As winter turns to spring, the focus of my hitters shifts from merely practicing habits to refining and applying their skills under pressure. This is a crucial period where talent and habitual execution meet the true test of performance.

• Talent is your natural aptitude, what you do well naturally.
• Habits are what you do well repeatedly without conscious thought.
• Skills are what you do well repeatedly without thought, especially under stress.

This transformation from habits to skills is essential for any athlete aiming to excel not just in practice but in competitive, high-pressure environments.

Case Study: Tripp’s Journey in the Hitting Lab
In a recent two-hour Hitting Lab Assessment, I worked with Tripp, a talented 13-year-old seventh grader from The Westminster School in Atlanta. The assessment is meticulously designed to cover multiple aspects:

• Learning Styles Determination: Understanding how Tripp learns best to tailor our coaching methods.
• S.M.A.R.T. Goal Mapping: Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals to ensure clear pathways for success.
• Swing Map Breakdown: Analyzing the components of Tripp’s swing.
• Swing Evaluation: Observing Tripp’s swing under pressure to see how he adapts.
• Skill Build Drills: Specific exercises designed to convert habits into skills.

While Tripp demonstrated intelligence and an impressive swing, we noticed that his ability to make quick adjustments needs improvement. The good news is that learning how to make these adjustments can be taught, and it’s something I specialize in.

I often emphasize to my trainees: “Practice plus pressure equals training.” It’s about adding the element of pressure to practice because pressure is a privilege. It is this pressure that turns routine actions into automatic responses under game conditions. Training in this manner builds skills that are critical not only in baseball but in life. Skills, indeed, pay the bills.

Remember, the transformation from habit to skill is the journey from practice to prowess.

Tripp’s ambition stretches far; he aspires to play for Vanderbilt and eventually, the Atlanta Braves. In partnership with Coach Tre Hampton, a dedicated LEAD Center For Youth Coach, we are committed to guiding Tripp toward these lofty goals. Our focus remains steadfast on nurturing his abilities, ensuring that his transition from performing well in practice to excelling under game-day stress is seamless.

The period from February to April is not just a time for training—it’s a time for transformation. For hitters like Tripp, it’s when potential is crafted into prowess that can stand the rigors of real-world challenges. As we continue to push the boundaries of what our athletes can achieve, we look forward to seeing their growth from talented individuals to skilled performers who thrive under pressure. Remember, the transformation from habit to skill is the journey from practice to prowess.

Stay tuned for more updates on Tripp’s progress and insights into how we’re developing the next generation of Major League players and citizens. Follow our journey and join us in shaping the future of baseball.

April is a time of transformation and renewal, not just in nature but also in the realm of baseball. As flowers bloom and rain showers cleanse the earth, it’s a perfect metaphor for the growth and development we aspire to in baseball players worldwide.

This month is pivotal as players, especially hitters, transition their winter habits into polished skills for the season ahead. Here are four essential virtues I pray every baseball player embraces this April:

1. Discernment

Discernment is the ability to make sound judgments and decisions. On the field, it’s about choosing the right pitch to swing at or the right play to make. Off the field, it’s about making choices that align with one’s values and goals. This virtue is crucial as it guides players to make informed decisions in high-pressure moments, reflecting the wisdom they’ve accumulated from their experiences.

2. Grit

Grit is the backbone of perseverance. It’s the relentless pursuit of a goal, regardless of the obstacles. In baseball, this means pushing through slumps, injuries, and failures. Grit isn’t just about hanging on; it’s about moving forward with purpose and determination. It’s developed through challenges, making each struggle a stepping stone to resilience. Remember, it’s often the tough times that sculpt a player’s character and resolve.

3. Focus

In a world full of distractions, maintaining focus is an invaluable skill for any baseball player. Whether it’s concentrating on the next pitch or staying committed to long-term goals, focus is what enables players to perform at their best. It’s about being present in the moment and executing tasks with precision and clarity.

4. Self-efficacy

Self-efficacy is the belief in one’s ability to succeed. It’s crucial for baseball players to have confidence in their skills and trust in their training. This belief influences their effort, persistence, and resilience. Players with high self-efficacy are more likely to embrace challenging tasks and recover from setbacks effectively.

Grit: The Heart of the Journey

Delving deeper into grit, it’s important to recognize it as more than just persistence. It’s about aligning with a purpose that fuels your passion and perseverance. For players experiencing struggles, remember that these challenges are opportunities to develop the grit necessary for success.

As a coach, my mission extends beyond teaching baseball; it’s about guiding players to discover their purpose, both on and off the field. The journey of a baseball player is much like a ride in a coach—it has its bumps and turns, but with grit as your fuel, the journey is enriching and transformative.

Let’s embrace April as a month of growth, focusing on instilling discernment, grit, focus, and self-efficacy in players. It’s these virtues that will elevate their game, transforming talent into skill, and challenges into triumphs.

Remember, it’s not just about playing baseball; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself, driven by a profound purpose. Get grit, don’t quit and let this April be a turning point in your baseball journey.

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.

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.

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.