Laurila: Players’ view: Do hitters focus better in the late innings?
From SABR member David Laurila at FanGraphs on May 13, 2016:
Do hitters focus better in the late innings of close games? Once the eighth and ninth roll around, does their mental acuity shift into a new gear?
Human nature suggests it happens. Faced with an impending work deadline, most of us will see our mindset kick into now-or-never mode. On the other hand, we routinely hear players say that every plate appearance matters. If you’re a professional, you’re going to take pride in never giving away an at bat.
I recently asked a cross section of players, managers and coaches — and one mental skills coordinator — for their opinions on the subject. Here is what they had to say.
Read the full article here: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/players-view-do-hitters-focus-better-in-the-late-innings/
Originally published: May 13, 2016. Last Updated: May 13, 2016.