Rays' Walls builds confidence with postgame journaling

Taylor Walls, the slick-fielding shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays, is utilizing postgame journaling as a strategy to improve his batting performance and boost his confidence. Struggling with a . 176 batting average, Walls sought a new method for processing the mental challenges of baseball, a sport notorious for its frequent failures. Each day after a game, he takes time to write in his journal, addressing three important questions: what he did well, what he learned, and how he can improve. This practice, developed in collaboration with the Rays' mental skills coach Justin Su’a, provides Walls with a clearer mindset and a constructive way to learn from his experiences.

Rather than fixating on negative outcomes, he focuses on the positives, which has already influenced his gameplay. Walls shared that after committing to journaling, he found himself analyzing the good aspects of his performance even after striking out. This shift has not only helped him personally but has also allowed him to remain supportive of his teammates during games. The innovative approach illustrates the importance of mental resilience in sports, showcasing how athletes can use journaling to foster a positive mental attitude.