May, June and July mark the Application Phase. This is where development is no longer theoretical. It is visible, measurable and judged. It is not about playing the game. It is about performing under pressure.
Many people call baseball a game. That is true for beginners. For those who are prepared, it is a performance.
I was reminded of this while watching the Michael Jackson biopic. There were clear stages:
- Rehearsal (practice)
- Run-throughs (play)
- Then the stage (performance)
Three different environments. Three different expectations.
The Difference
Practice builds habits
You repeat, refine and slow things down. This is where mistakes are necessary.
Play tests habits
You experiment. You learn what works and what doesn’t in real time.
Performance demands skills
No experimenting. No guessing. Just execution.
Skills pay bills.Why This Phase Matters
From February through April, you were in the Empowerment Phase:
You were given responsibility and authority.
You worked to convert habits into skills.
Now comes the question:
Can you perform?
Because goals like:
- Winning championships
- Making USA Baseball teams
- Earning scholarships
- Getting drafted by Major League Baseball
These are not awarded for effort; they are earned through performance.
5 Signs You’re Playing vs Performing
Use this checklist to evaluate yourself:
1. You rely on feeling vs execution
Playing: “I feel good today”
Performing: “I executed my plan”
2. You experiment during competition
Playing: trying new mechanics mid-game
Performing: trusting what’s already trained
3. Your results fluctuate wildly
Playing: inconsistent outcomes
Performing: repeatable production
4. You react emotionally to failure
Playing: frustration controls you
Performing: adjustments control you
5. You focus on participation vs production
Playing: “I got reps”
Performing: “I produced results”
The Bottom Line
You can play your way into performing
But you cannot perform by just playing
The Application Phase demands one thing: Production
Because when it’s time to perform, your habits must show up as skills, and your skills must show up as results
This is where separation happens.
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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