St. Louis Cardinals: The psychology of the 2019 Cardinals

One of the most important things to look for in the 2019 St. Louis Cardinals is how they handle adversity. Talent is important, but the emotion of the game and the way pressure is managed is nearly as essential towards being a successful team.

Fans should keep an eye on is how emotion will play a role in an expectation filled season with this St. Louis Cardinals team. I have experience playing online poker and watching MLB, and what I have noticed is how similar to how players and gamblers approach an opponent within the aesthetic of the game.

Abstract skills apply to what is being observed because a fan can not ask questions or know exactly how or what the player is thinking in the moment.

It might not be explicit, but fans can become knowledgeable about the emotional state of a player based on what is seen. Emotional management is one of the most crucial facets towards success in competition, as explained by sports psychology service Winning Edge.

"“Emotional management is the third core skill of sport psychology. The ability to deal with mistakes, setbacks, and unexpected events is critical for peak performance. Mistakes are part of sport; they are a statistical reality and are going to happen. How you perceive your mistakes and deal with them makes all the difference. An athlete who remains mentally flexible can respond with emotional balance, intensity and confidence. The athlete who loses emotional control has lost the game – Winning Edge, 2012"

Fans know they are not making a professional mental evaluation, but evaluation of how players and the way they handle and carry themselves through honest observations can say a lot about a player’s mentality. There are players that you can just see have mastery over their emotions and complete confidence in their not only their physical talent, but their mental fortitude, and it shows.