In this episode of Patrick Jones Baseball, the focus is on the mental game, which is often overlooked in favor of physical mechanics. Patrick discusses how understanding the brain's function can lead to improved performance, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, identity, and focus. He introduces the 'Core Five' strategies to enhance mental skills and addresses the unique mental challenges faced in baseball, including managing expectations and utilizing statistics effectively.

• The mental game is crucial for player development.
• Understanding how the brain works can lead to breakthroughs.
• Players at all levels experience similar fears and doubts.
• Automatic negative thoughts can hinder performance.
• Having a clear vision and identity is essential for success.
• Self-awareness helps players tune into their thoughts and feelings.
• Focus is a skill that can be trained off the field.
• Defining success by process rather than outcome improves confidence.
• Lowering expectations can reduce pressure during games.
• Statistics can inform better decision-making at the plate.
• 
  

• "The brain is wired to protect you."
• "70 to 80% of thoughts are negative."
• "You are not your thoughts."
• "What type of player do you want to be?"
• "Focus is a trainable skill."
• "Lower your expectations for yourself."
• "Statistics can guide your approach."

00:00 The Importance of the Mental Game

09:28 Understanding the Brain and Thoughts

18:51 Core Five Strategies for Mental Improvement

27:59 Navigating Expectations and Mental Challenges

32:48 Statistics and Counts in Hitting

Check out Patrick's new course

Swing Decisions: How To Master The Strike Zone

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In this episode, Patrick shares the unfiltered truth behind what it really takes to get recruited to play college baseball in 2025. After talking to dozens of coaches, watching games across the country, and helping players from coast to coast, he breaks down the exact roadmap players and parents need to follow — including what most people get completely wrong.

Whether you're just starting the process or deep into your recruiting journey, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.

What You’ll Learn:

The only reasons to enter the transfer portal (and why most players shouldn’t)

Updates on roster size rules and how it impacts recruiting

The most important question every player must ask before starting the process

Key recruiting timelines for Power 4, mid-major D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO

Which showcases actually matter (PBR vs. Perfect Game)

How college coaches actually evaluate players (hint: it’s not just stats)

Why the best prospect isn’t always the best player

Position-by-position breakdown of recruiting priorities

What you should be doing from freshman to senior year

Social media strategy that gets attention — without hurting your visibility

Why cold emails to coaches almost never work (and what to do instead)

Resources:

Book a $60 Recruiting Consultation: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Connect With Patrick:

Twitter: @pjonesbaseball

Website: https://patrickjonesbaseball.com

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In this episode, I’m joined by Jared Gaynor- founder of Pitching Coach U and former pitching coach in the Minnesota Twins organization. We dive into what actually matters in pitching development: fastball command, pitch design, identity, and the mental side of competing under pressure.

We talk about why bullpen success doesn’t always translate to games, how a pitcher’s mindset can make or break them, and why the recruiting landscape is more competitive (and confusing) than ever.

If you’re a player or parent trying to make sense of college recruiting, I offer 30-minute consultations to help you build a clear plan. You can book one at patrickjonesbaseball.com/recruiting

Follow Jared on Twitter

Jared's pitch design course

Follow Patrick on Twitter

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