It’s October 2025 and I’m in Jupiter, Florida—the mecca of amateur baseball—for the WWBA Perfect Game Tournament. For those who may not know, WWBA stands for World Wood Bat Association, and this event has become one of the most important scouting stages in the world for high school baseball players. But what’s even more meaningful for me is the history behind it.
The first-ever WWBA tournament took place in 1998—the very same year that my wife Kelli and I launched our for-profit player development company, Diamond Directors. Our mission then, as it remains today, is simple: to provide the blueprint of success for diamond sport athletes.
Twenty-seven years later, Perfect Game and Diamond Directors are both still standing—evolving, improving and shaping generations of players who dream of excellence on and off the field.
A Legacy Rooted in Excellence
In 1999, just one year after that inaugural tournament, my former client Jasha Balcom made history as the WWBA Tournament MVP. Playing for Perfect Game USA, Jasha went 12-for-19 with two home runs, including a leadoff blast over the right-field fence in the championship game at the Boston Red Sox complex in Fort Myers.
Perfect Game USA won that championship 12–0—and Jasha’s performance that week cemented his place in baseball lore as one of Georgia’s finest talents.
Looking back now, it’s powerful to see how far we’ve come. Perfect Game started in 1998. Diamond Directors started in 1998. And here in 2025, both are still providing blueprints—still inspiring the next generation of athletes to turn their fun into funds.
Playing for Fun vs. Playing for Funds
This tournament in Jupiter represents that crossroads perfectly. It’s the final major event of the year before the NCAA recruiting dead period. For many players, it’s the last opportunity to be evaluated—to show growth, maturity and the ability to perform under pressure.
Some are playing for the love of the game. Others are playing for their future—for scholarships, contracts, and dreams that can fund a life of purpose. That’s the difference between playing for fun and playing for funds. And both can be beautiful, depending on where you are on your journey. But if your goal is to play professionally, fun must evolve into focus—and focus must evolve into function.
The Scout’s Eye: What Really Matters
A lot of people think scouts are just counting base hits or measuring bat speed. But the truth is, that’s only part of the story. The real evaluation happens between the ears and behind the eyes. Scouts are looking for what I call the Five A’s—five qualities that separate the good from the great, the talented from the timeless.
- Attitude – How do you carry yourself? Do you show respect for the game, your teammates and your opponents? When things go wrong, do you pout or persevere?
- Awareness – Do you know what’s happening around you? Can you read the field, anticipate the next play and stay locked in mentally every pitch?
- Adjustments – Baseball is a game of constant change. Scouts want to see how you handle failure, how you make real-time corrections and how you respond when your plan doesn’t work.
- Adaptability – When uncertainty hits—bad weather, bad umpiring or bad luck—can you adapt and stay effective?
- Aggressiveness – Not reckless, but relentless. Do you attack opportunities? Do you play to win or do you just try not to lose?
These are five of the Eight A’s I teach through Diamond Directors and our LEAD Ambassadors Black Diamonds program: Attitude, Awareness, Adjustments, Adaptability, Aptitude, Athleticism, Aggressiveness and Assertiveness. Each represents a layer of discipline and excellence required to become what I call a Major League Man—someone who is a Major League Player and a Major League Citizen.
Scouting for Black Diamonds
While Major League scouts are here looking for the next first-rounder, I’m here on a more specific mission—to identify and develop Black Diamonds.
To me, a Black Diamond is a young Black baseball player with raw potential—someone who can shine at the highest levels if developed with precision, purpose and care. It’s not enough to identify talent; you have to know how to cut it. A diamond that’s cut wrong loses its value. A young man who’s developed without advocacy can lose his way.
That’s why my team and I at LEAD are expert gem cutters—refining these diamonds so that they can withstand the pressure, reflect the light and represent excellence.
Still Here — Still Building
So yes, I’m in Jupiter, Florida—nearly 50 years old, still walking ballfields, still scouting, still mentoring. And people often say, “You don’t look your age.” I smile, because I’ve worked hard to take care of my body, my mind and my soul. But more than that—I’ve stayed consistent with my why.
In 1998, I started Diamond Directors because I believed in the power of baseball to build character and community. In 2025, that belief hasn’t changed — it’s just evolved.
So, to every player here at Jupiter: this is your stage. Show up. Compete. Be coachable. And remember—the scouts aren’t just watching your swing; they’re studying your spirit.
Because at the end of the day, hits get you noticed.
But character gets you chosen.
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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