As a baseball coach, I often hear the phrase, “Development is important.” It’s a well-worn sentiment in our sport, but what does it truly mean? To me, development isn’t just about improving skills; it’s about embracing the art of athleticism, especially when you don’t fundamentally know how to do something.
Athleticism, in its purest form, is about figuring out how to get things done, even when you’re outside your comfort zone.
That’s why I believe August, September and October arae crucial months for our hitters. These three months form the perfect period to assess, evaluate and, most importantly, to experiment. This is when they should try new things, test different approaches, and find out what works and what doesn’t. This is the time to be athletic in its truest sense.
Why Fall is the Best Time to Experiment
In the fall, there are fewer competitive pressures—no standings to worry about, no championship games to prepare for. This makes it the ideal time for players to break away from the norm and try something new. They can explore different batting stances, experiment with a high leg kick to generate more power or even take a shot at switch-hitting. It’s about allowing them the freedom to fail, learn and grow.
Trying new things is essential for athletic growth. By experimenting, hitters can better understand their strengths and weaknesses. They can push their boundaries and discover what they are truly capable of. This isn’t just about finding what works; it’s about learning what doesn’t, and why. This process is crucial for their development as well-rounded, adaptable athletes.
The future of baseball lies in creating athletes who are not only skilled, but also adaptable and resilient. By giving them the freedom to experiment in the fall, we encourage them to become thinkers, innovators and problem-solvers.
Building Better Habits in the Winter
Once hitters have spent the fall experimenting and learning, they can go into the winter months—November, December, and January—with a clearer understanding of their game. This is when they can start to build solid habits based on what they’ve learned. The offseason becomes a period of refinement.
With fewer games, players have more time to focus on their training without the pressure of immediate results. They can hone in on the techniques that showed promise in the fall, reinforcing the muscle memory and mental toughness needed for success.
Moving Beyond Wins and Losses
It’s important for coaches to understand that fall isn’t about wins and losses; it’s about growth. Too often, we get caught up in the scoreboard, but true development happens in the spaces between the games. If we allow our players three months to just be athletic, to explore and take risks, we set them up for long-term success. When spring and summer roll around and the games start to count, they’ll be more prepared, more adaptable, and more confident in their abilities.
Embracing the Future of Baseball
The future of baseball lies in creating athletes who are not only skilled, but also adaptable and resilient. By giving them the freedom to experiment in the fall, we encourage them to become thinkers, innovators and problem-solvers. This mindset will serve them not only on the field but in life as well.
So let’s make the most of August, September and October. Let’s encourage our hitters to try new things, to fail forward, and to embrace the art of athleticism. The habits they form during this period of exploration will shape their success in the seasons to come.
Let’s commit to development—not just in words, but in practice. Our future generation of elite baseball players deserves nothing less.
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.
