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.
