CHARACTER - Can You Take Advantage Of The Opponent’s Human Nature?

(this is an excerpt from Mark Gola’s forthcoming book, Baseball’s Sixth Tool)

Baseball is a game of repetition. It is also a humbling game that will test a player's confidence. Because of these factors, players often commit predictable acts based on human nature. Whether it be an act of nonchalant behavior, single-mindedness, or timidity, a mindful player can capitalize on predictable habits that stem from human emotion. Here are a few examples that occur during a baseball game.

1) A pitcher is having a tough inning. He's getting knocked around and having trouble with the strike zone. You just doubled in a run and are on second base with one out. Whether the pitcher is angry, upset, or nervous, he is distracted. He is much more likely to fall into a pattern of inattentively checking you at second base. This is a time for you to steal third base on the pitcher. Look for him to look back at you (once or twice) but doing it with a blank stare as if he's going through the motions. Keep a walking lead and take off once his head turns back towards the catcher.

This is not as risky as it sounds. It’s the safest way to steal third base, it just entails more than your legs.

2) You're the catcher and it's first and second with one out. The runners take off on the pitch for a double steal. If the runner at second appears to have gotten a good jump, throw the ball directly to second base. The tendency for the trail runner is to relax thinking the play will be at third. His jump won't be as explosive and he may not run at top speed. He may be an easy out at second base. This is always a good play if the trail runner is slower than the lead runner.

3) You're the pitcher and there's a runner on third with one out in a tie game. The batter is in position to drive in the run and give his team the lead. Often, he'll be anxious to get the barrel out and may lose a degree of discipline at the plate. Pitches just outside of the strike zone and off-speed pitches may lure the hitter into getting himself out. Why give him a pitch and a location he wants when you may be able to exploit his eagerness?

Players get apprehensive, over-aggressive, and inattentive throughout a game. Try to recognize those instances and use the human nature of your opponent to your advantage. Don't spend your time cheering yourself or heckling the opponent. Keep your mind sharply focused on your prey. Human nature is a predictable and exploitable trait.