As a coach, scout, and student of the game, I’ve spent years evaluating talent. Baseball isn’t just about physical skill—it’s about mindset, decision-making, and how players process information under pressure. I see four key types of thinking in athletes and coaches: stupid, ignorant, smart and intelligent. Understanding these distinctions can be the difference between success and stagnation in baseball and in life.
Stupid – Knowing the right thing, but not doing it
A stupid player knows what to do but refuses to act. This isn’t about ability—it is about choice.
Example in Baseball: A hitter knows he should lay off the high fastball with two strikes, but he keeps chasing it anyway. He has been coached, he understands the adjustment, but he chooses not to make it.
In Life: A student-athlete knows he needs to maintain his grades to stay eligible, but he still skips class and doesn’t turn in assignments.
Key Takeaway: Stupidity isn’t about a lack of knowledge—it is about a lack of discipline. Coaches and scouts struggle with this type of player because knowledge without action is wasted potential.
Ignorant – Not knowing what to do, but capable of doing it
An ignorant player simply lacks the knowledge but has the ability to execute once taught.
Example in Baseball: A young pitcher doesn’t know how to hold a runner at first base. He has never been taught the proper pickoff move. However, once he is coached, he applies it effectively in the game.
In Life: A high school senior doesn’t know how to write a college application essay. No one has guided him through the process, but once he’s shown, he completes it successfully.
Key Takeaway: Ignorance is fixable. These are coachable players, and their development depends on exposure to the right knowledge. Coaches should spend time teaching, not assuming players “should already know.”
Smart – Knowing what to do, but unable to apply it
Smart people are filled with knowledge but lack the ability to execute. They have the right information but cannot translate it into results.
Example in Baseball: A catcher understands all the mechanics of throwing out a base-stealer. He can break down footwork, arm angles and transfer speed. But when it’s game time, he cannot make the throw accurately or on time.
In Life: A business major knows all the theories behind entrepreneurship but never starts a business. He can explain marketing, finance, and strategy, but never takes action.
Key Takeaway: Being smart isn’t enough. If knowledge isn’t applied, it becomes just another collection of facts. In sports, this type of athlete needs practical repetition under pressure to bridge the gap between knowledge and execution.
Intelligent – Knowing what to do and doing it
Intelligent players don’t just know what to do—they execute. They take their understanding and apply it consistently in real-game situations. Intelligence isn’t just about comprehension; it is about action.
Example in Baseball: A shortstop understands how to read a batter’s swing, anticipate where the ball will be hit, and make the play before it even happens. He doesn’t just know what to do—he does it and he does it at the right time.
In Life: A business leader knows how to identify an opportunity, strategize a plan, and execute it successfully. They don’t just talk about success—they make it happen.
Key Takeaway: Intelligence is about applied knowledge. Players evaluated as intelligent don’t just understand the game—they demonstrate it through action. They can be relied upon in high-pressure situations because their knowledge translates into consistent performance.
Final Thoughts – The key to growth in baseball and life
Athletes must recognize where they stand within these categories. Are you ignorant and need more knowledge? Smart but struggling to apply it? Stupid because you know better but don’t act? Or intelligent, executing consistently because you understand that to truly know something is to do it?
Success in baseball and life comes from transitioning from ignorance to intelligence—learning, applying and consistently performing.
Champions don’t just collect knowledge. They execute. They adjust. They grow. Which one are you?
Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.
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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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