise. For Watson, it’s not about training future pros. It’s about giving kids a space to learn, grow, and thrive, and most importantly, have fun. A child scoring their first goal or simply finding the courage to join the team are the real wins.
A New Season of Life and Leadership
Running the franchise has also brought new meaning to family life. As a homeschooling dad, Watson values the flexibility and purpose that owning an i9 Sports location provides. It’s a business, yes, but it’s also a platform for creating positive change, offering inclusive opportunities for kids of all skill levels, and staying connected to the values that made him fall in love with sports in the first place.
“Watching kids make progress is one of the most rewarding parts of this work. Seeing them grow in confidence and ability through the i9 Sports model is incredible, and I’m truly beyond grateful to have found this program.”
From the dugouts of Philadelphia to the community parks of Antelope Valley, Shane Watson’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the biggest impact isn’t made under stadium lights, but where a child’s love for the game begins.
