Al shares what it was like embracing mental performance at a time when talking about the “mental game” in baseball was often considered taboo, and how that commitment helped shape his longevity and success in the big leagues.
Brian and Al also explore how the landscape of mental performance in baseball has evolved — from Al’s playing days to now watching the next generation of players, including his son, navigate the demands of professional baseball.
Inside this episode, Brian and Al discuss:
- Why Al first embraced the mental side of performance during his playing career
- How mental performance in baseball has evolved over the past three decades
- What makes a truly effective mental performance coach
- The real job of a Major League pitcher and how to simplify the game under pressure
- Why focusing on execution and controllables is foundational to a strong mental game
- How elite pitchers prepare mentally before they ever step on the mound
- The power of visualization and imagery as part of performance preparation
This episode is a masterclass in pitching, preparation, and the mindset required to succeed at the highest level of baseball.
Click here to read the article on execution with Jack Leiter that Brian and Al discuss.
Click here to listen to the execution podcast where Brian reads you the chapter on execution from Harvey Dorfman’s The ABCs of Pitching.
Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen, leave a review, and connect with Brian on social media @BrianCainPeak
Want to train your mental game like Al Leiter?
You can learn and start training the same strategies around confidence, overcoming obstacles, how to conquer fear of failure, and learn how to consistently perform your best.
Then fill out the form below to get access to my FREE 3-Day mini course—one specific for athletes and the other for coaches.
