Discuss. Demand. Do.

From February through April, in the world of competitive baseball, players enter a critical phase of development. It is a time where habits are transformed into skills, and where the path to achieving goals begins to take shape. This period is not just about physical training; it’s about mindset, communication and proactive engagement with coaches.

At the heart of this transformational process lies the mantra: Discuss, Demand, Do.

Discuss Your Goals

The first step in this journey is open communication. During the November-January Build Phase, players and coaches laid the foundation for success by focusing on building habits and strength. Now, as the season approaches, it’s time to discuss goals for the upcoming months.

Whether aiming for college scholarships, professional contracts or simply playing for the joy of the game, every player’s aspirations are valid and deserve attention. By articulating their objectives, players gain clarity and direction, setting the stage for focused development.

Demand Competence from Coaches

It is not enough for coaches to merely guide players through drills and practices; they must be competent in understanding and supporting each player’s goals. Players should demand nothing less from their coaches. If a coach lacks the expertise needed to help a player reach their potential, they must be willing to seek out additional resources and support.

It is a two-way street of accountability and collaboration, with the player-coach relationship serving as the cornerstone of progress.

Do the Work

Ultimately, success in baseball, as in life, comes down to one thing: putting in the work. Once goals are set and support systems are in place, it’s up to the players to roll up their sleeves and do what it takes to achieve those goals. This means showing up to practice with determination and focus, pushing oneself beyond comfort zones, and maintaining a relentless pursuit of improvement.

Success is not given; it’s earned through dedication and hard work.

For some players, the goal may be to improve teamwork skills or simply to experience the feeling of achievement on the field. Regardless of the specific objectives, the path to success remains the same: Discuss, Demand, Do. It’s a mindset that empowers players to take ownership of their development, demand excellence from their support network, and ultimately, achieve their dreams on the baseball diamond.

So, as February turns to April, let’s embrace this transformational journey and turn our baseball aspirations into reality.

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.

 

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3 factors that can separate you from the rest

As Major League Baseball’s spring training kicks into gear, players across the league are shifting into conversion mode, transitioning from building habits during winter workouts to refining skills for the upcoming 162-game season.

This critical phase, spanning from February through April, sets the stage for players to solidify their techniques and elevate their performance on the field.

In the quest to convert habits to skills, there are three key principles that separate successful MLB players from the rest:

1. **Efficient Time Management**

MLB players understand the value of every moment and maximize their practice time to focus on areas that need improvement. They don’t waste time on non-essential activities, ensuring every practice session is purposeful and productive.

2. **Effective Energy Allocation**

Energy conservation is crucial during the conversion phase. MLB players prioritize rest, recovery, and nutrition to maintain peak performance levels throughout the grueling season. By managing their energy levels wisely, they optimize their training efforts and avoid burnout.

3. **Quality Repetitions**

Every repetition counts. MLB players prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that each practice repetition is deliberate and focused. They emphasize proper technique and execution, striving for consistency and mastery in every aspect of their game.

While seasoned MLB players have honed these principles over years of experience, young hitters often struggle to grasp their importance. But mastering these intangibles is essential for young hitters looking to elevate their game and catch the eye of scouts and coaches.

Talent serves as the foundation, but skills are what ultimately separate the elite from the rest. Skills, honed through disciplined practice and repetition, are the key to success on the field and pave the way for long-term success in the sport.

Breaking down the hitting mechanics into seven key components—Stance/Load, Timing, Tempo, Tracking, Approach, Contact and Extension/Finish—provides a roadmap for hitters to focus their efforts during the conversion phase.

To illustrate the importance of targeted practice, here’s a drill focusing on extension and finish that has proven effective over the years. By incorporating this drill into their training regimen and logging 3,000 quality repetitions, hitters can enhance their power production and overall performance at the plate.

As hitters across all levels embark on their journey from habits to skills, embracing these principles and committing to deliberate practice will lay the foundation for success 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.

Converting habits to skills – and why that matters

As “Black History Month” coincides with the conversion phase of development for my hitters, it is a fitting time to reflect on personal growth, resilience and the pursuit of excellence. Over the past months, my journey has been marked by trials, triumphs and a commitment to overcoming obstacles.

From August to October, I embarked on a journey of exploration, trying new things to discern what works and what doesn’t. It is a period of discovery, laying the groundwork for future success.

November to January was dedicated to building habits and strength. Just as athletes train diligently to hone their skills, I focused on cultivating habits and fortifying my physical and mental resilience.

Now, as we enter February through April, it is time to convert those habits into skills. This phase requires dedication, discipline, and a willingness to push through challenges.

But sometimes, life throws unexpected hurdles our way. Amidst the pandemic and racial turmoil of 2020, I turned to running as a source of solace and strength. But recent struggles with arthritis, stemming from a knee injury years ago, have sidelined me from my passion.

The journey to recovery is not easy. It demands patience, perseverance, and a commitment to rehabilitation. Just as I guide hitters through phases of development, I must submit myself to a similar process:

  1. Develop a FEEL: Understanding the nuances of my rehabilitation workouts, focusing on form and technique.
  2. Develop the FUNDAMENTALS: Building a foundation of strength and stability, laying the groundwork for progress.
  3. Have FUN: Finding joy in the small victories, celebrating progress even amidst setbacks.
    Overcoming
  4. FEAR: Confronting the fear of reinjury, embracing resilience, and pushing forward with determination.

In both athletics and life, greatness is not achieved overnight. It’s a journey of growth, setbacks, and triumphs. As I navigate my own path to recovery, I’m reminded that the greatest achievements are not accidental but the result of unwavering dedication and resilience.

As we celebrate “Black History Month,” let us draw inspiration from the resilience and perseverance of those who came before us, paving the way for progress and change.

Here’s to embracing the journey, overcoming obstacles, and emerging stronger on the other side.

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.

Understanding the foundation-building phase of development

Josh Gibson, who played for the Homestead Grays, was considered one of the best power hitters and catchers in baseball history.

Navigating the months of February through April, our hitters embark on a transformative journey—converting habits into skills.

I consistently instill in my hitters the crucial understanding that talent isn’t the ceiling; it’s the floor. Talents showcase what you do well, habits demonstrate what you do well repeatedly without thought, and skills illustrate what you do well under the pressure of stress.

This phase, from February to April, is a dedicated pursuit of competing with skills—the ability to execute flawlessly without conscious thought.

The foundation-building phase unfolds in the months prior. From November to January, rigorous practice is centered on cultivating habits and physical strength. The cornerstone of a powerful swing, habits, necessitates tens of thousands of repetitions.

Breaking down the swing into seven distinct parts, each demanding 3,000 reps to build and another 3,000 to convert into a skill, charts a challenging yet rewarding trajectory. These seven parts encompass:

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

While some may question the intensity, hitting is a science and what gets measured gets improved. Over my 25 years as a professional baseball swing coach, this methodology has consistently proven effective.

A standout drill in refining barrel approach is the Wall Drill Mirror. Completing 3,000 reps of this drill ensures a short, quick, and direct path to the baseball. For a visual guide, check out the video HERE.

As we delve into February, celebrating Black History Month, I shine a spotlight on Josh Gibson, a baseball legend born in Georgia. Arguably possessing the best bat speed in baseball history, Gibson’s legacy is explored in Storied Chapter 7. Delve deeper into Mr. Gibson’s story in this insightful video HERE.

In the journey from habits to skills, each repetition is a step towards mastery. It’s not merely about hitting a ball; it’s about sculpting a work of art with every swing. Here’s to the dedication, the science, and the pursuit of excellence on the diamond.

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.

Breaking the Chains: Confronting the Perpetualism of Poverty

In a world where poverty, much like racism, is a man-made construct, it’s disheartening that individuals are born into a cycle of financial and social deprivation. The insidious truth is that some profit from this inequality, leaving entire communities trapped in the perpetual cycle of scarcity.

Enter the LEAD Center For Youth, a beacon of hope operating in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. This 501(c)3 nonprofit organization stands as a silver bullet against the perpetualism of poverty. The mission? To empower an at-risk generation through the transformative power of sports, specifically baseball and tennis.

Our focus is on Black youth, teaching them to overcome the three curveballs that threaten their success: crime, poverty, and racism. Through sports-based youth development, we inspire and equip young minds with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges successfully.

Our year-round experience, driven by the Pathway2Empowerment programming, revolves around four pillars: athletics, academics, civic engagement, and commerce. We believe that by nurturing skills in these areas, we can break the chains that bind the youth to the cycle of poverty.

In a city like Atlanta, touted as “world-class” for some but a living hell for others, the fight against income inequality is urgent. Shockingly, Atlanta ranks number one for income inequality in America based on race. Born into poverty here? You face a mere 4% chance of breaking free.

It’s time to rewrite the narrative, providing a fighting chance for every individual to win at the game of life. The LEAD Center For Youth is more than an organization; it’s a movement to break the perpetualism of poverty, one empowered life at a time. Join us in creating a brighter, more equitable future for Atlanta. #BreakTheCycle #EmpowerAtlanta #LEADATL #TheSolution