Youth Inc. Recommends: 5 Ways Baseball Players are Focusing on Mental Skills

Baseball is as much a mental game as it is physical — and today’s players know it. From little league to the big leagues, more athletes are investing in their mindset to gain a competitive edge. Whether it’s staying composed after a strikeout, visualizing success before stepping into the box, or learning how to reset between pitches, mental skills are becoming a core part of player development. Here are a few ways baseball players are making the mental side of the game a priority. 

A Look Inside College Baseball's Top Mental Performance Program 

What it is: An article from Brian Cain, a mental performance coach, gives readers an inside look to Ole Miss’ baseball program and their focus on mental skills.  

Why we like it: This article shows how elite teams build culture and mindset with intention. From practicing the national anthem to using dog tags as symbols of unity, the article highlights how small, consistent actions can shape a team’s identity. It’s a valuable read for athletes, parents, and coaches seeking to understand how mental training contributes to sustained success on and off the field. 

The Phillies' Mental Skills Coach Shares Advice 

What it is: A Reddit Ask Me Anything with the Phillies’ mental skills coach, Hannah Huesman. 

Why we like it: This thread is packed with real questions from baseball players about mental fitness, and Huesman responds with insights drawn from her experience working with elite athletes. It’s a rare, inside look at the mindset strategies top players use every day to stay sharp and perform under pressure. 

Breakthrough In Mental Health Awareness In Baseball  

What it is: An interview on Foul Territory featuring The Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli, where she discusses her reporting on mental skills in Major League Baseball and how more players are opening up about their challenges. 

Why we like it: This interview offers a candid look at the mental side of baseball at the highest level — from real clubhouse stories to practical advice. It’s especially valuable for parents, offering perspective on how to better support young athletes through thoughtful post-game conversations and emotional ups and downs. 

10 Mental Training Tips For Baseball Players 

What it is: Coach Dan Blewett shares mental training strategies at a USA Baseball Coaches Clinic, offering players actionable ways to strengthen their mindset. 
Why we like it: This video doesn’t just list tips — it walks through the process of building mental fitness over time. Blewett breaks it down in a way that helps young athletes understand how to put these tools into practice and stay consistent with their growth. 

Jaeger Sports Mental Training 

What it is: Information regarding the Jaeger Sports Mental Training program, including a link to Alan Jaeger’s “Getting Focused Staying Focused Book” 

Why we like it: Alan Jaeger’s belief is that in order for baseball players to play at their best, they need to have both the physical and mental skills to excel. This book walks players through how to “earn the mental game through practice”, and how just like physical skills, mental skills take time to develop. 

Mental Skills Are The Key To Your Athletic Success 

What it is: An article from Perfect Game on the importance of mental skills in an athlete’s journey to success. 

Why we like it: This article highlights the importance of being a well-rounded athlete. While physical development is essential, it’s only part of the equation. Perfect Game makes a strong case for why mental fitness deserves equal attention — giving parents and athletes plenty to think about when it comes to training the mind as well as the body.