Former College and Minor League Baseball Player and Principal at JDS Sports | Karl Blum

In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs, Rob Finkelstein sits down with Karl Blum—a former college baseball player who pitched for both Duke and Rutgers before transitioning into the world of private equity and sports investment. Today, Karl is a Principal at JDS Sports, where he helps shape the future of sports and entertainment through strategic business leadership.

Karl shares how his identity was shaped through baseball, and how stepping away from the game in 2019 forced him to redefine his purpose and direction. The conversation dives deep into the challenges of athlete transition, the power of cross-sport networking, and the often-overlooked role of alumni engagement.

Rob and Karl also explore the evolving NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) landscape—breaking down both the opportunities and the hurdles it presents for young athletes. Whether you're a current athlete, a retired pro, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with real talk, practical insights, and powerful reminders that the athlete mindset is built for more than the game.

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Key Takeaways:

Athletics Shape Identity: But you’re not limited by the sport you played.
Proactivity Beats Reactivity: Don’t wait for a crisis to find your next step.
Networking Changes Everything: Especially beyond your own sport.
Alumni Connections Are Underused: Tap into that powerful network.
Purpose After Sports Is Key: Your next chapter needs meaning.
NIL Is a Game-Changer: But not without its complexities.
Business Is Like Sport: It requires hustle, resilience, and belief.
Athletes Make Great Entrepreneurs: Discipline and mindset give you a head start.
Impact Comes From Service: Helping others often helps you find your own purpose.
Your Story Isn’t Over: It’s just a new arena—own it.

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About Karl Blum:
Karl Blum is a former Division I baseball pitcher who played for Duke University and Rutgers University before a stint in Independent Minor League Baseball. In 2019, Karl shifted his focus to business, joining **JDS Sports**, a private equity firm at the intersection of sports, media, and entertainment. Today, he serves as Principal and brings his athlete mindset to the business world.

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🤝 Connect with Karl Blum:

Instagram: [@karl_blum](  / karl_blum  )
X (Twitter): [@karlblum_](  / karlblum_  )

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Connect with Alumni Direct:

At **Alumni Direct**, we help athletes like Karl—and like you—navigate life after sports with the tools, community, and support to succeed in business and beyond.

📸 Instagram: [@AlumniDirect](  / alumnidirect  )

💼 LinkedIn: [Alumni Direct](  / alumnidirect  )

📘 Facebook: [Alumni Direct](  / alumnidirect  )

*You were built for more than the game. Let’s unlock that next level together.*

#AthletesToEntrepreneurs #KarlBlum #LifeAfterSports #NIL #AlumniSupport #AthleteTransition #SportsBusiness #YouAreMoreThanAnAthlete #AthleteEntrepreneurs #NetworkingMatters #PurposeDrivenLeadership #AlumniDirect