The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance [Paperback]

H. A. Dorfman (Author), Karl Kuehl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1994

Without a doubt the classic guide to mental performance enhancement for baseball. Here in the third edition, 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.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

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. (Peter Gammons Espn.Com ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

H.A. Dorfman is a noted sports psychologist and currently a full-time sport psychology counselor with the Scott Boras Agency. He resides in Brevard, North Carolina, and has authored two other books, The Mental ABC's of Pitching and The Mental Keys to Hitting. Karl Kuehl is a special advisor to the Cleveland Indians' general manager, and lives in Fountain Hills, Arizona. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 334 pages
• Publisher: Diamond Communications; 2nd Rev edition (September 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0912083786
• ISBN-13: 978-0912083780
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,010,306 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for serious baseball players, March 27, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance (Paperback)

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.

34 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THIS BOOK BEFORE ANY OTHERS!, August 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance (Paperback)

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!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very practical guide to understanding self doubt, July 25, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Bellmore, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance (Paperback)

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.