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Showing posts with the label More than just baseball

Mastering the Mound: A Deep Dive into The Mental ABC’s of Pitching By H.A. Dorfman

In the realm of baseball literature, few books have had the lasting impact of The Mental ABC’s of Pitching by H. A. Dorfman. Originally published in 2003, this book is widely regarded as the definitive guide for developing the mental side of pitching. Unlike technical manuals focused on mechanics or strategy, Dorfman’s work dives into the mindset required to succeed— and thrive— on the mound. Through concise, alphabetical entries, he provides pitchers with a powerful mental framework to handle pressure, adversity, and the ever- changing nature of the game. The Premise Pitching in baseball is as much about poise and psychology as it is about velocity and control. Every pitch begins with a decision and is influenced by the pitcher's ability to stay focused, confident, and resilient. Dorfman, a pioneer in sports psychology and former mental skills coach in Major League Baseball, understood that success on the mound requires mental clarity just as much as physical prowess. With Th...

The Mental Game of Baseball: Mastering the Inner Side of the Sport

The Mental Game of Baseball by H. A. Dorfman and Karl Kuehl is widely regarded as one of the most influential books ever written on the psychological aspects of America’s pastime. First published in 1989, the book has stood the test of time by offering athletes, coaches, and even casual fans a deep and practical look at how mental strength, discipline, and self- awareness are essential for baseball success. While much of the sport is played with bats, gloves, and physical training, The Mental Game of Baseball emphasizes that the mind is the most powerful tool on the field. The Foundation: Why the Mind Matters in Baseball Baseball is often described as a game of failure. Even the best hitters in the game fail 7 out of 10 times. Unlike sports that are continuous in pace, baseball is slow and deliberate, full of pauses and moments to think— and overthink. Dorfman and Kuehl recognize this and argue that mental discipline is what separates average players from great ones. The ability t...

Harvey Dorfman’s Approach to Baseball Psychology: Transforming the Mental Game

Harvey Dorfman was a trailblazing figure in the world of sports psychology, best known for his work in Major League Baseball ( MLB). His groundbreaking approach to the mental side of the game transformed how athletes, coaches, and teams approached performance, pressure, and personal development. Dorfman’s methods helped players harness the power of their minds to maximize their physical talents — a philosophy that remains highly influential in sports psychology today. A Pioneer in Mental Conditioning Harvey Dorfman began his career as a teacher and counselor before transitioning into sports psychology in the 1980s. He first made a name for himself with the Oakland Athletics and later with the Florida Marlins and other MLB teams. At a time when mental training was still a fringe concept in professional sports, Dorfman championed the idea that the mind is just as important as the body in determining athletic success. Dorfman wasn’t a traditional sports psychologist with a focus on th...

The Yankee Years – A Look Inside a Baseball Dynasty

The Yankee Years  offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most dominant eras in baseball history. Spanning from Torre’s hiring as manager in 1996 to his departure after the 2007 season, the book chronicles not only the team’s on-field achievements but also the complex personalities, politics, and pressures that defined the New York Yankees during that time. Establishing a Dynasty When Joe Torre took over as Yankees manager in 1996, many viewed his hiring with skepticism. But Torre quickly proved doubters wrong, leading the Yankees to four World Series titles in five years (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000) and cementing his legacy as one of the most respected managers in the game. The book details how Torre, alongside general manager Brian Cashman and under the ownership of George Steinbrenner, helped build a winning culture rooted in professionalism, accountability, and team-first attitudes. Veteran leaders like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, and Jorge Posada—the so-calle...