The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance

• #16 in Best Baseball Books

19 Reviews

Sort by: Most Helpful ▲ Date Rating

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This book is as much about life as it is about baseball. The positive re-enforcement the book gives about accomplishing almost anything is the true message.
Whenever you or one of your players is struggling, go back to this book to refresh a slumping attitude.

A great tool for coaches & players at all levels. If you don't understand the mental part of the game, this is the book for you.

Chuck Schumacher
Owner -- Chucks Gym
Baseball & Martial arts
Training & Conditioning

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.

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!

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.

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.

The Mental Game of Baseball is must have book for any coach, parent, or player! A real wake-up call that can generate immediate results.

This is one of the best baseball books I have purchased-- and I have a library of them. No fluff here. Just good straightforward practical information.

I was a high school baseball coach and the first day of practice I brought this book. I told them I had read it every year before baseball season and it always seemed to help me. I had 6 of my players read this book and all of them agreed and had much better seasons that what I anticipated they would. Just like any self help book you have to have faith in it working but this book speaks for its self. With all of these positive reviews you can tell how many people it helped. I now coach football and have suggested this book to several players even thought it is not about football. I have read several books about sports psychology and self help type books. They are not my favorite and most of the time I found that they did not work for me but as a coach they were good to know for my players. This book did work for me and is the number one sports psychology book I have ever read. I highly recommend it.

The Mental Game of Baseball is an outstanding read. It is loaded with useful information. It is refered to as the "baseball bible". Anyone from little league coach, high school coach, college coach, player, or parent should take the time to read this book. It gave me (a college baseball coach) a new found respect and understanding for the mental side of baseball. I recommend this book to every baseball enthusist out there.