As July comes to a close, baseball enters one of its most important seasons. Not because of games, but because of growth. For many players, August and September mean fall baseball. Too often, players treat the fall as another season to prove themselves. I see it differently.
Fall is assessment season.
It is the time to test, evaluate, experiment, and discover what works and what does not. It is the time to identify strengths, expose weaknesses and create a plan for the winter.
The winter is where real transformation happens.
That is when players build strength, establish habits and prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for the next year.
None of that happens if you are running on fumes.
Fuel Vs. Fumes
There is a big difference between playing because you are energized and playing because you are exhausted.
Fuel creates joy.
Fumes create pressure.
Fuel helps you stay patient with your development.
Fumes make you rush your development.
Fuel allows you to recover.
Fumes make you feel guilty for taking a day off.
Fuel says, “I love this game.”
Fumes say, “I have to keep playing or someone will pass me.”
The players who last are not simply the most talented.
They are the ones who have learned how to protect what fuels them.
5 Things That Fuel Great Players
1. Purpose
Know why you play.
If your identity depends on your statistics, rankings, or social media attention, you will eventually burn out.
Play because baseball is helping you become a better person, not just a better player.
2. Joy
Remember why you fell in love with the game.
The percentage of players who will play Major League Baseball is incredibly small. Even playing college baseball is something only a small percentage of players achieve.
If your joy depends on reaching those destinations, you will miss the gift of the journey.
Love the process.
3. Habits
I have taught players for years:
Talent is what you do well.
Habits are what you do well repeatedly without thought.
Talent might get you noticed.
Habits determine how long you stay.
The best players do not protect their talent.
They protect their habits.
4. Recovery
Players who truly love baseball are not afraid to rest.
They understand that recovery is part of training.
You do not lose your edge by taking care of your body and mind.
You sharpen it.
Recovery is not weakness.
It is wisdom.
5. Relationships
No player succeeds alone.
Parents, coaches, teammates, mentors, trainers and friends all contribute to your journey.
The healthiest players are surrounded by people who challenge them, encourage them and remind them who they are beyond baseball.
Why the Mental and Emotional Game Matters
Physical development is only one part of becoming a complete player.
Mental and emotional development determine whether you can consistently apply your physical ability.
That is one reason I am beginning my counseling training at Cornell University.
For years I have said: Coaching answers the question, “What should I be doing?”
Counseling answers the question, “Why am I thinking the way that I am thinking?”
Those are different questions.
Players need both.
Parents need both.
When coaching and counseling work together, they create something greater.
They create a catalyst, someone who helps people not only perform better, but become better.
A Challenge for Players and Parents
As you enter fall baseball, do not ask only, “How can I become a better player?”
Also ask:
What fuels me?
What drains me?
Which habits should I strengthen?
Which habits should I eliminate?
Am I operating on fuel or just surviving on fumes?
Assessment leads to awareness.
Awareness leads to intentional habits.
Intentional habits lead to lasting growth.
This fall, do not simply chase performance.
Build the kind of player and person who can thrive for years to come.
Operate on fuel, not fumes.
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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