Welcome

Thank you for joining L.E.A.D.'s official social networking site. If you have not had a chance, please visit our organization's main website at www.lead2legacy.org to learn more about our program. L.E.A.D. (Launch, Expose, Advise, Direct) was founded by Atlanta native and former Chicago Cubs outfielder, C.J. Stewart. Understanding the plight of the inner city player as it relates to playing baseball at the college level, Stewart started L.E.A.D. to make collegiate baseball opportunities accesible and affordable to inner city youth. "The reason why there is a less than 3% representation of blacks at the NCAA level is because inner city players (who are predominately black) can't afford to access the development, exposure and consulting resources necessary to showcase their skills to college programs. At this point in time, it has nothing to do with racism. Danny Hall (Georgia Tech) would sign a green martian if he could demonstrate that he could make meaningful contributions to the program. The barriers are access and affordability- no more, no less." - C.J. Stewart, Founder L.E.A.D., Inc.

(Video will be "jerky" at first. Quality will increase as your computer system starts to buffer the streaming video. In layman's terms: Be patient; the video will start to play properly on its own.)
L.E.A.D. Featured On Braves LIVE Find more videos like this on L.E.A.D.'s Legacy League Congratulations to Bret Fousch, winner of the Braves vs. Yankees Raffle! Thank you all for your support.
L.E.A.D.'s Legacy Fall Instructional League: Supported by These Fine Sponsors (Additional sponsorship opportunties available; send inquiries to support@lead2legacy.org) Games and Practices at Washington High School and Perkerson Park.

Mizuno - Providing a First Class Experience for the 2009 L.E.A.D. Ambassadors Find more photos like this on L.E.A.D.'s Legacy League Diamond Thoughts "There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being — to help someone succeed." -- Alan Loy McGinnis

C.J. Stewart Featured in North By Northwestern Article Click here to access the article.

Pace Academy - Honorary L.E.A.D. Ambassadors

Brandon Thomas and Brett Epstein (along with the help of their moms Patti and Lisa), Pace Academy baseball players and Diamond Directors' clients, rally their student body to support L.E.A.D.'s mission of developing outstanding student-athletes and citizens. Keep checking this album for updates of the many fundraising activities they have planned to benefit L.E.A.D.

Find more photos like this on L.E.A.D.'s Legacy League Tryout Updates

We are overwhelmed by the interest we're receiving about L.E.A.D.; thank you to all of the teachers and other educational professionals, coaches, parents and players who helped to spread the word. We realize that some players are just now finding out about this opportunity so completing the admissions process by tomorrow is impossible. We do advise you to complete as much of the process as YOU can (the online application/essay). If you're selected to join the organization, we will work with you on completing the admissions process. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, gentlemen, come out ready to do your best and have a good time - no pressure here:-)

L.E.A.D. featured in the AJC

Award winning journalist Terence Moore of the AJC featured L.E.A.D. in his sports blog in today's AJC Online and the article will be available in print on Wednesday March 25th. This article, like all of Terence's work, has generated a heated debate on the lack of African Americans in baseball. All of you in this online community know and understand what this movement is all about, so I encourage you to check out the already mounting posts and make one of your own. Click here to access the article.

C.J. Stewart - Celebrity Instructor

C.J. Stewart, the owner/operator of Diamond Directors and the Founder/CEO of L.E.A.D., is proud of the work that he has done with amateur and professionals athletes over the past decade. At the start of Spring Training, two of C.J.'s professional clients, Dexter Fowler (Rockies) and Jason Heyward (Braves) were recognized for their understanding and execution of hitting. So if anyone was wondering, 'Does Mr. C.J. really know what he's talking about?' To that we say, 'The proof is in the pudding.' Have a taste as you read the following articles. Dexter Fowler - Diamond Directors Client Jason Heyward - Diamond Directors Client

L.E.A.D. rewards young men who are not only devoted to the athletic component of the program but also committed to the service, leadership and academic pieces. Jarell Williams and Brandon Brinkley were selected to represent L.E.A.D. at the Mercer University 2009 Pre-Season Kick-Off Banquet. They had an opportunity to mingle with Jeff Francouer of the Atlanta Braves, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle and the coaching staff at Mercer University just to name a few.

Mercer University College Exposure Event

The Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Office of High Schools in conjuction with the Atlanta Education Fund hosted this fabulous event at S. Atlanta High School on Jan. 27-28. The event is designed to inform incoming freshmen of the opportunities that are available to them at APS High Schools. Over 3000 8th graders attended this event. L.E.A.D. represented baseball as a vehicle to college scholarship opportunities.

2009 APS High School Showcase

L.E.A.D.'s Annual MLK Day Service Project

Dr. King once said, "Life's most urgent and persistent question is 'What are you doing to help others?'" And he would have been proud of us today; L.E.A.D. families and community supporters were out today at Carver High School sharing time and knowledge with community youth via a free baseball clinic. Stay tuned for photos...

Orioles Outfielder Xavier Avery and step-mom Sandra Griffin Hit a Grandslam for Carver student Jamal Anderson

(L-R Sandra Griffin, Xavier Avery, Jamal Anderson, C.J. Stewart, Coach Brent Slade)

Through L.E.A.D.'s Professional Player Network, we help pro players give back to derserving youth in the Atlanta community. L.E.A.D.'s 2008 Pro Player Angel Service Project was kicked off in high fashion by Orioles outfielder Xavier Avery and his step-mom Sandra Griffin. The Avery/Griffin families are no strangers to service; they are involvednin other charitable organizations around the city and have been very involved in L.E.A.D. service projects and programming. Today, they made the dreams of Carver senior Jamal Anderson come true. The XBox is just one of the many gifts that made Jamal shed tears. The family also decided to help Jamal spread some Christmas cheer by purchasing gifts for Jamal's mom, siblings and cousin. Jamal was very shocked by Xavier and Sandra's acts of kindness. When asked how he felt, he simply said, "I just thank ya'll so much." Enough said.

L.E.A.D. Angel Tree Update

This week's event personified the saying, "L.E.A.D. is more than just about baseball." The following smiles and tears were made possible by two great Atlanta corporate citizens: The Braves Care Program and L.E.A.D. Thank you to all of the members who nominated deserving children and thanks to all the principals and administrators who made our deliveries possible. We hope you enjoy the photos and gain a better understanding of why our motto is Service To The Game And World.

Find more photos like this on L.E.A.D.'s Legacy League L.E.A.D. member Rashaud Ferrel was named 2nd Team All Region for 8-AAAA Football...Read all about it. Click Here to visit L.E.A.D.'s Media Corner Home Plate Challenge Update Thank you to all who participated in the Home Plate Thanksgiving Challenge. L.E.A.D. family and supporters lived up to L.E.A.D.'s motto of Service To The Game and World. Our goal was to collect at least 100lbs of food for Greater Smith Chapel AME Church in the Edgewood Community of Atlanta. Under the leadership of Rev. Toni Belin Ingram, Greater Smith is a place where everyone is welcome and is a place of hope for community members. L.E.A.D. exceeded its goal of 100lbs and donated over 600lbs of canned goods in addition to several bags of clothing. L.E.A.D. is redefining what excellence in baseball means - it first begins with service. L.E.A.D. Apparel Now Available - Click here! Click Here For a Little Baseball Inspiration (Thanks Ms. Patrice!) L.E.A.D. Joins Communities in Schools and Kaboom at Herndon Elementary

Mr. C.J. hard at work mixing concrete at Herndon Elementary - November 13, 2008
Mr. C.J. and Mrs. Kelli represented L.E.A.D. last Thursday at an inspiring community event at Herndon Elementary School in Atlanta. L.E.A.D. supporter and friend, Nakia Parnell, is a Communities In Schools (CIS) representative at Herndon. Their school, in conjunction with Kaboom and other community organizations, rallied the community to raise funds to build a playground that will benefit the school and the community. Check out the photo gallery for additional pictures.

L.E.A.D. & Ms. Brenda Muhammad - Making A Difference in The Community
Passionate about children and their educational needs, particularly those who are underserved, Ms. Muhammad currently serves as the School Board Representative for District 1. Through an in-kind donation from one of L.E.A.D.'s community supporters, Kayla Blaylock, we were able to donate book bags stuffed with all the goodies young scholars need to achieve. Through her work in Atlanta Public Schools, Ms. Muhammad will visit different elementary schools and provide these book bags to derserving children. Thank you, Ms. Muhammad, for being a champion for inner city youth!

L.E.A.D.: Atlanta Braves Foundation 2008 Grant Recipient
C.J. Stewart represented L.E.A.D. at a pregame recognition cermony in September at Turner Field. The Braves' committment to the community can easily be seen by their support through the Braves Foundation. Thank you Atlanta Braves!

C.J. and Kelli Stewart joined by L.E.A.D. supporters Leo and Rebecca Mazzone and Steve and Julie White