News from L.E.A.D. Inc.

L.E.A.D. Tryouts - Legacy League Roster Posted

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:05:19 GMT

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2010 L.E.A.D. Tryouts. The response this year was amazing and I appreciate all the players and parents who spent their weekend with us trying out.

Congratulations to the families who have been selected this year. If you have missing items, the roster will show what you have missing and the date when that information is due. Selected families must do the following:

Join the Legacy League, L.E.A.D.'s social networking site. Preferably, players and parents need to have individual profiles on the network. This site is communication central for L.E.A.D. and has important game, practice, service information. All families are responsible for information posted on this site. Visit www.legacyleague.com to join.

All families need to attend Orientation. Please see the Events section on the Legacy League Network at www.legacyleague.com.

Bring your excitement and willingness to work and prepare yourself for a great fall season!

Click Here To View the 2010 Legacy League Roster

09/05/2010

L.E.A.D. Community Day July 31st Sponsored in Part By South Fulton Medical Center

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:55:55 GMT

Come and meet the 2010 L.E.A.D. Ambassadors and enjoy the fun!

Register Here

Click here for Press Release

2010 L.E.A.D. Ambassadors

07/31/2010

L.E.A.D. CO-FOUNDER KELLI STEWART HONORED BY ATLANTA DREAM

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:58:32 GMT

L.E.A.D. CO-FOUNDER KELLI STEWART HONORED BY ATLANTA DREAM

AS AN INSPIRING WOMAN

Press Release

L.E.A.D. Executive Director Kelli Stewart was honored by the Atlanta Dream as an Inspiring Woman on Sunday, June 13 at Phillips Arena. Atlanta Dream President and COO Toby Wyman presented Kelli with a plaque to commemorate the honor. Photo credit: Scott Cunningham/NBAE/Getty Images

06/15/2010

EIGHT L.E.A.D. AMBASSADORS SIGN COLLEGE BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FALL 2010

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 02:25:55 GMT

CLICK HERE TO READ PRESS RELEASE

Members of the 2010 L.E.A.D. Ambassador graduating class pose with L.E.A.D. founders C.J. and Kelli Stewart, Board Chairman Mike Lavelle and Eugene Heyward (representing Honorary Ambassador Jason Heyward) at the L.E.A.D. Signing Day event May 30, 2010 at Fox Sports Grill. Each member of the graduating class received a college baseball scholarship. (Left to right: Khirus Ware, J.T. Shaw, Xavier Griffin, Gensen Scott, Brandon Brinkley, Nick Marigny, Chris Traylor and Demetrius Booker; back row: C.J. Stewart, Kelli Stewart, Mike Lavelle, Eugene Heyward)

05/30/2010

L.E.A.D.'s 2010 Ambassadors Receive College Scholarship Opportunities

Mon, 03 May 2010 20:31:41 GMT

Since 2007, L.E.A.D. has been committed to using baseball as a tool to help its Leaders and Ambassadors access college via athletic scholarship and to promote the importance of academica excellence and service/civic engagement. We are excited to announce that this year's Ambassador class boasts all 7 seniors receiving college baseball scholarship opportunities. Pictured below are Ambassadors Brandon Brinkley (Washington High School, APS), Demetrius Booker (Tri Cities High School, S. Fulton County), Xavier Griffin (MLK High School, DeKalb County) and Chris Traylor (Creekside High School, S. Fulton County) who will all be attending Selma University on baseball scholarships. Not pictured: J.T. Shaw - Jackson State (Rockdale High School), Nicholas Marigny - Southern Union (Westlake High School), Khirus Ware - Middle Georgia (MLK High School) and Gensen Scott - Scholarship Choice Pending (MLK High School).

Thank you all for your continued support!

05/03/2010

L.E.A.D. Announces Professional Players Board

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:43:13 GMT

Click Here To Read Press Release

04/16/2010

Hats Off Press Release

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 00:20:23 GMT

CLICK HERE FOR PRESS RELEASE

04/03/2010

L.E.A.D.'s Hats Off Event at Turner Field

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 23:54:46 GMT

L.E.A.D.'s Hats Off™ Community Forum

Connecting With Tomorrow's Leaders In Baseball Today

Click The Image For More Details.

04/02/2010

C.J. Stewart, L.E.A.D. Founder/CEO, Featured in Georgia Trend's February Issue

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:03:57 GMT

Click Here: C.J. Stewart, L.E.A.D. Founder/CEO, Featured In Georgia Trend's February Issue - Thank You Patty Rasmussen!

02/01/2010

Hawks vs. Celtics Raffle - We Have A Winner

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:34:38 GMT

Thank you to all who supported the 2010 Hawks vs. Celtics Raffle. Your support helped us to raise over $2,000! The winner of the raffle was Kim Pasqualone who gave the tickets to her son Nick and his friend Travis Fox. Nick and Travis are die hard Hawks fans so they were ecstatic when they won the tickets. Nick and Travis were accompanied by C.J. Stewart, founder/CEO of L.E.A.D. Inc., and Ambassador Mendez Elder. Mendez was selected to represent L.E.A.D. because of his great attitude and consistent dedication to the L.E.A.D. program. Check out some of the fun they had!

01/06/2010

Winter Workouts - Preparing Ambassadors To Compete Spring and Summer

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:50:22 GMT

Winter Workouts are a vital part of L.E.A.D.'s programming because it provides crucial training, development and exposure that's essential to competing for college baseball scholarships. Winter Workouts are exclusively for L.E.A.D. Ambassadors and provide them with an opportunity to get professional training while interacting and training with L.E.A.D. alumni and Professional Player supporters. This intense training not only prepares players to compete during the Ambassador summer season, but also during their respective high school schedules. Thank you to everyone who supports L.E.A.D. and provides these unique and necessary opportunities that bring the dream of playing college baseball that much closer to reality!

12/21/2009

L.E.A.D. Featured In Chop Talk Magazine - November 2009 Issue

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:25:59 GMT

11/11/2009

L.E.A.D.'s Professional Players Luncheon & 3rd Annual Celebrity Clinic - Huge Successes!

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:02:40 GMT

On November 6th, 2009, L.E.A.D. held its Inaugural Professional Players Luncheon in Atlantic Station in a beautiful terrace level setting located in The Law Offices of Nelson Mullins, one of L.E.A.D.'s sponsors. The event was hosted by L.E.A.D.'s Professional Players Board, a group of Minor and Major League players who support L.E.A.D. by donating time, money and through raising awareness and support for L.E.A.D.'s ultimate goal which is to use baseball as a tool to help inner city teen student athletes access college via baseball scholarships. Professional Player Board Members in attendance were:

Jason Heyward (Braves) - Heyward received L.E.A.D.'s Honorary Ambassador Award highlighting his continued service to the organization. In addition, L.E.A.D. announced that in 2010, the first Jason Heyward MVP Ambassador Award will be awarded to L.E.A.D. Ambassador Athletes who achieve academic success by earning a "B" average, athletic success by continuously improving and perfecting their skill sets through a strong work ethic and demonstrate a passion for service by having the highest Civic Stats™ Average, L.E.A.D.'s performance measure for community and civic engagement. Heyward said, "Of all the things I've achieved this year, this award [Honorary Ambassador] means the most."

L.V. Ware (Braves) - Ware, a former Atlanta Public School graduate of North Atlanta High School, was honored for being selected for the 2005 Olympic Team and for his commitment to the L.E.A.D. organization.

Other Professional Player Board Members attending were: Xavier Avery (Orioles), C.J. Beatty (Cardinals), C.J. Bressoud (Angels).

The event was a precursor to L.E.A.D.'s 3rd Annual Celebrity Clinic at Turner Field which was held on Saturday November 7th. Professional and college players from Georgia Tech, Georgia State and Kennesaw State University joined L.E.A.D. in providing over 130 inner city student-athletes ages 8-14 with a once in a lifetime clinic experience. In addition to learning about baseball in different skill stations, clinic guests took BP at Turner Field and were treated to a tour after lunch.

Thank you to the following fine sponsors for providing food for clinic guests and volunteers at the Celebrity Clinic:

Atlanta Braves Chophouse

Chick-Fil-A (CNN Center)

Chick-Fil-A (Peachtree Center)

Jim-N-Nicks (www.jimnnicks.com)

EVOS (www.evos.com)

Photos from L.E.A.D. Pro Player Luncheon and 3rd Annual Celebrity Clinic at Turner Field:

In February of 2010, L.E.A.D. will host its 1st Annual Dinner With Champions Awards Banquet. Stay connected to www.lead2legacy.org for event details.

Thank you all for being champions for inner city baseball!

11/10/2009

L.E.A.D. Partners with Home Depot and Mizuno For Inner City Park Renovation

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:15:44 GMT

Through a grant awarded to L.E.A.D. through the Home Depot and a collaborative effort with Mizuno, L.E.A.D.'s home field at Perkerson Park in southwest Atlanta was renovated with lots of resources from the business community and volunteer spirit from Home Depot, Mizuno, L.E.A.D., City of Atlanta Department of Recreation and other vendors. Atlanta Braves great Chipper Jones, and 2009 Minor League Player of the Year, Jason Heyward, stopped by to cheer on volunteers and see how baseball is inspiring community spirit in the inner city. The renovations total over $10K and will not only benefit L.E.A.D. but the Perkerson Park community as a whole. Thank you to everyone who had anything to do with making this event extraordinary!

Some of the renovations include:

-Building picnic tables and benches

-Pressure Washing and painting the dugouts and concession stands

-Refurbishing the concession area and scorer's booths

-Refurbishing the batting cages

-Adding dirt to the high school/college regulation baseball field

-Reinforcing home plate and pitcher's mound

-Adding shrubbery and trees

-and much more!

This project represents the amazing opportunities that are possible when sports and community come together. Home Depot and Mizuno are true champions for inner city baseball.

Event Photos (more photos can be viewed at www.legacyleague.com):

10/01/2009

L.E.A.D. in conjunction with Jason Heyward and the Atlanta Braves hosts its 3rd Annual Celebrity Clinic at Turner Field

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:12:47 GMT

L.E.A.D. (Launch, Expose, Advise, Direct) in conjunction with Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves outfielder and 2009 Minor League Player of the Year, and The Atlanta Braves will host its 3rd Annual Celebrity Clinic at Turner Field on November 7th, 2009. L.E.A.D. is a 501c3 charitable organization located in Atlanta, Georgia that prepares inner city youth ages 14-18 to compete for college baseball scholarships by providing them with the professional training, development and exposure necessary to be attractive recruits.

100 young men from organizations across the city, like the Carver YMCA and local Atlanta Public Schools, will be special guests at this year's clinic. Through the Celebrity Clinic, L.E.A.D. is able to share its programming with deserving young men across the Metro Atlanta area.

Heyward has been an active supporter of L.E.A.D. since the organization was founded by C.J. Stewart, Atlanta native, former Chicago Cubs outfielder and Heyward's off-season hitting instructor. "For me, the best thing about the L.E.A.D. program," said Heyward in an interview earlier this summer, "is that it isn’t only about baseball. Baseball is used as a platform to build on in order for kids to transition from high school to college and on with their lives, especially kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to do that financially. L.E.A.D. helps kids go on to have successful careers, whether they are in baseball or not."

The Atlanta Braves continue their support of the L.E.A.D. organization by donating their spectacular facilities at Turner Field so that deserving young men across the city can have a once in a lifetime baseball experience. In addition, the Braves will provide lunch and a behind the scenes tour of Turner Field to the special clinic guests.

In 2008, 85% of L.E.A.D.'s Ambassadors received college baseball scholarship opportunities. Join us in making college a reality for inner city youth through the sport of baseball by making a donation of any amount at www.lead2legacy.org. If you are interested in corporate sponsorship information, please reach out to our sponsorship team at support@lead2legacy.org.

If you would like to register your group to participate in this community event, please email us info@lead2legacy.org.

Photos from past L.E.A.D. Celebrity Clinics:

09/21/2009

The Atlanta Education Fund Supports L.E.A.D.

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:36:37 GMT

The Atlanta Education fund supports L.E.A.D.; click here to read more.

09/01/2009

Sept. 12 - L.E.A.D. Launches the Legacy League at Perkerson Park in Southwest Atlanta

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:22:10 GMT

It's almost here: The launch of America's 1st fall instructional league focusing on developing inner city talent for college play. The ceremony is historical for L.E.A.D. and the city of Atlanta. The Legacy League program not only provides a proven system for development, exposure and a formal pipeline to college baseball, but also an atmosphere of academic and civic accountability. In addition to maintaining at least a "C" average during the fall, Legacy League players will have to participate in L.E.A.D. sponsored service projects and enrichment activities. At the end of the Legacy League season, players who have excelled on the diamond, in the classroom and in the community will be considered for L.E.A.D.'s summer exposure team, The Ambassadors. In 2008, 85% of L.E.A.D.'s Ambassadors received college baseball scholarship opportunities. In 2009, Ambassador Khirus Ware represented L.E.A.D. in the East Coast Professional Showcase. The training, development and exposure these young men received through L.E.A.D. in addition to their committment to academics and L.E.A.D. sponsored service activities have provided them with access to a college education, most times with little or no cost to their families.

Representatives from Major League Baseball's Baseball Tomorrow Fund, The Majestic Realty Foundation, The Atlanta Braves, the City of Atlanta Recreation and Cultural Affaris Department and Washington High School will be on hand to celebrate this historical event.

The Legacy League is Sponsored In Part By:

08/31/2009

MLB's Baseball Tomorrow Fund Supports L.E.A.D.

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:28:31 GMT

L.E.A.D. is a 2009 Baseball Tomorrow Fund Grant Recipient. Click the logo to learn how Major League Baseball through the BaseballTomorrow Fund is supporting baseball in the Atlanta community. Click here to read press release.

08/17/2009

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

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:36:16 GMT

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

Brandon Thomas and Brett Epstein, Pace Academy baseball players, rally their student body to support L.E.A.D.'s mission of developing outstanding student-athletes and citizens. Brandon and Brett both understand the vital role that access to training plays relative to earning a scholarship and competing at the college level. As a result of the investment that both families were able to make towards their baseball development, Brandon will be attending Georgia Tech on a baseball scholarship (in addition to being a 2009 draft prospect) and Brett is pursuing his goal of competing as a student-athlete at Vanderbilt University. Thank you to the Thomas and Epstein families, the Pace Baseball team and the student body at large; you all are truly champions for inner city baseball!

04/08/2009

L.E.A.D. Pro Players In The Community

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:34:36 GMT

L.E.A.D. Pro Player Board members Callix Crabbe (Mariners) and Travis Ezi (former Dodger) take time to give back the the Stone Mountain High School (Pirates) baseball team on Wednesday February 11th. Crabbe, a former Stone Mountain second baseman, and Ezi a former outfielder with the Dodgers, were welcomed by the Stone Mountain coaching staff headed by Coach Gene Washington. L.E.A.D. Ambassador and Pirate parent, Zabatka Walden, Sr. was instrumental in making this event possible. The players soaked up every minute of the "mini clinic" and were appreciative of the opportunity to learn from great Ambassadors of the game. Kudo to you both, Crabbe and Ezi, for living out L.E.A.D.’s mission of Service To The Game And World!

02/13/2009

L.E.A.D. Represents Baseball at the 1st Annual Atlanta Public Schools High School Showcase

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:24:07 GMT

L.E.A.D. is a member of the College Success Network, a program pioneered by the Atlanta Education Fund that connects community non-profits that specialize in broadening college access to Atlanta Public School students. L.E.A.D. was at this precedent setting event representing the great sport of baseball and all the opportunities that it offers at the college level. "This event was so important for the students," L.E.A.D. Founder and CEO C.J. Stewart stated. "I’m was honored to be an Ambassador for baseball and we’re looking forward to launching educational opportunties for APS student-athletes."

(l-r): Students at the APS Showcase visit booths, L.E.A.D. Founder/CEO C.J. Stewart with Abigail Crawford (Office Of High Schools), Dorothy Styles and Dr. Yolando Spiva (Project GRAD) with L.E.A.D. Executive Director Kelli Stewart and Founder C.J. Stewart.

01/27/2009

D.H. Stanton Boys To Men Literacy Night

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:20:10 GMT

L.E.A.D. & Atlanta Education Partner School, D.H. Stanton, make literacy fun for students at the school’s first Boys To Men Literacy Night. Young men and their fathers were invited for an evening of fun and learning. L.E.A.D.’s Founder and CEO, C.J. Stewart was one of the special guests for the evening and made quite an impact of the students and parents attending. Mr. Stewart was also Principal For A Day at D.H. Stanton Elementary back in October of 2008. "I want the young men in L.E.A.D. to know that the call to serve starts from the top down. Not only is service a mandate, it’s also fun!" C.J. Stewart

01/26/2009

L.E.A.D. Forms a Professional Players Board

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:20:59 GMT

On January 16th, 2009 L.E.A.D. established its 1st Professional Players Board. One of L.E.A.D.’s vision is to ignite a legacy of leadership amongst former and current professional players. "Establishing this board is important to nurturing our next leadership in baseball," L.E.A.D. Founder and CEO C.J. Stewart stated. L.E.A.D.’s Professional Players Board also established a formal pipeline for baseball professionals to give time and resources. "Sometimes giving can be complicated," L.E.A.D. Executive Director Kelli Stewart adds, "Who do I give to? Where is my donation going to be maximized? Can I trust the organization to do what it says? The players on our board understand and identify with the mission of L.E.A.D. and they trust the leadership in the organization. We’ve made giving a lot simpler and more fun- the way it should be!"

L.E.A.D.’s Professional Players Board consists of the following (scroll over photos for descriptions)(Not pictured: Scott Robinson, Colorado Rockies):

01/16/2009

L.E.A.D.'s 2008 1st Annual Angel Tree Project - A Huge Success!

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:22:24 GMT

Through a collaboration with the Atlanta Braves Care organization, L.E.A.D. and the Braves were able to bring holiday cheer to 20 students across the Metro Atlanta area. "What’s unique about L.E.A.D.," said Co-Founder and Executive Director Kelli Stewart, "is that our organization reaches into the community in so many different ways. So when I’m asked what is our impact on the community, I can honestly say it’s immeasurable."

12/18/2008

Professional Baseball Player, Xavier Avery (Orioles) Answers L.E.A.D.'s Call To Service

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:22:48 GMT

What are most professional players doing at 9am on a weekday morning during the holidays? Probably sleeping unless you’re Xavier Avery, the Baltimore Orioles 2007 1st Round Draft Pick. Xavier and his family took time to make a young man’s Christmas wish come true. Through L.E.A.D.’s 1st Annual Angel Tree Service Project, Xavier sponsored a young man from Carver High School who was unsuspecting of this random act of kindness. Xavier is a member of L.E.A.D.’s Professional Players Board and a fine Ambassador for the game of baseball.

12/18/2008