C.J. Stewart is an Atlanta native, former Chicago Cubs outfielder, and Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of Living To L.E.A.D.: A Story of Passion, Purpose, and Grit. Recognized as one of the nation’s leading baseball player development professionals, he is the founder and owner of Diamond Directors, a player development company renowned for developing elite baseball talent. During nearly 30 years of coaching, Stewart has worked with an impressive roster of athletes, including Jason Heyward (former Atlanta Brave and World Series Champion with the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers), Dexter Fowler (World Series Champion with the Chicago Cubs), Andruw Jones (Atlanta Braves legend and National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee), Pete Alonso (New York Mets), Kyle Lewis, and Andrew McCutchen.
Growing up in Hollywood Brooks, one of Atlanta’s most dangerous apartment communities, Stewart’s life reflects his belief that “where you start does not determine where you finish.” Despite daunting odds, he used baseball as his pathway out of poverty, supported by a community that believed in his potential. His journey began at John A. White Park and ultimately led to being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in both 1994 and 1996.
Together with his wife, Kelli Stewart, CEO of L.E.A.D. Center For Youth, Stewart extends his impact through the nonprofit they founded to advance equity and well being through sports based youth development. Based in Atlanta, L.E.A.D. uses baseball for boys and tennis for girls to help young people become Major League players and Major League citizens. The organization has achieved remarkable outcomes, including a 100% high school graduation rate, a 93% college enrollment rate, 90% of participants earning college scholarships, and 14% entering the military or workforce.
Stewart holds certificates in Systems Thinking and Wellness Counseling from Cornell University, a certificate from the Harvard Business School Upswell Social Enterprise Program, and a certificate in Sports Philanthropy from George Washington University. He is also a graduate of the Atlanta Regional Commission Regional Leadership Institute (Class of 2025). In 2025, he and Kelli were honored by the Grove Park Foundation with the Grove Park Hero Education Award for their commitment to youth and community development.
A member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta West End since June 25, 2009, Stewart is a Leadership Atlanta alumnus (Class of 2015) and, alongside Kelli, a Leadership Georgia alumnus (Class of 2023).
Today, Stewart continues to invest his life in developing Major League players, Major League citizens, and stronger communities, demonstrating that success is most meaningful when it is used to serve others.