So the more I get to understand baseball (a lifelong process truly), especially now that I'm teaching sons and doing some coaching, I'm struck by how everything hinges on a player's ability to be in a calm, alert, confident mental state even after throwing a wild pitch with the bases loaded or hitting into a double play earlier in the game. While physical skills are essential, they're useless if the player gets frustrated or down on himself.
Last year I read with interest how the Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalammacchia had to overcome some mental issues that were hampering his throwing, to the point where he got sent down to AAA while still in Texas and was having issues returning the ball to the pitcher. He talked to a sports psychologist, Tom Hansen, and seems to making a full comeback now. I have checked Hansen's website and read one of his books, which I found interesting.
What are your approaches to this side of the game with the kids? Or what were your experiences as a player?
I am struck by how many successful MLB players, and pro athletes in general, who say in so many different ways the same thing--that keeping their emotions in check and calmly focussing on the present moment was absolutely key to their success--especially in high-stakes situations.
Last year I read with interest how the Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalammacchia had to overcome some mental issues that were hampering his throwing, to the point where he got sent down to AAA while still in Texas and was having issues returning the ball to the pitcher. He talked to a sports psychologist, Tom Hansen, and seems to making a full comeback now. I have checked Hansen's website and read one of his books, which I found interesting.
What are your approaches to this side of the game with the kids? Or what were your experiences as a player?
I am struck by how many successful MLB players, and pro athletes in general, who say in so many different ways the same thing--that keeping their emotions in check and calmly focussing on the present moment was absolutely key to their success--especially in high-stakes situations.
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