Why purpose requires clarity

After 25 years and more than 50,000 hours in the tunnel, I’ve learned that baseball is about more than just swinging a bat—it’s about purpose. And purpose requires clarity.

It takes 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to develop a skill. I’ve invested five times that in developing hitters—many of whom have made it to the Major Leagues. But the ones who truly make it aren’t just talented. They’re called.

Coaching is my calling. And real coaches don’t just instruct—they lead with intention.

Coaches:

• Cultivate growth
• Create opportunities
• Advance progress
• Build confidence
• Harmonize a shared journey of learning

But here’s the question I’ve been asking more and more:

• What if we stopped focusing only on players who can play—and started identifying those who are called to play?
• Not playing for clout. Not for college scholarships or pro dreams. But because this game is something they were born to do.

The 7 C’s of the Called

1. Coach – Purpose-driven guidance
2. Calling – An inner pull to pursue the game
3. Capable – Skills earned through reps and reflection
4. Concerned – Caring enough to make sacrifices
5. Capacity – The stamina to endure setbacks
6. Conviction – A fire that doesn’t quit
7. Committed – Consistent through the highs and lows

These traits aren’t just found—they can be cultivated. But that growth must begin with conviction.

A Word on Travel Baseball

In 1985, Guerry Baldwin, founder of East Cobb Baseball, innovated the travel baseball model—not to make it exclusive, but to create a development pipeline to the Major Leagues.

He didn’t invent players traveling to play—but he gave it a structure that prioritized excellence and exposure.

Now, pay-to-play dominates. Millions of boys play the game. But only a few are called—and that goes for coaches too.

We need players. We need coaches. We need fans.
But what we need most are those who are called—to perform, to lead, and to serve.

Are You Called?

A 2-Point Checklist:

For Players:

1. Do you feel empty when you’re not working on your game?
2. Are you willing to sacrifice for progress—even when no one sees it?

For Coaches:

1. Do you lead with impact that outlasts a scoreboard?
2. Are you still showing up even when it’s thankless?

Time Will Tell

From May through July, my hitters are in the Application Phase—we call it The Show.
From August through October, they enter the Assessment Phase—The Lab.

Everybody thinks they have time. But time always tells the truth.
The game will expose you—and it will exalt those who are ready.

Are you just playing the game—or are you called to it?

If you’re called, lean in. If you’re unsure, stay consistent. Because conviction is built over time—and time reveals who you really are.

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.