Our Team
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Steve Sclafani – Founder
Steve Sclafani is a longtime leader in baseball development and college recruiting, and the founder of Baseball Factory, which he led for 30 years. Under his direction, the organization became a nationally recognized powerhouse in player development, college placement, and world class event experiences, helping tens of thousands of athletes successfully navigate the college recruiting process. Over more than three decades, Sclafani and his team helped athletes secure more than $1 billion in college scholarships, guided 3,000+ players to the MLB draft, and assisted hundreds of thousands of high school athletes in advancing to college baseball. In 2023, Baseball Factory was acquired by Ripken Baseball/Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.
In addition, Steve designed and launched the University of Maryland’s first Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) course, providing students with hands-on experience in athlete branding, marketing, and the rapidly evolving collegiate athletics landscape. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University’s Master’s in Global Sports Entrepreneurship program.
Before he started his career in college recruiting, Steve competed at the highest collegiate level, playing Division I baseball at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dan Mooney – Executive Director of Exclusive College Recruiting
Dan Mooney is a nationally respected college recruiting expert with over 20 years of experience helping players and families find the right collegiate fit. He has been a driving force behind our Exclusive College Recruiting placement process, consistently delivering unmatched results.
Known for his deep knowledge of college programs and exceptional insight into what coaches look for, Dan guides players through every phase of the recruiting process.
A former collegiate and professional catcher, Dan was drafted out of high school by the Chicago Cubs but chose to play at Eastern Florida State College before transferring to the University of Florida (competing in the 1998 College World Series) and then NC State, where he was a two-time All-ACC catcher. He later played professionally in the Boston Red Sox organization.
Nate Nowlin – Recruiting Coordinator
Nate brings extensive knowledge of high school and college baseball, as well as the recruiting landscape, to the Exclusive College Recruiting Program. A University of Virginia graduate, he spent four years with one of the nation’s top programs, working closely with coaching and operations staff.
With the Exclusive Program, Nate works directly with student-athletes on college placement, communicating with coaches and guiding them through the recruiting process. In the 2025 class, he helped place 99% of players seeking a home, with 100% receiving offers. He also produces recruitable player videos, builds college lists, and manages day-to-day recruiting tasks.
Nate’s strong network of college coaches and firsthand experience give him a deep understanding of what programs at all levels look for in prospective players.
Randy Bednar, Jr - Exclusive Underclassman Director
Randy Bednar brings extensive player development and recruiting experience to the Exclusive College Recruiting Program. Drafted out of high school by the Atlanta Braves after earning All-State and conference honors, Randy chose to play at the University of Maryland, where he was a two-time team captain and earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors.
He went on to play three years in the Seattle Mariners organization, learning from Major League players and coaches.
Today, Randy uses that experience to help our current players elevate their skillsets, develop strong habits, and prepare confidently for the college recruiting process. His ability to guide athletes both on the field and through the recruiting landscape makes him an invaluable resource for families and players nationwide.
Dan Forester – Senior VP of Player Development
Dan brings 25 years of experience in college recruiting and player development, mentoring thousands of middle and high school athletes through every stage of their growth and recruiting journey. A former college athlete and co-founder of a youth enrichment program, Dan graduated from Ithaca College in 1993 with a B.S. in Education and began his career as a teacher and coach, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to helping students reach their full potential.
Over more than two decades, Dan has built a reputation for unmatched knowledge, genuine care, and a passion for helping student-athletes succeed both on and off the field, bringing that same dedication to guiding the next generation of players to maximize their opportunities and achieve their goals.
Dave Packer – Executive Player Development Coordinator
Dave has been deeply involved in college baseball recruiting for over 25 years, working alongside Steve Sclafani and guiding thousands of families through the process. He has spoken at hundreds of recruiting events nationwide and is known for his clarity, insight, and practical approach to helping players find the right college fit.
With decades of experience reviewing player evaluations, Dave can pinpoint a player’s strengths, identify areas for development, and match athletes with the programs that fit them best. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, earning dual degrees in Marketing and Logistics.