Baseball has given me more than just games, trophies, or stats—it has given me perspective. I chased two big dreams: playing at Florida State University and becoming a household name in the Major Leagues. Neither came true. I wasn’t good enough to reach those heights.
But in the process of failing, I found my path. I earned a Division I scholarship to Georgia State University, and I got the opportunity to play in the Chicago Cubs organization. That’s not failure—that’s growth. Those “losses” became my learning.
And the lessons I’ve picked up are what I now pass along to players, parents and women connected to this game.
Home Run #1: Earning the College Scholarship
Think of the college scholarship as your first home run. That dream offer from the school you’ve always imagined—it’s like finally connecting on a 3–2 pitch and driving the ball over the fence. But before that moment, there are countless pitches to see:
- Fastballs – Travel teams, tournaments, showcases, private coaches, trainers—all of it coming at you fast. You need a plan to decide which ones to swing at and which ones to let pass.
- Curveballs – Injuries, coaching changes, academic struggles, and unexpected setbacks. They can throw you off balance.
- Changeups – Financial barriers, personal distractions or slowdowns in development. They lull you into comfort if you’re not careful.
The players who hit this home run don’t just rely on talent. They make calculated decisions, build strong relationships and allow their character to speak louder than their bat speed.
Home Run #2: Becoming a Professional Player
The second home run is hearing your name in the MLB Draft. That moment means opportunity—but not financial freedom. Signing bonuses are not retirement funds; they are reinvestment funds. That money is meant to cover training, housing, travel and the grind of the minor leagues until you prove yourself worthy of Major League Baseball.
The truth: The draft doesn’t guarantee a long career. It only guarantees a chance. And that chance is what you must maximize.
Learning to Hit the Pitches
Baseball—and life—isn’t about hitting every pitch. It’s about waiting for the right one. Singles, doubles, and triples are valuable, but the home runs are rare and transformative.
To prepare for them, I use a framework I call the 75–20–5 Rule:
- 75% of development happens on your own—work ethic, discipline, and repetition
- 20% comes from coaches and mentors
- 5% is the spotlight—those moments of performance when it all counts
Players who understand this rule learn that the real work is hidden, the spotlight is rare, and the coaches are there to sharpen what you’ve already invested in yourself.
The 8 A’s: Keys to Staying in the Game
Two of my 8 A’s matter most during development:
- Athleticism – Making things happen, even when you don’t fully know how
- Adaptability – Adjusting to uncertainty, setbacks, and changing circumstances
Talent will get you noticed, but adaptability will keep you in the game when life throws pitches you didn’t expect.
More Than Baseball
If you strike out in your dream of playing at a certain school or making it to the Majors, it’s not the end. Baseball is just one field where you can take your shot. You can still become a “Major Leaguer” in business, in teaching, in parenting, in service to your community.
The point is not just to swing. The point is to swing with wisdom, patience, and preparation—because home runs can be hit off fastballs, changeups, and curveballs. You just need to wait for the pitch you can drive.
In the end, you only get one at-bat in life. Make sure you’re ready for the pitch that can change everything.
Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.
For more information, visit www.diamonddirectors.com 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.
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