Mental Toughness: Baseball's Winning Edge

by Karl Kuehl, John Kuehl, Casey Tefertiller

Mental toughness is the art of turning promise into performance. It's about individuals taking control of their lives in order to gain the most from their abilities. In baseball, every at-bat or pitch is a test of mental toughness, particularly as players advance to higher levels. Here Karl Kuehl, John Kuehl, and Casey Tefertiller, working from a vast combined experience, have broken down the elements of mental toughness into an easily understood package. Not only baseball players but other athletes as well as managers, coaches, and parents can learn how such elements as attitude, confidence, and the ability to focus and make adjustments are built and how they can help players reach their maximum performance. In Mental Toughness , many leading professional players share their insights and offer a glimpse into the minds of major leaguers—how they think and why they act in the ways they do. Among the players and coaches who took part in the writing of the book are Sean Casey, Dave Stewart, Robin Yount, Scott Spiezio, Bud Black, Scott Brosius, and Mike Bordick. Readers will find that the same skills of mental toughness that lead to success on the playing field also translate into personal life and business. Individuals who develop efficient attitudes and learn concentration skills are far more likely to succeed. Mental Toughness is about forming a strategy for baseball—and for life—that is most likely to bring achievement and satisfaction. With 20 black-and-white illustrations.

Genres: Sports

304 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2005

Reviews

[Blake Hawkins]

In this book, former Minor League player, Montreal Expos coach, Minnesota Twins manager, and Oakland Athletics player development coordinator elaborates on the importance of Mental Toughness. This book tells about both the mental aspect and physical aspect of playing baseball and having it be apart of your life.

I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars because it related to my life in more ways than one. I didn't like it because it repeated itself a lot. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes baseball, plays baseball, or enjoys participating in any sports in general. It was a helpful tool to learn more about different aspects of the sport that I enjoy.


Part 2
As I continue reading Mental Toughness by Karl Kuehl, he is getting farther away from speaking like a former coach and more as a former player. He is relating to players more because he is using his experiences and other stories, which is more credible than someone who never had professional experience. This book can keep you occupied for a very long time because it is a somewhat long book and it keeps you thinking about every sentence. As I read, I constantly am running situations in my head to improve my mental game and to confirm what he is writing about. I would still rate this book 4 out of 5 stars because it is somewhat difficult to read at times, but it is still a great book that I look forward to continue reading.

[Zach Doench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mental Toughness: Baseball's Winning Edge
By: Karl Kuehl
Reviewed by: Zach Doench

This book is a must read if you play any sports no matter if you play baseball or not. It teaches you all kinds of core values from honesty to confidence. The book talks about what it takes to be strong not just physically but also mentally. It teaches you what you need to learn to be a great athlete. The book goes through all aspects of the athletes life. It gives examples about what priorities need to be such as school and family come before baseball no matter what. The examples that the book gives are fantastic because they use real life athetes such as Derek Jeter.

I really like how it helps young athletes learn that you will never get anywhere in life unless you have a positive attitude. The book gives examples of situations that really do happen. There were also a few parts that I did not like. I did not like that it gives examples of negative thoughts ore attitudes. Overall I really enjoyed this book. I would definitly reccomend this book to a friend.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

[Gunner Gouldsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mental Toughness PB, Karl Kuehl, 2005 Ivan R. Dee, 270, $15.95
If you're an amateur baseball player looking to have an edge on every other player at your level, then this is the book for you. Mental toughness is a major key in winning in just about any sport, but this book breaks down the ins and outs of the game that people don't often see or realize is being done. Karl Kuehl walks readers through the preparation and decision making that is necessary to succeed at a high level in arguably the toughest sport in the world. He does into vast detail explaining the way the game should be thought of and played. I really enjoyed learning about the mental game the way professional players learn it. Kuehl is the head of player development for the Oakland Athletics and has baseball background that not many other major league front office guys have. This book is written for players who strive to be great and will stop at no cost to do so. I highly recommend this book for not only baseball players but for all athletes.

[Carlos Amador · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories they include to illustrate components in action really ties in nicely rather than just giving a checklist or pep talk.

The subject matter really appeals to me as it accentuates both commitment and attitude which are things we control.

It's possible to be a better version of yourself and you owe it to the people in your life to not settle for what you are (compared to what you can become)- reading the stories and knowing the insurmountable obstacles people overcome it's disappointing when people don't even try.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

For athletes in all sports, mental toughness is essential. Mental Toughness Baseball's Winning Edge, by Karl and John Kuehl, as well as Casey Tefertiller, is a book that helps players win the mental game of baseball. Being former baseball players and coaches themselves, the authors really make the reader feel like they are out there on the field. The book includes very detailed comments about what could be going on in a player's head. The authors use real examples throughout the book with real players. At Regis University, a coach learned a new strategy that helped his team earn a spot in the playoffs. The stories and examples provide strategies on how to be mentally tough, not only in baseball, but in every day life. "Be ready to play and be at my best every day" (Kuehl 60). For those who play baseball, or any sport, this is a great book to read. It will teach many techniques on how to be mentally tough.

[Scott Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and must read for any sports athlete or coach. If you love the game of baseball at a high level and want to get better, either playing or coaching, you must read this. By 13 year old son has read much of it and it has helped him become a better person and player, a lot more positive thoughts going through his mind.

[Corey D Harrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading material primarily focuses on baseball. However, this book covers areas regarding character,goal setting, and many facets in bettering oneself that are indispensable learning tools. Putting the stories to use in everyday life should make an individual a stronger person.

[Gguard · Rating 3 out of 5]

#282. Another great book by this author. It made me more aware of what I can do to improve my game. I would recommend this to anyone who loves baseball.

[Jesse Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

No madder what sport you play this book is good for all. It just referred to baseball. The zone is great part of the book.