The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance

by H. A. Dorfman, Karl Kuehl, Rick Wolff (Foreword by)

Overview

In this book, authors H.A. Dorfman and Karl Kuehl present their practical and proven strategy for developing the mental skills needed to achieve peak performance at every level of the game.The theory and applications are illustrated by anecdotes and insights from major and minor league players, who at some point discovered the importance of mastering the inner game in order to play baseball as it should be played. Intended for players, managers, coaches, agents, and administrators as well as fans who want a more in-depth look at the makeup of the complete baseball player.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781630761820
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	03/01/2017
Edition description:	Fourth Edition
Pages:	360
Sales rank:	97,177
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

H.A. Dorfman was a noted sports psychologist as well as a sports psychology counselor with the Scott Boras Agency. Recognized as a leading sports psychologist across the world, Dorfman was also a columnist and freelance journalist with articles appearing in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Miami Herald. He has authored three other books: Coaching the Mental Game, The Mental ABC's of Pitching, and The Mental Keys to Hitting.

Karl Kuehl was a baseball scout, farm system official, coach and manager in Major League Baseball. Throughout his career, he worked with teams such as the Montreal Expos, the Minnesota Twins and the Oakland Athletics. He was the co-author of two books: The Mental Game of Baseball and A Champion's State of Mind.

Table of Contents

Foreword Rick Wolff ix

Introduction xiii

Part 1

1 Where Does it Start? 1

2 Establishing Proper Goals 5

3 Expectations 21

4 Dedication 42

5 Responsibility 60

6 Attitudes 74

7 Confidence 89

8 Learning 105

9 Preparation 120

10 Visualization 138

11 Concentration 151

12 Mental Discipline 178

13 Relaxation 248

14 The Winning Way 261

Part 2

Introduction 275

15 Hitting 277

16 Pitching 290

17 Fielding 312

18 Baserunning 321

Appendix: Task-Specific Goals 331

Player Self-Evaluation Forms 338

Editorial Reviews

When Harvey left our organization to go work for Florida, we didn't even try to replace him because, quite frankly, his legacy was already throughout our system. All of the players and coaches and staff he touched over the years... had become imbued with his philosophy and approach to the game. They have become Harvey's disciples. -SANDY ANDERSON, former President and General Manager, Oakland Athletics, former Executive Vice President, Office of Major League Baseball, currently General Manager, New York Mets.

Harvey Dorfman's insights are exceptional and valuable. This book provides the best approaches for business leaders and those who coach and supervise others. -RUSS BRANDON, President, Buffalo Bills.

When you talk to Harv, you get the truth from him, whether you like it or not. He always says, 'I don't care about your feelings. I care about your actions.' -TIM BELCHER, former Major League Pitcher and Pitching Coach.

He's truly amazing. It's clear most people don't want to hear the truth about themselves, but Harv gets in your face, uses a few choice words to get your attention, and he's got you. -AL LEITER, former Major League Pitcher, currently Studio Analyst and Commentator.

Harv is absolutely unique. He's for real - a straight shooter. He gives it to you right on the line, whether you like it or not. Not many people can - or will - do that. -WALT WEISS, former Major League All-Star Shortstop, currently manager of the Colorado Rockies.

From the Publisher

This is the most helpful book I've ever read. I, along with several of my teammates refer to Mental Game of Baseball as the 'Baseball Bible.'

Al Leiter

This is the most helpful book I've ever read. I, along with several of my teammates refer to Mental Game of Baseball as the 'Baseball Bible.'

Al Letier

Coaching the Mental Game is a must for managers and coaches at every level.

ESPN the Magazine - Peter Gammons

Coaching the Mental Game is a must for managers and coaches at every level.
— Peter Gammons

ESPN Magazine