The Psychology Of Baseball

Readers can get inside the minds of the stars of the diamond in this extraordinary tour of brain power, psyche, and sheer will of Major League players. 20 illustrations.

In this book, authors H.A. Dorfman and Karl Kuehl present their practical and proven strategy for developing the mental skills needed to achieve peack performance at every level of the game.

Readers can get inside the minds of the stars of the diamond in this extraordinary tour of brain power, psyche, and sheer will of Major League players. 20 illustrations.

Psychologist Stadler goes beneath the surface of the game to explore the psychology behind the actions of the game's greats.

This book has taken several years to finalize into a finished product. In reality, though, it can never be finished because in baseball as well as life, new situations can arise daily or in a game that can cause mental turmoil. This book is about how to combat the mental problems that the game can create. Young players and their coaches spend endless hours in developing physical fundamental skills while spending very little time or effort in the development of the mental fundamentals. This book attempts to give ideas for both players and coaches to assist in the "gray matter" development of the athlete. After all, to become a proficient ball player, the athlete must acquire both physical and mental skills. In this book, the young athlete will learn ways to fend off fear of a situation, how to combat complex developments, and the importance of using the mind to advance to the next level. The ability to see yourself in a situation, talk yourself through an adverse situation, and dream of a success in a trying moment becomes a major advantage in an athlete's rise to the top performance at each level of participation. Fear, in sports, becomes the biggest block toward the young athlete's performance. This book attempts to show the young player how to overcome this fear and learn to develop a respect for each trying moment, and that these moments should be recognized as a challenge.

Author H.A. Dorfman brings his years of expertise as instructor/counselor with the A's, Marlins, and Devil Rays to provide an easy-to-use, A-to-Z handbook which will give insight and instruction on how to pitch to peak performance at every level of the game. Perfect for pitchers who need that extra edge or hitters who want to better understand the mental moves on the mound.

“Geoff Miller has devised a virtually flawless program to assist anyone who aspires to become a winning major league player.” —Roland Hemond, 2011 Baseball Hall of Fame Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award “One of the most remarkable books to come out in years is called Intangibles by Geoff Miller.” —Collegiate Baseball “Intangibles is filled with lessons and tools for helping baseball players in all stages of their development.” —Fredi Gonzalez, Manager, Atlanta Braves “Geoff Miller is insightful in explaining the mental aspect of baseball with real issues, simple terms and practical solutions.” —Dave Littlefield, Chicago Cubs, Special Asst. to the General Manager, Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager (2001-2007) “I am convinced that this book is one of the best compositions written on the mental aspects within the game of baseball.” —College Baseball Lineup “A must read for athletes looking to gain a mental edge or simply better identify their own strengths.” —Bryan Minniti, Assistant General Manager, Washington Nationals Foreword by Vince Gennaro, author of Diamond Dollars: The Economics of Winning in Baseball A must read for all baseball players, coaches, and fans… Mental skills coach Geoff Miller has spent years helping professional baseball players improve their mental toughness—both on and off the field. Now, he’s making these invaluable lessons available to everyone who loves the game of baseball. From high school to the Major Leagues, all baseball players struggle with competition, pressure, and their own personal challenges. This book, through inspiring stories about professional baseball players in various stages of their careers, as well as hands-on tips and questionnaires, will help players evaluate and improve the mental skills that are necessary for that competitive edge. In Intangibles, you’ll find stories, instruction, and practical applications that teach players and coaches how to put forth their best mental games—portrayed through the eyes of those who have experienced those learning moments firsthand in their quests to become Major Leaguers. From a local park’s baseball diamond to dusty minor league dugout benches to the musty concrete tunnels under Major League stadiums, Intangibles meets players where they are, offering specific ways to improve performance and outlook. Players features in the book include Brandon Moss, Nyjer Morgan, Nate McLouth, Ryan Vogelsong, Jason Bay, Adam LaRoche, Matt Capps, among others. Whether you hope to be a big league player someday, or whether you simply want to play your best game, this book is essential for all athletes who want to learn how to overcome fear, build confidence, and develop a mental framework for success.

Many baseball players ignore the mental game. The result: prolonged slumps, eroding self-confidence, high levels of anxiety, and inconsistent performance. The game is no longer fun. It is a struggle. In Mental Toughness: Getting the Edge, Dr. Ickes teaches you not only what to do to develop a great mental game, but how to do it. This book provides a blueprint for developing a mentally tough personality and putting this mental toughness in action during game situations. Using proven techniques, Dr. Ickes helps players learn how to achieve the optimal mental state during the "instant of performance." Topics covered include how to play tough-minded baseball, coping with failure, improving concentration, reducing anxiety, and building and maintaining confidence. Written in a clear, understandable manner, this book also provides exercises and drills to help you play your best baseball. A great mental game is what makes players great.