Green--- I handle this area well; it is strength for me.
Amber--- I do not handle this well, all of the time; I need to work on it.
Red--- This is an area that is really impeding my performance; I need to do
something about it.
Baseball players who compete at high school, college, and professional levels are at risk, on and off the baseball diamond. This risk is heighted if they do not take the time and effort to learn how to cope effectively with their thoughts emotions and actions, as well as with people, places, and things that can derail their games, careers, and lives.
This article discussed nine factors that could place a baseball player at risk and provided a checklist so that they can monitor themselves on how they are coping with risk.
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When I come to the ballpark, I mentally park the other aspects of my life and put on the role of a baseball player.
I am able to keep separate my performance as a player from myself as a person.
I prepare for game competition in a conscientious way; I do not cut corners.
I have a plan for my development and follow through with it.
I understand and appreciate that the game of baseball is bigger than I am; I respect the game.
I recognize people who can derail my game and undermine me and stay away from them.
I avoid places and locations that are problematic and will get me in trouble.
I do not use drugs of abuse.
I do not engage in the use of performance enhancing substances.
I am aware of how the use of alcohol can affect me.
I am conscientious and respectful in the use of social media.
I seek advice on performance and personal problems from individuals that I trust.
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CHARLES A. MAHER, PSYD, CC-AASP is Sport and Performance Psychologist and Senior Director of Personal and Organizational Performance for the Cleveland Indians Baseball Organization. He has been involved in sport and performance psychology with major league clubs for 30 years during which he has worked with thousands of players and coaches. In addtion, he has been worked in the sport and performance psychology domains with many teams in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and the WNBA as well as with professional boxers and tennis players. He is the author of numerous books and articles that relate to sport and performance psychology, including The Complete Mental Game of Baseball: Taking Charge of the Process, On and Off the Baseball Field. A former baseball coach at college and high school levels, Dr. Maher also is Professor Emeritus, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University.
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