num_pages: 256
description: Former Major League pitcher and mental skills coach for two of baseball's legendary franchises (the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants) Bob Tewksbury takes fans inside the psychology of baseball.In Ninety Percent Mental Bob Tewksbury shows readers a side of the game only he can provide given his singular background as both a longtime MLB pitcher and a mental skills coach for two of the sport's most fabled franchises the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants. Fans watching the game on television or even at the stadium don't have access to the mind games a pitcher must play in order to get through an at-bat an inning a game. Tewksbury explores the fascinating psychology behind baseball such as how players use techniques of imagery self-awareness and strategic thinking to maximize performance and how a pitcher's strategy changes throughout a game. He also offers an in-depth look into some of baseball's most monumental moments and intimate anecdotes from a who's who of the game including legendary players who Tewksbury played with and against (such as Mark McGwire Craig Biggio and Greg Maddux) game-changing managers and executives (Joe Torre Bruce Bochy Brian Sabean) and current star players (Jon Lester Anthony Rizzo Andrew Miller Rich Hill).With Tewksbury's esoteric knowledge as a thinking-fan's player and his expertise as a baseball whisperer this entertaining book is perfect for any fan who wants to see the game in a way he or she has never seen it before. Ninety Percent Mental will deliver an unprecedented look at the mound games and mind games of Major League Baseball. Tewks and I were teammates when Tewks was ending his career with the Twins. I saw him use his mind to be successful on the mound. Years later we were once again on the same team with the 2013 World Series champion Red Sox and I again saw him use his mind--this time to help others. I know he helped us win and I know this book can help anyone who reads it.David Ortiz 10-time All-Star 3-time World Series champion and New York Times bestselling author of Big Papi: My Story of Big Dreams and Big Hits; called the most important player in Boston Red Sox history. I've known Bob Tewksbury for more than a quarter of a century dating back to our five seasons together in St. Louis. He was one of the most thoughtful players I ever managed approaching the craft of pitching like an artist. Bob became an All-Star not through physical gifts but because he excelled on the mental side of a game that constantly challenges its players and their resilience. I have no doubt that Bob's readers will benefit from his insights on the importance of focus and preparation.Joe Torre Hall of Fame and Four-Time World Series Champion Manager and Chief Baseball Officer Major League Baseball Nobody I've come across in my almost 30 years in the game did more with his God-given talent than Tewks. His ability to control a baseball was freakish and he was tough. But more than that he was always different. Not just an athlete but a deep thinker a good teammate and an even better friend. The Red Sox now get all of that as a resource for their entire roster which in my mind is a distinct competitive advantage.Joe Buck lead play-by-play broadcaster Fox Sports Tewksbury relied on control and guile a testament to his ability to think and adjust. His intellect and devotion to helping others came with the credibility of knowing what it is like to stand on a major-league mound with three tiers of stands staring down on him. Few better understand that baseball is a human game and humans are fragile beings.Peter Gammons Hall of Fame and J.G. Taylor Spink Award-winning baseball writer and MLB Network on-air analyst
language: English
title: Ninety Percent Mental: An All-Star Player Turned Mental Skills Coach Reveals the Hidden Game of Baseball
publisher: Da Capo Press