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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 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 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...

Baseball is a game of strategy, statistics, and intangibles, with endless debates about which factors are most crucial for a team’s success. Some argue that defense wins championships, while others insist that pitching and offense are paramount. But one metric, OPS (On-base Plus Slugging), stands out as an essential measure for offensive performance. This article will explore why OPS is key for hitters, why pitchers should prioritize throwing strikes and avoiding walks, and why, contrary to traditional beliefs, defense is often overrated in baseball. Why OPS Is Key for Hitters OPS, a combination of on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG), is one of the most comprehensive statistics for evaluating a hitter's value. OBP measures a player’s ability to get on base, whether through hits, walks, or being hit by pitches. SLG measures the power of a hitter by giving more weight to extra-base hits (doubles, triples, home runs) than singles. By combining these two, OPS provide...