This week, Major League Baseball gave us a full course meal—past, present and future. The 2025 MLB All-Star Week culminated yesterday with the All-Star Game, a celebration of excellence on the field. But the true heartbeat of the week? The MLB Draft on Sunday and Monday. Because that’s when dreams shifted from possibility to process.
Many young men were drafted. And with that, they didn’t just put on a new jersey—they stepped into financial security, legacy, and a new level of responsibility. I couldn’t help but reflect on how different the journey looks today from when I was growing up playing in the ’80s and ’90s, even into my professional career.
One of the biggest differences?
The swag.
Every era has it, but this generation of ballplayers has taken swag to new heights. The cleats, the chains, the arm sleeves, the fresh fades and flashy bat flips—it’s art. It’s culture. It’s expression. And I love it. I love dressing at the field too—my fedoras, my Adidas kicks. That’s part of my identity. But here’s the truth:
Swag cannot substitute for skill.
When I was younger, I was so obsessed with looking the part that I didn’t focus enough on playing the part. Now, as a professional coach and scout, I evaluate players through a different lens. We see your accessories, but we’re scouting your essence.
That’s why we’re introducing a new definition of SWAG—because the type that gets you drafted and keeps you moving through the system isn’t about flash, it’s about foundation:
S.W.A.G.™ (Scouting What Actually Gets You Drafted)
• S – Strength
Physical durability. Emotional maturity. Mental toughness. The ability to adjust and recover—on the field and in life.
• W – Winning Mindset
Winners aren’t just those with the best stats. They’re players who compete. Who embraces adversity. Who raises the performance of those around them.
• A – Attitude
Confidence, not arrogance. Coaches and scouts want players with edge, but who also stay composed. Overconfidence becomes arrogance—and arrogance gets exposed.
• G – Growth
Progression > perfection. Players who improve over time, who learn from failure and who keep showing up, will always be in the conversation.
This kind of SWAG is what allows you to go from being the one who buys a ticket to the one who is the ticket.
All-Star Week reminded me of that. There were thousands in the stands, but only a few on the field. And even fewer who had the opportunity to hear their names called during the Draft. They didn’t just show up with accessories—they showed up with substance.
As for me, I’m long retired from playing, but I’m still on the field as a coach, speaker and author. And my swag is still intact—yes, I dress well—but more importantly, I deliver well. I’m showing up with my S.W.A.G.: strength, a winning mindset, attitude and a commitment to growth.
Right now, we’re closing out the Application Phase for my hitters—May, June, and July. This is the season when we apply everything we’ve learned. Come August, it’s back to the Assessment Phase—time to experiment, explore and refine. Because what we want to celebrate next summer starts with what we commit to this summer.
This game isn’t just about fun—it’s also about funds. From parents footing the bill to players signing the check.
So to all my hitters, my students and the future draft picks:
Yes, have your swag. But let your game match your gear. Let your growth exceed your glamour. And let your substance write the story—not just your style.
Because being drafted is great. But becoming the ticket—that’s the real All-Star move.
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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