The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance

Rating:
Summary: A useful tool in the development of one's baseball success
Review: After playing baseball for 18 years it wasn't until I signed a minor league contract did I find this book. As any player reads it he/she will experience deja vu' it seems on every other page. The authors know the game and know the feelings one has when a bad day in the field creates a bad day at the plate. The authors' words soothe the reader and help the player cope with the daily strains and pressures of mental baseball. Anyone can run and hit if they try hard enough but dealing with ninth inning pressure or a four strikeout day is never taught. Coaches assume their players will learn. This book helps coach the down time and how to get back up. The authors also help build confidence so the player can avoid those "bad days" more often. It is a must read for any player who takes his game seriously and wants to achieve his/her peak performance whether it be at a high school, college, or professional level.

Rating:
Summary: A Guide for Ballplayers at All Levels
Review: As a softball player, it's difficult to find good books about softball, especially from a mental aspect. Although baseball may have it's strategic differences compared to softball, this book is a great resource for anyone who plays ball. As a college softball player, I've used this book throughout my high school and collegiate years. When I get into a slump, get down on myself, or just feel frustrated, I return to this book. It has been essential to my success as a player. Before the start of offical practices each winter, I reread the book. I've highlighted it, underlined it, and bookmarked specific passages.
I've always considered the mental game of a sport far more important than the physical and this book has helped widen my eyes even more to that aspect of the game. I highly suggest buying this book if you play the sport, coach it, or even love it. It has some great points and some great stories from professional players. This is the perfect book for anyone who wants to truely understand the game of baseball.

Rating:
Summary: BUY THIS BOOK BEFORE ANY OTHERS!
Review: I am not a baseball player and I have just started reading the book. However, what I have read so far in those first 30-40 pages was enough to convince me that this book is simply great. I am actually a Division I tennis player and I was reccomended the book by my coach. At first I wondered how I could get anything from it, since baseball was clearly its topic. All my coach said was: "It's not only about baseball, it's about life in general." He was darn right. The book is easy to read and it is very practical. Unlike many other "great" books out there that use all those fancy psychological terms and deal with complicated explanations of brain processes, this one shows simple steps on how to improve performance and become a winner more consistently. Again, its principles can be applied to all areas of life. I wish I had this book around when I was in juniors.

Rating:
Summary: This book deserves more than 5 stars
Review: I am not a baseball player and I have just started reading the book. However, what I have read so far in those first 30-40 pages was enough to convince me that this book is simply great. I am actually a Division I tennis player and I was reccomended the book by my coach. At first I wondered how I could get anything from it, since baseball was clearly its topic. All my coach said was: "It's not only about baseball, it's about life in general." He was darn right. The book is easy to read and it is very practical. Unlike many other "great" books out there that use all those fancy psychological terms and deal with complicated explanations of brain processes, this one shows simple steps on how to improve performance and become a winner more consistently. Again, its principles can be applied to all areas of life. I wish I had this book around when I was in juniors.

Rating:
Summary: Superb book for just about anyone
Review: I bought this book because I am a baseball fan and my sons play ball as well. I am also an experienced musician who played professionally for some years. I found the book to be a "must read" for ANY performer (athlete, musician, dancer, etc) and a great book for anyone seeking personal success in any pursuit. If you like The Inner Game of Music, or A Soprano On Her Head, you need to get this book.

Rating:
Summary: Superb book for just about anyone
Review: I bought this book because I am a baseball fan and my sons play ball as well. I am also an experienced musician who played professionally for some years. I found the book to be a "must read" for ANY performer (athlete, musician, dancer, etc) and a great book for anyone seeking personal success in any pursuit. If you like The Inner Game of Music, or A Soprano On Her Head, you need to get this book.

Rating:
Summary: this is a mandatory book for anyone serious ballplayer
Review: I discovered Mental Game of Baseball while in my Sophmore year at a Div.One baseball program. This book has been a contributing factor to the success I have had playing 8 years of professional baseball. Addressing the mental approach to the game is the most undercoached aspect of baseball. This book accurately depicts the trials and tribulations of playing competitive baseball, as well as arms the reader with valuable tools applicable to any vocation! A must read for the true baseball fan!

Rating:
Summary: The Mental Game of Baseball
Review: I have read this book in its entirety at least twice and found that it provides something that no other book on baseball fundamentals provides, and I have a library of books and videos on baseball. I believe this book has given me an ace in the hole over other coaches and recommend it highly. I refer back to it constantly to extract specific points to make during each practice. If you're serious about getting the most out of your team, this is an excellent resource.

Rating:
Summary: The Mental Game of Baseball
Review: I have read this book in its entirety at least twice and found that it provides something that no other book on baseball fundamentals provides, and I have a library of books and videos on baseball. I believe this book has given me an ace in the hole over other coaches and recommend it highly. I refer back to it constantly to extract specific points to make during each practice. If you're serious about getting the most out of your team, this is an excellent resource.

Rating:
Summary: A must read for serious baseball players
Review: I have three boys who play ball from little league to college teams. When they are in high school, I give them a copy of this book. More than any new glove or bat, more than 100 hours of cage time, more than any clinic, this book is the single most influential thing I can do to help them get better. The concepts in this book are applicable to most facets of life, but are set in the context of baseball. Look, I've seen the inflated ratings for books here, but I believe this one really deserves a 5. A lot of books on sports psychology seem like fluff to me. You've heard it: "Take a deep breath, focus, sharpen your vision, control your emotions." Huh? This book is meaty and informative. It tells stories that illustrate not only why it is so critical to improve mentally, but gives proven examples of how. The book is full of testimonials and examples from major league players. I couldn't say it is the first and last word on the subject of mental baseball, but it is BY FAR, the single best source I've read. I agree with the review above that this book is a MUST read for anyone serious about improving in baseball, and certainly for anyone hoping to play at the higher levels.