9 Baseball Players Share Their Thoughts on Mental Preparation

1. Yogi Berra, Hall of Fame catcher and manager, famously said, "Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical." His quote humorously underscores the significant mental demands of the game.

2. Derek Jeter, former New York Yankees shortstop: "I love it when people doubt me. It makes me work harder to prove them wrong." This quote speaks to using mental toughness and external doubt as motivation.

3. Ken Griffey Jr., former professional baseball outfielder: "I learned that if you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren't willing to do." This emphasizes the mental discipline required to excel.

4. Joe Maddon, MLB manager, on the mental aspect of coaching: "I think 90 percent of the game is just being mentally prepared. You don't just show up and let things happen. You make things happen."

5. Babe Ruth, legendary baseball player, on mental strategy: "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way." This highlights the importance of overcoming mental barriers to success.

6. Tommy Lasorda, Hall of Fame baseball player and manager: "About 90% of the game is half mental." Another humorous take that echoes Yogi Berra’s sentiment on the crucial role of mental preparation.

7. Chipper Jones, former MLB third baseman, on preparation: "I still have to go out there and perform, but I don't feel I have to go out there and impress. I've proven myself. My career is about preparation now."

8. Greg Maddux, Hall of Fame pitcher, on mental skills: "What separates a winner from everyone else is how you handle adversity and how you can overcome it." This stresses the role of mental resilience in baseball.

9. Alex Rodriguez, former professional baseball shortstop and third baseman: "I want to be known as a good major leaguer, and good major leaguers work to become good." He reflects on the continuous mental effort required to maintain peak performance.

These quotes from some of baseball's greatest players and thinkers highlight how critical mental preparation and toughness are in achieving and sustaining success in the sport.