Youth Inc. Recommends: Five resources for Coping with Anxiety in Baseball

Baseball is a mental game — and for many players, that mental load can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s performance pressure, fear of failure, or the weight of expectations, anxiety is more common in the sport than most people realize. The good news? Athletes don’t have to face it alone. There are tools, strategies, and stories that can help players manage anxious thoughts and stay grounded on and off the field. Here are five resources we recommend for players, parents, and coaches looking to better understand and cope with anxiety in baseball. 

Trevor May Opens Up On His Battle With Anxiety 

What it is: In this expansive interview with NBC Sports Bay area, Oakland A’s pitcher Trevor May opens up about his battle with anxiety. May reached the big leagues, but he's not immune from anxiety. 

Why we like it: In this raw and honest conversation, May talks about how he found the silver linings in his situation and learned to better cope with them. He illustrates how learning from failure can lead to future success. 

Do This To Fix Your Mental Game 

What it is: A tough love approach to the mental side of hitting. The opening line of this video says it all: Your mental game at the plate sucks. Let’s change that. 

Why we like it: Coach RAC, Youth Inc.’s baseball ambassador, gives lots of sound advice. His most salient tip: stop hitting with your emotions. 

How To Eliminate Nerves And Stress When Hitting 

What it is: Former pro player and coach Matt Antonelli shares simple, actionable steps hitters can take to manage anxiety and stay focused when stepping up to the plate. 

Why we like it: Preparation matters, but so does learning how to settle your nerves in the moment. These tips are easy to apply — whether you’re in the on-deck circle, walking to the plate, or gearing up for a big game. 

Overcoming Anxiety For Pitchers 

What it is: Milwaukee Brewers reliever Hoby Milner talks about his journey and how he’s been able to overcome performance anxiety through his big league career. 

Why we like it: Being a pitcher, particularly a reliever, can be a lonely existence. Being able to bounce back from failure takes a lot of work and practice. Milner shows the way. 

Kiké Hernandez On How He Prepares For A Game 

What it is: A clip of Kiké Hernández discussing how he uses visualization before big games to prepare mentally and boost performance. He shares how picturing success helps him stay calm, focused, and ready when the pressure’s on. 

Why we like it: Visualization is one of the most underrated tools in an athlete’s toolbox, and hearing a big leaguer like Kiké talk about it makes it real and relatable. It’s a great reminder for players at any level that mental prep is just as important as physical reps — especially when the stakes are high.