Positive Thinking

There is so much difference in the output between the player who thinks he is going to hit and the player who hopes he gets a hit. The difference is not only in that particular at-bat but can well affect the player’s next at-bat. Knowing and hoping usually produce two different results and both approaches usually carry over to other at-bats.

There cannot be any doubt, and usually when a player puts forth the proper time and work ethic toward being a good hitter, he or she has the confidence to get a hit. Does it always happen? No.

But a committed player will come back in the next at-bat – mind clear – and find a way to make something happen for the player and for the team.

In his first inning at-bat in the 2009 CWS, down 4 runs, Kevin Keyes looked like he was trying to tie the game with one swing. Coach Auggie Garrido called time from the dugout and went onto the field and talked to Keyes. He ended up striking out in that at-bat and leaving the bases loaded. But in the bottom of the 5^th inning in this 3^rd and decisive game of the series, Keyes hit a 2-run homerun that tied the game. We know that Texas went on to lose that game, but the point is, Kevin Keyes gave his Longhorn team a chance. From striking out to hitting a clutch homerun, in that particular situation, is a mental adjustment. More than likely, if you think you’re going to get a hit……you’re going to get a hit!