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Welcome to Roots and Fruits – Time to dive in

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Welcome to Roots and Fruits, a blog where baseball meets life development. As a coach, teacher and mentor, my mission is to prepare young players not just for the game, but for greatness in all aspects of life.

Roots: The Foundation of Greatness

In baseball, as in life, understanding the roots is essential. The roots represent the basic cause, source, or origin of our ambitions and actions. Everyone wants to achieve greatness, but the key lies in understanding the “why” behind this desire.

Many young and older baseball players aim for greatness, with motivations ranging from a love for the game to dreams of wealth. Reflecting on my own journey, my early desire to excel in baseball was tied to a longing for financial stability, seeing it as a pathway to happiness.

Fruits: The Outcome of Deep Roots

Over the years, I have learned that happiness and joy are distinct. Happiness is conditional, dependent on external circumstances, while joy is unconditional, found irrespective of external events. Playing baseball brought me happiness, but coaching has brought me joy—a joy rooted in my purpose to coach, teach, and mentor.

My experiences as a player, both good and bad, have equipped me to empathize with young players, guiding their development not just in skill but in character. For those with the aptitude, attitude, and athleticism, I focus on cultivating their ‘why.’ A strong ‘why’ nurtures strong roots, leading to robust fruits.

The W.H.Y. Acronym for Developing Young Players

W – Will

Question: What is your will driving you to excel in baseball?

H – Heart

Question: Where does your heart lie when you think about baseball, beyond the surface-level desires?

Y – Yield

Question: What do you hope to yield or harvest from your dedication to baseball in the long run?

These questions aim to guide young players and their parents in uncovering a deeper motivation, beyond the immediate allure of success or wealth. Understanding one’s “why” is crucial in developing not just a skilled athlete but a well-rounded individual who can experience true joy in their pursuits.

At Roots and Fruits, we delve deep into the essence of baseball and life development, nurturing the roots to enjoy the fruits of our labor. As we journey together, let’s cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the “why” behind our actions, paving the way for genuine greatness both on and off the field.

For more information, visit L.E.A.D. Center for Youth today.

If you found this inspiring and thought-provoking, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, add me on Discord and let’s go deeper.

C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.

Rounding the Bases: My Top Four Moments as a 404 Native

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April 4th holds a special place in the hearts of Atlantans, as we celebrate 404 Day – a true Atlanta holiday. As a proud native of this vibrant city, I reflect on my journey around the bases of life, marking some of my most cherished moments.

1st Base: Born and Bred

Born in Atlanta on April 10, 1976, in the NW Atlanta Bankhead Community, I proudly hail as a Grady Baby. My educational roots were nurtured in Atlanta Public Schools (APS) at Grove Park Elementary School. Under the guidance of Principal Sylvia Jones and APS Superintendent Alonzo Crim, I imbibed the essence of excellence in education, inspired by Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays’ Quotable Quotes. Atlanta Public Schools integrated in 1965, a year before the Braves found their home in Atlanta from Milwaukee.

2nd Base: Playing Ball

At the tender age of eight, I stepped onto the field of Cascade Youth Organization (CYO) as a Brave, coached by esteemed individuals like Emmett Johnson Sr., Chairman of the APS School Board, Joshua Butler Sr., an art teacher at B.E. Mays High School, and Gus Burns. The CYO Opening Day parades were grand spectacles, graced by legends like Hank Aaron, Maynard Jackson, and Coretta Scott King.

3rd Base: Honored Recognition

November 20, 2011, marked a significant milestone as Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond proclaimed it C.J. Stewart Day and L.E.A.D. Day in Atlanta, thanks to the advocacy of Rendell Jackson.

Home Plate: Legacy

Standing tall at home plate, I find solace in being a part of the legacy of Atlanta. Modeling for the nine-foot-tall bronze statue of Hank Aaron at Truist Park’s Monument Gardens was a profound honor. As my wife Kelli and I celebrate 27 years of marriage this year, our journey together has been intertwined with our dedication to establishing the LEAD Center For Youth, a love and thank you letter to Atlanta for all it has done for us.

Atlanta, with all its complexities and challenges, has always been our anchor and inspiration. As we continue our mission with LEAD, Atlanta’s love and support have only strengthened our resolve to empower at-risk youth, helping them navigate the curveballs of life with resilience and grace.

On this 404 Day, I reminisce on just a few of the countless moments that define my Atlanta journey. Forever indebted to this city, I proudly proclaim: Foreva I Love Atlanta. ✌🏿

Photo credit: iSmooth

Passion. Intensity. Persistence. The art of setting yourself apart

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At the LEAD Center For Youth, our dedication to nurturing young athletes extends beyond physical prowess; it encompasses mental resilience and strategic thinking. In a recent Hitting Lab session with eight-year-old Jack Grizzle, we embarked on a journey to refine his baseball skills while cultivating a winning mindset.

Here’s an in-depth look at our transformative session:

Jack exudes passion and intensity, particularly when it comes to baseball. Having had the privilege of coaching him twice, I am confident in his potential to excel in the sport, even at collegiate and professional levels. Despite his tender age, Jack’s remarkable intellect and unwavering motivation set him apart.

Technical Parts of the Swing:

  1. Stance/Load
  2. Timing
  3. Tempo
  4. Tracking
  5. Approach
  6. Contact
  7. Extension/Finish

Tactical Parts of Hitting:

  1. Self-regulation
  2. Self-management
  3. Focus
  4. Positive attitude
  5. Ability to make adjustments
  6. Ability to repeat the swing
  7. Ability to learn and apply

In our Lab session, I led Jack through a series of drills aimed at refining his tactical approach to hitting. While Tre Hampton focused on building the technical aspects of Jack’s swing, I honed his mental fortitude and strategic thinking.

One of the drills that tested Jack’s determination was the Zone Drill, designed to instill focus, adaptability, and consistency. With a Tanner Tee, baseballs, and a target positioned at varying distances, Jack faced the challenge head-on, striving to meet set goals for hitting accuracy.

Zone Drill Breakdown:

  • Zone 1: 50 feet from the target, aim for 5 hits out of 25 swings
  • Zone 2: 45 feet from the target, aim for 10 hits out of 25 swings
  • Zone 3: 40 feet from the target, aim for 15 hits out of 25 swings
  • Zone 4: 35 feet from the target, aim for 20 hits out of 25 swings

February-April marks a crucial period for skill development, transitioning from habits to refined skills. Positive stress, or eustress, is integral to this process, challenging players to thrive under pressure and elevate their performance.

Despite initial frustration, Jack persevered through the Zone Drill, demonstrating resilience and determination. By session’s end, his hitting accuracy improved significantly, bolstering his confidence and resilience.

  1. How do you differentiate between technical and tactical aspects of hitting?
  2. What strategies can you employ to manage eustress and distress during practice?
  3. How does the Zone Drill enhance focus, adaptability, and repetition in hitting?
  4. In what ways does facing challenges and overcoming setbacks contribute to building confidence?
  5. How do you apply the principles of tactical hitting to game situations?

For more information, visit L.E.A.D. Center for Youth today.

If you found this inspiring and thought-provoking, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, add me on Discord and let’s go deeper.

C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.

 

Be the ticket or buy a ticket? You make the call

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In the world of sports, there’s a saying that goes, “Be the ticket or buy a ticket,” coined by me. It’s a profound statement that encapsulates the difference between talented individuals and skilled individuals.

Talent often is seen as the starting point, but it’s what you do with that talent that truly matters.

Growing up, many of us are told how talented we are, whether it’s in academics, athletics, or any other endeavor. However, this praise can sometimes become a double-edged sword. When we constantly hear about our talent from a young age, we may start to believe that we’ve already reached our peak, that there’s nowhere else to go. We may become complacent, thinking that our talent alone will carry us through life.

It’s not until we face competition that matches or exceeds our own talent that we realize the importance of more than just raw ability. In high school, we compete for playing time against others just as talented as we are, if not more so. Then, as a team, we face off against other talented opponents. It’s in this environment that we begin to understand the value of habits.

Habits are what we do well repeatedly, without even having to think about it. They’re the foundation upon which success is built. In college, the focus shifts away from talent and towards the development of good habits. But it’s not until we reach the professional level that we truly grasp the significance of skills.

Skills are what we do well repeatedly, without thought, even under stress. They’re what ultimately pay the bills. In the world of professional sports, talent alone won’t cut it. It’s the players with the refined skills, honed through years of practice and dedication, who rise to the top.

But “be the ticket or buy a ticket,” isn’t just applicable to sports. It’s a metaphor for life. As baseball fans, we may fondly reminisce about our glory days on the field, but we have to buy a ticket to experience that nostalgia. The players on the field are the ones who hold the key to that experience.

The good news is that even when our playing days are over, we can still be Major League Citizens. We can continue to strive for excellence, knowing that talent is just the starting point, and that skills are what truly make a difference in the long run. Talent may be the floor, but skills pay the bills. So let’s focus on building those skills, both on and off the field, and strive to be the ticket in our own lives.

For more information, visit L.E.A.D. Center for Youth today.

If you found this inspiring and thought-provoking, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, add me on Discord and let’s go deeper.

C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.

Why W.I.N.N.I.N.G should matter to you

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As the spring breeze swept across the baseball diamond, a young boy stood at the plate, his eyes fixed on the pitcher. His name was Sanquan, a determined high school player with dreams of playing college baseball.

But Sanquan wasn’t your typical highly recruited prospect. He was under the radar, overlooked by many scouts and coaches. But what he lacked in attention, he made up for in dedication and strategy.

Sanquan understood that success on the field required more than just talent—it demanded a winning mindset and a disciplined approach to development. He embraced a phased approach to his baseball journey, mirroring the seasons of life itself.

Assessment Phase

From August to October, Sanquan explored new techniques and strategies, learning from both successes and failures. He asked himself, “What aspects of my game can I improve upon?”

Build Phase

During November to January, Sanquan committed himself to building habits and strength. He knew that true mastery required tens of thousands of repetitions. He asked, “How can I reinforce positive habits and eliminate bad ones?”

Conversion Phase

As February rolled around, Sanquan transitioned into the conversion phase, where habits transformed into skills under pressure. He understood that training should be tougher than the game itself. He asked, “How can I elevate my performance under pressure?”

Maintenance Phase

Finally, from May through July, Sanquan focused on maintaining his progress, cruising through the season with consistency and diligence. He asked, “What can I do to ensure I stay at the top of my game?”

But Sanquan’s winning strategy didn’t end with the phases of development. He also embraced the W.I.N.N.I.N.G. acronym:

  • W – Work Ethic: Are you willing to put in the necessary work to achieve your goals?
  • I – Integrity: Are your actions aligned with your values, even when no one is watching?
  • N – Noble Goals: Do your aspirations contribute positively to your growth and the world around you?
  • N – Never Give Up: How do you respond to setbacks and challenges? Do you persevere in the face of adversity?
  • I – Individual Accountability: Are you taking ownership of your actions and their consequences?
  • N – Noble Character: How do you carry yourself on and off the field? Are you a person of integrity and honor?
  • G – Growth Mindset: Do you see challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement?

Through dedication, discipline, and a winning mindset, Sanquan transformed from an under-recruited high school player into a standout college athlete. His journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and strategic development.

Whether on the baseball field or in the game of life, embracing a phased approach to growth and embodying the principles of winning can lead to success beyond measure.

This blog post encapsulates the story of Sanquan’s journey from high school baseball to college stardom, emphasizing the importance of a winning mindset and strategic development. Each phase of Sanquan’s journey and the W.I.N.N.I.N.G. acronyms provide actionable insights for readers to apply to their own lives, ensuring they too can achieve success on and off the field.

For more information, visit www.diamonddirectors.com today.

If you found this inspiring and thought-provoking, or if you have any questions, comments or concerns, add me on Discord and let’s go deeper. https://discord.gg/adidascommunity

C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.

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