Summer Ball Decision (For Those Who Asked)

Congrats DM33, you will have an amazing summer. Enjoy!

I have a question on here if someone doesn't mind answering. I am obviously very excited for this summer opportunity, as it will give me exposure to great competition and a true summer traveling experience through baseball. I have been working extremely hard all year for this opportunity. I have not rested since I begun training last August. I have been going hard in my strength programs, throwing, bullpens, etc. Even doing stuff like yoga and other mental practices. Though this opportunity is a bit exciting, I am a bit nervous. The last thing I want to do going there is to crap the bed. I am confident in my skills, but at the same time this is a huge jump in competition. Best hitters I faced were the ACCAC Arizona junior college hitters, and in the AZ Summer League. I've fared well against them, but this stage is a bit bigger. I will continue to work hard and be the best I can be prepared for this great opportunity. I believe this opportunity will be great as my goal is to eventually make a college roster as a graduate student.

Any advice anyone could give me? How can I ensure that I can go there and not "crap the bed?" I'm a player that's really going out there with something to prove. Last thing I want is a poor performance. I have been working on my game greatly with college and professional pitching coaches, but as I said before, I am a bit nervous. For those who may suggest to "let your baseball chips land where they may at this point in your academic career" just know that I am aware of my situation but I refuse to give up so easily.

Read "The Mental Game of Baseball".  If you've already read it, re-read it.

"The will to win is important but the will to prepare is vital." ( - Joe Paterno, I think.)  So, once you have prepared, there is nothing to stop you from having the necessary confidence. 

Then, it's....

So what.  Next pitch.

Thanks cabbagedad. Will make that investment real soon.

Harvey Penick, a famous golf instructor, emphasized positive thinking.

If a golfer told himself, "Don't choke," Penick would point out that his two word sentence includes two negative ideas and no positive ones.  

When you ask how you can "not 'crap the bed'" you are also anticipating your performance with two negative thoughts.  Banish such thoughts.

Focus on the positives. Go out there with the attitude that you're going to prove you belong, get after the hitters, throw every pitch with purpose and conviction, and just know you're going to get them out.  When someone does get a hit, treat it like a fluke that won't be repeated and get after the next guy.  

Best wishes, 

Excellent advice, thank you very much. Maybe perhaps I should visit a sports psychologist as well one of these days.