The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance

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Summary: Years of Application
Review: I read this book as a freshman in college while playing intercollegiate baseball. I can honestly say that the things I learned and applied to my life as a ballplayer have stuck with me over the years. I have since gone on to a top-rated graduate school and a great job. I learned to formulate goals, think positively, and maintain focus and intensity though practicing what this book describes. If you like baseball, but don't play, this book is great as you apply it's principles as I have done over the years. If you do play, it will help you focus on getting the most out of your abilities.

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Summary: Applications beyond baseball
Review: I read this book with the intention of applying it to my short-lived career as a high-school baseball player. However, I found myself using it's basic ideas and concepts for school work, projects and everyday life. It's fun to read and quite addictive. Anyone who would like to know how to effectively channel their mental thoughts would do well to read it.

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Summary: Very practical guide to understanding self doubt
Review: I was given this book as a freshman in college where I played for a Division I school. Actually, every player on the pitching staff was given the book. Understanding my own self doubt and being able take advantage of the situation clearly helped me become one of the top 5 ERA leaders in the country my junior year in college. I have read the book every year to understand and manage the self doubt I feel when the pressure of a situations mounts. Reading one chapter of the book will allow any serious ballplayer to recognize the principles and words the book is portraying. This book is a must read for any competitive spirit, whether it be sports or professional life, because it incorporates all those fears you have always encountered and shows you how to control them and use them to your advantage. In fact, as a litigation lawyer, I often read a couple of chapters of the book before going to trial.

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Summary: BUY THIS BOOK BEFORE ANY OTHERS!
Review: My son is an 11 yr old travel baseball player. While fundamentally sound, recovery from a mistake, a bad at-bat, individual focus and concentration have always been challenging. This comprehensive, insightful book on the mental aspect of performance is simply amazing -- I couldn't put it down. Immediately after reading I began implementing the mental tips provided in this book. The results were instantaneous! His concentration, visualization, focus and relaxation improvements translated directly into improved performance. Batting avg sored and pitching performance increased dramatically. Through visualization of proper techniques, written goals and the ability to relax, he was 2nd on the team in BA during 2001 USSSA world series w/ .483 avg and was winning pitcher in the championship game against Puerto Rico. Without the techniques in this book, I have no doubt his performance would not have been as successful. I take the book with me every where to use as a reference -- pages are highlighted and becoming frayed. Make no mistake....if you have an established player looking to improve, buy this book before any other. In my opinion, this book will benefit even the most advanced player!

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Summary: let me think.......
Review: Oh yea, that's right. There is no need to think when you're up at the plate. The main thing is to relax and trust your trained body motions/strengths. This book separates the men from the boys. It helps skilled athletes develop to their full potential. In fact, it can even change the way you live your life. Great book for those hot summer nights.

Rating:
Summary: A must read for anybody who plays or coaches the sport.
Review: You can read thousands of books on how to play the sport, but none touch the mental aspect of the game as well as this book does. I've been coaching Baseball for the last 5 years. I read this book every year and try to teach the aspects in the book every chance I get. Kids so often tell themselfs to "not make an error" or "don't strike out". Where the book says to tell yourself to do what you want to do (IE:pick up the groundball or hit the ball) not what you don't want to do. It's a must read for anybody involved in baseball.