I’m reading Howard Bryant’s “The Last Hero: Hank Aaron,” and one quote Hank was said to use in his Hall of Fame speech grabbed me immediately:
“The way to fame is like the way to heaven—through much tribulation.” — Laurence Sterne
Hank Aaron’s entire life proves this true. And for young players who dream of becoming Major League athletes—and Major League citizens—this quote holds three lessons you cannot ignore.
1. Tribulation Is Toughness That Builds You
Here is a simple definition for tribulation for any teenager:
Tribulation = Tough stuff that builds your strength and resilience.
- It isn’t punishment.
- It’s preparation.
Hank grew up facing poverty, racism, doubt, and danger. Those tribulations made him stronger, steadier and unshakeable. If you want greatness, you must expect adversity. You cannot reach the big leagues—or stay there—without resilience.
Tribulation is the weight training for your mind, character and future.
2. Conviction Helps You Hear Hard Truths
- Everyone loves praise.
- Few can handle the truth.
Hank Aaron wasn’t always the obvious choice. Coaches questioned him. Scouts doubted him. But his conviction—his belief in who he was and who he could become—allowed him to hear tough news without quitting.
Sometimes you’re not good enough.
Sometimes you’re not good enough YET.
Y.E.T. = You Earn Time.
- Time to grow.
- Time to train.
- Time to develop skills that talent alone can’t carry.
Conviction turns criticism into fuel. It lets you say, “Tell me the truth—then watch me work.”
3. Success Requires Being Seen by the Right People
Hank Aaron didn’t succeed just because he worked hard.
He succeeded because he worked hard and put himself in the right places to be evaluated by the right people.
Hard work must meet the right network.
You need:
- The right coaches
- The right mentors
- The right relationships
- The right opportunities
Sometimes you’re not overlooked—you’re just not showing up where growth and evaluation happen.
- Being good isn’t enough.
- Being seen is part of the journey.
Why This Matters Beyond Baseball
Plenty of people want the fame, money and prestige of being a pro. Few want the tribulation that makes it possible.
If you can’t handle adversity, you can’t handle opportunity.
If you can’t handle pressure, you can’t handle success.
This is why we’re not just developing Major League players—we’re developing Major League citizens: Young men who work, serve, give, lead, and withstand adversity with strength and character.
Development Takes Deliberate Effort
My definition of development is simple and true:
DEVELOPMENT = The deliberate effort to value and empower learners to obtain personal mastery and excellence through nurturing training.
Greatness doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens through tribulation, conviction and preparation.
Hank Aaron walked that road.
You must walk it too.
Because the way to greatness—on the field or in life—still runs through the same gate:
“Through much tribulation.”
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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