Why it’s time to seize the moment

Kobe Bryant once said, “The biggest mistake that we make in life is thinking that we have time.”

Those words ring true not just in life but especially in baseball. For hitters, time often is the one thing they believe they have plenty of—until it is gone.

January marks the end of what I call the “Build Phase”—the crucial period of November, December, and January when hitters focus on building habits and strength. This is the time to put in the reps, to refine the mechanics that will eventually become second nature. Habits, after all, are the things you do repeatedly and well without even thinking.

But here’s the catch: Building habits takes tens of thousands of reps.

As we move into February, we transition into the Conversion Phase, which runs from February through April. This phase is where habits are converted into skills. Why does this matter? Because skills pay the bills.

Skills are habits under pressure—they’re what you can do instinctively and repeatedly while managing stress. And stress in this context comes in two forms: distress (negative stress) and eustress (positive stress). During the Conversion Phase, my hitters are exposed to eustress, the kind of stress that challenges them to grow, adapt and perform at higher levels. By April, as the spring season ramps up, they’ll need to perform those skills under the real pressures of competition.

Right now, though, it is still cold in Georgia and across much of the country. For many, baseball season feels far away. But somewhere in the world, it’s warm, and hitters are working—putting in the tens of thousands of reps necessary to build habits. The problem for most players? They think they have time.

Time is the enemy of complacency. While some hitters believe they can put off building habits until tomorrow, others are working hard today. And when the season starts, the gap between those who worked and those who waited will be undeniable.

When it’s all said and done, only the best players in the world will get the chance to play Major League Baseball. They’ll be the ticket. For everyone else, the only option will be to buy a ticket to watch them play.

So the real question is: Which one do you want to become?

Time is running out to build the habits and skills that lead to greatness. The Build Phase is almost over—what have you done with it? Will you be ready to convert your habits into skills when the time comes, or will you find yourself wishing you had started sooner?

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you have time. The opportunity is now. Put in the reps, build the habits, and prepare for the pressure—because the spring season waits for no one.

7 Steps Hitters Can Take to Stop Being a Time Waster (One for Each Day)

Day 1: Set Clear Goals

  • Write down one specific, measurable goal for the season. Do you want to improve your batting average, hit for more power or make fewer strikeouts? Be specific and align your goal with your vision as a hitter.
  • Example: “I want to increase my batting average by 50 points this season.”

Day 2: Track Your Time

  • Analyze how you’re spending your day. Keep a log of all your activities, both baseball-related and non-baseball-related. Identify time spent procrastinating or doing non-productive tasks.
  • Once you see where your time goes, plan to redirect wasted time into training or preparation.
Day 3: Create a Routine
  • Build a daily training schedule that includes specific blocks for batting practice, strength training, flexibility and mental preparation. Consistency is the foundation of good habits.
  • Example: 30 minutes of tee work, 20 minutes of fielding drills and 10 minutes of visualization.

Day 4: Master One Drill

  • Focus on mastering one skill or drill that addresses your weaknesses.
  • For example, if timing is an issue, work on tempo drills to sync your swing with the pitcher’s motion. One habit built well is better than several done halfway.

Day 5: Track Your Progress

  • Measure your reps and improvements daily. Are you making more consistent contact? Is your bat speed increasing? Tracking progress helps you stay motivated and shows you what’s working.
  • Use a notebook, app or spreadsheet to track each session’s key metrics.

Day 6: Visualize Success

  • Spend time visualizing yourself executing perfect swings, hitting under pressure and succeeding in competition. Visualization builds confidence and reinforces habits.
  • Set aside 10 minutes before bed to mentally rehearse game scenarios and visualize positive outcomes.

Day 7: Reflect and Adjust

  • At the end of the week, evaluate what worked and what didn’t. Are you sticking to your routine? Are you seeing progress? Identify where you can improve and refine your approach for the next week.
  • Reflection is key to turning good habits into great skills.

By following these seven steps over seven days, hitters can stop wasting time and start building the habits they need to succeed. Remember, the clock is always ticking—don’t let it beat you.

*Photo by India Albritton

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.

2025 is calling – Are you ready to put in the work?

As a coach, I’ve had the privilege of working with exceptional players, including Pete Alonso during his high school days. The key lesson I taught him—and all hitters—is simple: Learn to hit first; the power will come later. Pete’s journey to becoming one of baseball’s top power hitters proves that disciplined development leads to lasting results.

The Science of Great Hitting

Hitting is about mastering foundational skills before expecting big results.

Here’s the formula:

  • Timing and Tempo (90%) – Be on time and consistent with your load and movement.
  • Tracking (80%) – Anticipate and respond to pitch types, speeds, and locations.
  • Approach (70%) – Deliver a repeatable, short, and direct swing.

When these are executed properly, the outcomes follow:

  • Hard Contact (50%) – Hitting the ball hard is the result of proper execution.
  • Hitting for Average (30%-40%) – Consistent contact leads to base hits.
  • Hitting for Power (10%-20%) – Home runs and extra-base hits are the natural byproducts of great mechanics and strength.

For example, to hit 50 home runs in a season, Pete would need approximately 500 at-bats. His power stems not from chasing home runs but from mastering the skills that make them happen. This is the essence of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators): focus on the processes that drive success rather than the outcomes themselves.

The 7 Parts of the Swing

I break the swing into 7 critical components:

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

To make any one of these components a habit, it requires 3,000 reps. With seven parts, that’s 21,000 reps—a level of dedication that demands discipline, not just passion. Great hitters don’t hope to improve; they build improvement rep by rep.

The Four Phases of Hitter Development

Developing a hitter doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a structured process broken into four key phases:

1. August–October: The Lab

This is the time to experiment—figure out what works and what doesn’t. Analyze and adjust your approach to build a foundation for the year ahead.

2. November–January: The Grind

Commit to building habits through disciplined, repetitive practice. This is the hardest phase but lays the groundwork for success.

3. February–April: The Zone

Convert habits into skills. This is where consistency takes over, and hitters begin to execute at a higher level.

4. May–July: The Show

It’s time to maintain and showcase the skills built throughout the year in live competition. This phase measures how well the work has translated into performance.

Building a Chair: The Legs of Hitting

A seat becomes a chair when it has legs to stand on. In hitting, those legs are:

  • Timing
  • Tempo
  • Tracking

If one leg is missing or weak, the entire swing collapses. That’s why it’s critical for hitters to focus their training on these foundational elements.

Proving the Point

When Pete Alonso was in high school, he wasn’t yet the powerhouse slugger we know today. Instead of chasing home runs, he focused on perfecting timing, tempo, and tracking. He committed to the grind, building habits through thousands of reps.

By the time Pete stepped into the MLB, his foundation was rock solid. In his rookie season, he hit 53 home runs, setting a new record. This wasn’t luck—it was the result of years of preparation, discipline, and trust in the process.

Great hitters don’t waste time chasing results. They invest their time wisely, developing the skills that lead to success.

The question is: are you ready to put in the work?

Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.

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 you must take ownership of your journey now

Baseball is more than just a sport—it is a stage where dreams are realized or left behind. As we step into 2025, it is time to take a hard look at the types of players out there: those who rise to the occasion and those who fade into excuses.

Meet Woulda, Coulda and Shoulda, three players who had big dreams but let blame, complain and shame dictate their paths:

  1. Woulda – The one who always says, “I woulda made it if I’d tried harder.” Stuck in regret, they never took action.
  2. Coulda – “I coulda been great if only I had better opportunities.” Always looking for excuses, but never creating solutions.
  3. Shoulda – “I shoulda trained more, listened to my coach, or taken that shot.” Forever stuck in hindsight but never looking forward.
Woulda, Coulda and Shoulda are stuck in the past. But what about “you?”

There’s another group of players who are chasing their dreams right now:

  • The Go-Getter – Already putting in the work, staying disciplined, and treating every opportunity as a stepping stone to greatness.
  • The Sleeper – Underrated but hungry to prove everyone wrong. They thrive on grit and the element of surprise.
  • The Dreamer – They’re still at the beginning of their journey, but their vision of greatness keeps them moving forward.

And then, there’s The Elite: the top 10% who don’t just dream—they perform at the highest level.

Promises to Keep in 2025

This year is full of potential. If you’re ready to leave excuses behind, here are three promises and guarantees to make to yourself:

  • I will focus on progress, not perfection. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but small, consistent steps lead to big results.
  • I will take ownership of my development. No more blaming others—commit to your goals, put in the work, and seize opportunities.
  • I will build resilience. Failure isn’t the end; it’s a stepping stone. Learn, adapt, and come back stronger.
Travel Baseball: Then vs. Now

Travel baseball has changed drastically since Guerry Baldwin, founder of East Cobb Baseball, invented it in 1985. Back then, it was reserved for the top 10% of teams in America. I had the privilege of coaching under Guerry for three years as the hitting and outfield coach for the East Cobb Astros 16U team.

At the time, anything outside of travel baseball was All-Star level or local recreation baseball. But today, travel baseball has become “pay-to-play,” allowing almost anyone to participate. Youth travel sports now are a $39 billion industry, and parents are footing the bill.

Still, the reality hasn’t changed:

  • The top 10% of players will remain at the top.
  • The bottom 10% will quit by age 14.
  • The remaining 80%? Half are Go-Getters and Sleepers, while the other half are Dreamers hoping to break into that top tier.
The Profiles of Baseball Players

Every player has unique strengths and challenges. Here’s a breakdown of each type, based on mental, physical, emotional, tactical and technical attributes, along with their motivation, commitment and resilience:

Woulda

  • Mental – Dwells on the past
  • Physical – Never maximizes potential
  • Emotional – Struggles with regret
  • Tactical & Technical –: Unprepared for competition
  • Motivation – Low, stuck in excuses
  • Commitment – Minimal effort
  • Resilience – Breaks under pressure

Question – What action can I take right now to stop regretting and start progressing?

Coulda

  • Mental – Blames external factors
  • Physical –: Inconsistent
  • Emotional – Defensive and frustrated
  • Tactical & Technical – Limited by lack of focus
  • Motivation – Short-lived bursts
  • Commitment – Half-hearted
  • Resilience – Struggles to adapt

Question – Am I blaming others for things I could take control of?

Shoulda

  • Mental – Lives in hindsight
  • Physical – Lacks preparation
  • Emotional – Guilt-ridden and hesitant
  • Tactical & Technical – Poor execution due to self-doubt
  • Motivation – Often paralyzed by fear of failure
  • Commitment – Inconsistent
  • Resilience – Easily discouraged

Question – What’s one thing I can do today to take a step forward?

The Go-Getter

  • Mental –: Focused and driven
  • Physical –: Strong and disciplined
  • Emotional –: Confident and balanced
  • Tactical & Technical – Prepared and strategic
  • Motivation: High –self-driven
  • Commitment – All-in
  • Resilience – Learns and grows from setbacks

Question – What’s my next step to reach the top?

The Sleeper

  • Mental – Quietly confident
  • Physical – Shows potential but needs refinement
  • Emotional – Steady under pressure
  • Tactical & Technical – Raw but promising
  • Motivation – Fueled by being underestimated
  • Commitment – Dedicated to improvement
  • Resilience – Uses doubt as fuel

Question – How can I surprise everyone, including myself, this year?

The Dreamer

  • Mental – Full of ideas but needs direction
  • Physical –Developing
  • Emotional –Optimistic but unsure
  • Tactical & Technical – Still learning fundamentals
  • Motivation – Vision-driven
  • Commitment – Ready to start the journey
  • Resilience – Eager but untested

Question – What’s one specific goal I can work toward today?

The Elite

  • Mental – Razor-sharp focus
  • Physical – Peak performance
  • Emotional – Calm and composed under pressure
  • Tactical & Technical – Mastery of skills
  • Motivation – Intrinsic drive for greatness
  • Commitment – Total dedication
  • Resilience – Thrives in adversity

Question – How do I maintain my edge and stay at the top?

Where Do You Stand?

The good news? You get to choose who you’ll be this year. Will you be a Woulda, Coulda, or Shoulda? Or will you step up as a Go-Getter, Sleeper or Dreamer, aiming to join the ranks of The Elite?

As we dive into 2025, remember that your choices—not your circumstances—will determine your success.

Let’s make this the year you take ownership of your journey and swing for the fences.

What promise will you make to yourself today?

Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.

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.

Turning goals into results for 2025

As February approaches, our hitters are deep in winter workouts, building habits and strength that will shape their success in the coming year. Winter is the time to lay the groundwork for greatness.

And, as 2024 comes to a close, we look ahead to 2025 with a key lesson in mind: There’s a big difference between a goal and a result.

Goals are the road map—they lead to results. But without the right habits, discipline and focus, goals remain just dreams. The truth is, your potential is limitless, but reaching it requires consistent effort and intentional progress.

At the same time, failure to reach your potential is a real possibility. Blame for missed potential can be shared, but the responsibility often falls squarely on the individual.

As we think about 2025, the question becomes: Are you doing everything you need to do to be properly positioned for success—not just for the upcoming season but for your future?

Winter workouts are the time to reflect, refocus and recommit. The habits you build now will determine the results you achieve later. Make 2025 the year you unlock your potential by holding yourself accountable, staying disciplined and putting in the work.

2025: A Play on Numbers

To close out 2024 strong and set yourself up for 2025, consider these 20/25 Questions for Success:

20 Reflection Questions to Evaluate 2024

  1. What was your biggest success this year, and what did it teach you?
  2. What was your biggest failure, and how can you grow from it?
  3. What habits did you build this year that helped you improve?
  4. Where did you fall short, and why?
  5. How did you handle adversity on and off the field?
  6. What did you do to strengthen your mental game?
  7. Did you give your best effort in every workout and game? Why or why not?
  8. How did you grow as a teammate?
  9. What’s one area of your game that improved the most in 2024?
  10. What’s one area that still needs work?
  11. What’s one moment this year when you felt truly confident in your abilities?
  12. Did you make progress toward your long-term goals? How?
  13. What feedback did you receive from coaches or teammates, and how did you respond?
  14. How did you manage your time between training, school, and personal life?
  15. What role did discipline play in your success or failure this year?
  16. How did your mindset affect your performance during tough moments?
  17. What did you do outside of practice to improve your skills?
  18. Did you consistently show up prepared and focused for practices and games?
  19. How well did you communicate with your coaches and teammates?
  20. What’s one thing you would do differently if you could redo 2024?

25 Planning Questions for 2025

  1. What specific results do you want to achieve next year?
  2. What habits will you need to build to get there?
  3. How will you stay accountable to your goals?
  4. What sacrifices are you willing to make for success?
  5. Who can help you stay on track, and how?
  6. What’s your plan for handling failure or setbacks?
  7. How will you measure progress in your game?
  8. What’s your biggest strength, and how can you maximize it?
  9. What’s your biggest weakness, and how will you address it?
  10. What will you do to stand out to coaches and teammates?
  11. What’s your plan for staying consistent in your training throughout the year?
  12. How will you track your progress toward your goals?
  13. What’s your strategy for improving your physical strength and endurance?
  14. How will you build mental toughness and resilience in 2025?
  15. What specific drills or techniques will you focus on to improve your game?
  16. What will you do to become a better teammate?
  17. How will you seek out and apply feedback to improve?
  18. What’s one area of your mental game (e.g., focus, confidence) you will strengthen?
  19. How will you balance short-term goals with your long-term vision?
  20. What’s one thing you can do every day to stay committed to your goals?
  21. How will you manage distractions that could pull you away from your goals?
  22. What steps will you take to recover effectively from setbacks or injuries?
  23. How will you use the offseason to prepare for peak performance during the season?
  24. What’s one new skill or habit you’ll commit to learning in 2025?
  25. How will you hold yourself accountable for achieving your goals and results?

Winter is for workers. The results you want in 2025 won’t come from wishing—they’ll come from working. Take the time now to reflect on 2024 and plan for 2025, knowing that the habits you build today will shape your success tomorrow.

The question is: Are you ready to take full responsibility for your potential? The choice is yours.

Let’s make 2025 a year of results.

Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.

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.

 

 

New LEAD guide will help parents regain future of youth baseball

Later this month, we’ll be launching “The Cost of Giving Up Control: How Parents Can Take Back the Future for Their Youth Baseball Players” on the LEAD website. The guide is designed to help parents reclaim their role in shaping their children’s baseball journeys and futures.

December marks the Build Phase (November–January), a critical time for establishing habits and strength—what many call “winter workouts.”

These habits are the foundation for the Conversion Phase (February–April), where habits are transformed into skills, and the Application Phase (May–July), where players focus on consequential performance.

A Story to Prove the Point

Justice Morrison, one of our standout Ambassadors, had tremendous raw talent but struggled when it came to game-day performance. His parents believed that playing more games would solve the issue. But Justice kept repeating the same mistakes under pressure.

When we shifted the focus to habit honing during winter workouts, we discovered that his biggest challenge was tracking pitches effectively. By incorporating targeted drills, like the Leo Rojas Drill, into his training, Justice developed sharper focus and precision at the plate.

By spring, Justice wasn’t just playing games—he was performing under pressure. His preparation caught the attention of a college scout, setting him up for future success.

This story underscores the importance of the Build Phase. Developing strong habits now lays the foundation for performance when it truly matters.

A Habit-Honing Drill for Winter Workouts

The Leo Rojas Drill is one of my favorite tools for helping hitters improve their pitch tracking. In this drill, hitters track the trajectory and speed of different-colored balls thrown by a coach.

The goal is to train their eyes to focus on the ball’s movement, building the habit of consistent tracking at the plate.

CHECK OUT this drill here: Leo Rojas Drill

This deliberate, stress-free practice builds a habit that becomes an automatic skill under pressure—a crucial element for success in high-stakes games.

Stay tuned for the launch of this guide, and let’s take back control of the future for youth baseball players—starting with this winter’s Build Phase.

Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.

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.