Oakland Athletics infielder, Adam Piatt, was USA Today's Minor League Player of the Year for the 1999 season. Adam won the Triple Crown in the Texas League (AA) by leading the league in batting average (.345), homeruns (39), and RBI's (135). He also hit 48 doubles, walked 93 times, and scored 128 runs in only 129 games played. Adam credited his huge success to his disciplined batting practice routine.

In a conversation with Adam, he said, 'I had a plan. I hit the ball to right field and then center field. I didn't swing hard, and I wouldn't swing at bad pitches. I practiced my two-strike approach. I never tried to hit the ball out of the park.” Piatt added, 'Late in the year, a lot of people wanted me to talk about my chances of winning the Triple Crown, but I didn't want to think about it. I just stayed with my routine. I concentrated on having quality B.P. (batting practice) and having quality at-bats.

Practicing with the same effort level, intensity, and concentration that is used in your game requires discipline and mental toughness. Players who practice like they play are usu-ally the best players, and this is one of the main reasons for their extraordinary skills. Next time you have a chance to see a Major League baseball game in person, arrive early, if possible, to see the teams practice.

Watch the best hitters hit, and watch the best fielders take ground-balls and fly balls. Pay attention to their effort level and intensity, and you will see why they are the best. Being the best takes work; there are no shortcuts to greatness.

© 2001 MasterPlan Sports, Inc. All Rights Reserved.