Failures and Succeses 

As a pitcher, I have experienced both failures and successes. The reality is that you will fail more often than you succeed, and that's okay. The important thing is to bounce back and give 110% effort on the next pitch, the next batter, the next inning, or the next game. You may have heard a coach say, "The only things you can control are effort and attitude." This is a great phrase to rely on and has played a significant role in my success. It is crucial to maintain a positive attitude on the mound, give your best effort, be confident, and know your own abilities. Each of these elements will help you perform at your best, which is ultimately what you should strive for.

Good attitude- Attitude has always played a big role in my success versus my failure. Having a good attitude means being positive towards others along with being positive towards yourself. It involves maintaining composure under pressure, encouraging teammates, and staying focused on the task at hand. A positive attitude helps you stay resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks, allowing you to bounce back quickly from mistakes. By fostering a positive mindset, you create a supportive environment for yourself and your teammates, contributing to a more cohesive and motivated team. A good attitude isn't just about outward positivity; it's also about inner strength and the ability to persevere. This mindset has been crucial in my journey as a pitcher, helping me navigate the ups and downs of the game and continually strive for excellence.

Best efforts- If you aren't giving everything you've got with every pitch, then what's the point of being out there in the circle? Pitching can make or break the game. If you're not giving your best effort, you're not only hurting yourself but also your team. Additionally, you're missing the opportunity to push yourself and improve, which can have long-term negative effects. I have learned to always put my best effort into every single pitch. This commitment has greatly benefited me in the long run, teaching me valuable lessons about the game and its mental aspects. Pitching is one of the most mentally demanding parts of the game. You have to carefully consider each pitch, but if you truly try your hardest physically and prepare yourself mentally for every pitch, the end results will be worth it. By consistently giving your all, you build resilience, sharpen your skills, and enhance your overall performance. This mindset is essential for achieving success on the mound and contributing to your team's victories.

Confidence- As a pitcher, your confidence needs to be unwavering. You must trust yourself and trust your teammates behind you. Believing in your abilities and maintaining confidence, even when things aren't going your way, can make a significant difference in your performance. It's about approaching each pitch with determination and seeing every opportunity as a chance to improve. Simply believing in yourself can transform your game completely.There should never be a moment out there in the circle where you feel fear. If anything, the opposing batters should be intimidated by you. You have to own the mound and claim each batter as yours. When I'm on the mound, I look at the batter and tell myself, "I'm winning this battle." Even though that might not always be the end result, it's a powerful way to face the situation. Pushing fear aside and leading your team with your head held high is essential. Confidence isn't just about being bold; it's about the inner belief that you have the skills and determination to succeed. This mindset not only enhances your performance but also inspires your teammates to perform at their best. Ultimately, confidence is the key to unlocking your full potential as a pitcher and making a lasting impact on the game.

Knowing yourself- No matter what pitch your coach calls, it's important to trust your gut. I have learned that my instincts are usually right and to trust myself. If your gut tells you not to throw a screwball when it's called, then shake it off and trust your institutin. Your gut feeling is a signal that you may not be mentally comfortable with that pitch. As a pitcher, you want to be 100% confident with every pitch. This means you agree with the pitch, you are comfortable with it, you believe it will be successful, and you are ready to throw it. If any of these factors are off, you are not fully committed to that pitch, which could lead to negative results. As a pitcher, you control each pitch, so knowing what you want to throw and what you're comfortable with beforehand is essential.There have been instances where I threw pitches I wasn't confident in, and they often resulted in negative outcomes. Take pride in your pitch selection and don't hesitate to shake off calls that don't align with your strategy or comfort level.