Recall what the great Yogi Berra once said, "Ninety percent of baseball is mental, the other half is physical." Now Yogi may have meant many things, but one thing's certain: Attitude and mental preparation are keys to baseball success.
A very good baseball player will get three to four hits in every ten bats over their playing career. That means that they will not reach base and make an out seven times in every ten at-bats. A very good baseball player will strike out against good and sometimes, not so good, pitching. Umpires can make bad calls that will put a batter behind in the count giving the pitcher an advantage or even call you out on a third strike on a bad pitch. Umpires are human and make mistakes. They are a part of the game. A very good baseball player will go to the plate with the attitude that he will get a hit. A batter has three strikes to put the ball in play. A very good baseball player will try to get three good swings at the plate and try to hit the ball hard somewhere. A very good baseball player will strike out getting three good cuts on occasion. It's a part of the game.
As time goes on and pitching gets better, it will happen more often than it does now. A very good baseball player will minimize his strikeouts. A very good baseball player will make mistakes. A very good baseball player will learn from his mistakes and try to not repeat them. The point of this message is that every player will make outs. Every player will make mistakes. Remember, baseball is a game. Have fun!
Secondly, have a presence of mind. Work on situational awareness. Be prepared to play and engage throughout the practice and game. Be aware of situations. Where should the ball go? How many outs? Anticipate the ball and know where it should go or be thrown. I always said to myself when I was playing, "I want the ball. Hit it to me."
Lastly, as you excel in your physical skills, gaining mental toughness becomes a higher priority for your continued improvement. A very good baseball player will not show his emotions on the field. He will show class and maturity. A very good baseball player will encourage other players when they're not having a good day. A very good baseball player will try to find any way to help his team win. A very good baseball player will never give up!
Pursuing and improving mental toughness and attitude will greatly enhance your performance as a player. It is the one limitless aspect of the game over which you may exert total control. There are four defining attitudes that I like to preach to ball players:
1. Make a committment to be mentally tough
First and foremost you make a definite commitment to becoming mentally tough. By making this decision, you fuel your motivation to develop all your talents.
2. Take responsibility for your actions and thoughts.
Accept your actions, good and bad, and gain control of your thoughts. Take charge!
3. Thrive on challenges and stay positive.
Adversity is everywhere. Instead of spending your energy trying to avoid the inescapable, thrive on it, be inspired by it, let it challenge you to be your best. Work adversity to your advantage.
4. Make baseball fun.
Learn to enjoy the battle, the struggle, and the journey. Baseball invites you to many great adventures. By enjoying the process, you will grow to be a great competitor.
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