Characteristics of MLB 1st Round
Draft Choice
Predicting Success at MLB Level
 Scientific Approach
 Multitude of factors
 Physical
 Scouting Reports
 Stat Sheets
 Stopwatch
 Speed gun
 Mental Evaluation
 Mental toughness
 Concentration
 Emotional Control
Blue Print for Player Development
 Prospects who have physical tools, but don’t have the mental
tools to make an impact at the MLB level
 Lesser physical talent, mental make-up, develop into MLB
talent
Characteristics of MLB
st
1
Rnd
 Concentration Errors – typical 1st round MLB draft pick makes
fewer…make the plays they are suppose to make…routine
plays…Jeter
 Cause of Concentration Errors – Distractions
 Internal Distractions – from within the athlete
 Fear of Failure, negative thoughts
 Lack of Confidence
 External Distractions – surroundings/environment
 Umpires
 Players
 Parents
Typical Internal/External Distractions









Unusual noises or visual distractions
Intimidation, Psych-outs
Umpires
Presence of scouts, media, radar gun
Over-coaching – coach, parent, team mates
Negative thoughts, mind block
Off-field distraction
Frustration, dwelling
Mind reading – what others think of you
Refocusing Skills
 Help athlete Recognize when off task
 Off routine
 Help athlete Regroup when off task
 Get back on track
 Help athlete Refocus
 What’s important now
 What do I need to do to execute this play or pitch
Characteristics of MLB
st
1
Rnd
 Typical 1st round MLB draft pick makes better decisions
 Speed of decision
 Accuracy of decision
 Commitment to decision
 Derek Jeter flip play
Formula for Success
No Expectations
•Replace with manageable objectives that focus on the process
•Replace with confidence and strong beliefs
Let go of expectations
•How expectations limit success
•What type do you take to competition
•Types of expectations – results, stats, quality of performance
Manageable objectives
•Strive for goals, don’t have to reach
•Focus attention on what you want to do
•Focus on the process
Process Goals
•Performance Goals – quality AB, 2K approach
•Mental Goals – one pitch warrior, trust training, be aggressive
Characteristics of MLB
st
1
Rnd
 Typical 1st round MLB draft pick has more confidence
 Highly confident people
 Intrinsic motivate vs. Extrinsic – they will do it themselves
 Competitive – push themselves, own best
 Quickly recover from physical and mental errors
No expectations + Confidence + Goals =
Best of your ability
What are
expectations?
What is
Confidence?
What are
Goals?
Demands
Belief in
one’s skill
Strive to
improve
Focused on
outcome
Focused on
execution
Assess
performance
Judgmental
Nonjudgmental
Evaluate
Support
comfort zone
About selfbelief
Performance
objectives
Cause
Pressure
Based on
quality
Measureable
KILLS
Confidence
Based on
training
Enhance
Confidence
Summary
 At the moment of truth, elite performers must be able to
maintain focus, control emotions, and communicate effectively
to team mates
 MLB 1st round picks  Less Likely to make concentration errors – not distracted
 Exhibit mental and emotional control – no expectations
 Accuracy of decisions – confidence/competitive
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