My Life | Indy Ball Island

“Never be afraid of failure…because without failure SUCCESS becomes nearly impossible.” – CJ Beatty

My last blog post on player Tim Henry and his baseball story, Holding On To A Dream In The Pecos League, featured a “Motivational Nuggets” video produced by CJ Beatty.

CJ, a member of the Chicago White Sox organization, is many things. He is a man of God, a talented baseball player, a business owner, as well as a motivational speaker and life coach with a story to tell.

I first met CJ in 2013 while he was with the Washington Wild Things, and we have since formed a friendship that is irreplaceable. Personally, he has been the motivation I needed to get into shape and take control of my life. I lost 50 pounds, ran my first 5k, and gained a new outlook on life thanks to him. He has been my motivator, confidant, supporter, and my friend.

Me and CJ in May 2013 and again in August 2014 (the day that his contract was purchased by the White Sox.)
“Champions are not born at the end of battle…Champions are born in the midst of battle.” – CJ Beatty

CJ is a lot of things to a lot of people and has helped so many with their dreams.

He’s the perfect example of how a baseball player should be both on and off the field. Often times, he is the first one at the field for extra practice, and the last one to leave after games, always taking the time to meet and talk to his fans.

He is an exceptional motivational speaker and can reach everyone through his words and videos. He has been through adversity, been tested in his faith, experienced the ups and downs of baseball and life, and has lived through failure and success.

CJ is more than open to tell his story and share it with anyone who is willing to listen.

On the baseball side, CJ was drafted out of North Carolina A&T State University by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 26th round of the 2009 MLB draft. He played two seasons with the Cardinals, reaching High A Palm Beach, until his release before the 2011 season.

Not wanting to give up his dream of playing professional baseball, CJ turned to indy ball. He spent the 2011 season in the North American League with Edinburg and San Angelo. In 2012, he started the season with the Lincoln Saltdogs in the American Association but ultimately ended up back in the North American League with the Fort Worth Cats.

After the 2012 season in America, CJ headed to Australia to play for the Brisbane Bandits over the winter. His performance in Brisbane led him to sign a contract with the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League for the 2013 season. He spent the entire 2013 season and the 2014 season with the Wild Things until he was signed to a contract by the Chicago White Sox in August 2014.

After being named an All-Star twice and tearing up the Frontier League, CJ earned a second chance at affiliated ball. He finished out the 2014 season with his home town team, the High A Winston-Salem Dash, and then once again headed down-under to play with the Brisbane Bandits.

He plays the game with true heart and is always the biggest supporter for his teammates. I have witnessed first hand how he can help a team come together and become a band of brothers.

“Support others around you to MAINTAIN your balance in life.” – CJ Beatty

Baseball is what he does, but it also doesn’t define who he is. That is what led him to start his own business, Motivational Nuggets. CJ uses his experiences in baseball to tell a much bigger story as a motivational speaker and life coach.

CJ’s energetic and passionate speeches are designed to motivate and inspire a wide range of audiences. Everyone can benefit from his “Motivational Nuggets” – athletes, students, and anyone else just looking to improve their life.

CJ has been a true inspiration to me and to many others I know. I am eternally grateful for everything that he has done in my life.

Check out the Motivational Nuggets YouTube Channel and see his inspirational videos for yourself!

You can also follow CJ on: Facebook, Twitter, and on his website.

“I am God’s instrument…and I’m not afraid to be played.” – CJ Beatty

As some of my readers may know, I enjoy drawing as much as I enjoy writing. I know I’m not a really great artist compared to a lot of people, but I do have some talent. In a way, it helps me relate better to independent ball players. They have talent, but they have to keep honing their skills to rise through the ranks of true professionals.

Baseball gives me a chance to escape from reality too. It gives me an outlet for drawing and writing. I can be as creative as I want while always working on getting better and enjoying things I love.

For the most part, I choose to draw players who play in indy ball or in the minor leagues. Even though major league players are appreciative when they see a drawing I’ve done, there is nothing like giving an independent or minor league player a drawing of themselves. Usually, it is the first time they’ve ever had someone do that for them. The look on their face is priceless.

I frame all of the original drawings after they are signed by the players and put them on my own “wall of fame.” It’s grown over the last two years as has my skills as an artist. My first player drawing was done in the summer of 2012. The subject was then AA Altoona Curve Pitcher, Vic Black who is now a member of the Major League NY Mets bullpen.

Take a look at my “wall of fame” and my drawings so far.