5 Tips From A MLB Veteran On Developing A Winning Mindset
The Living in the Zone Podcast welcomes Jose Cruz Jr
Developing a winning mindset can be challenging. In the latest episode of the Living in the Zone Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with José Cruz Jr., a former Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder and the current head coach of the Rice University Owls Men’s baseball team. With a rich baseball lineage, 12 seasons in the MLB, and a Gold Glove award under his belt, Jose Cruz Jr. brings a wealth of experience and insight into the conversation. This episode dives deep into his journey from growing up in a baseball-centric household to making his own mark in the MLB, transitioning to coaching, and his vision for the future of Rice’s baseball program.
For those unfamiliar with José Cruz Jr., his story is one of both inherited legacy and individual achievement. As the son of the legendary José Cruz Sr., a celebrated figure in baseball, Cruz Jr. was born into the sport. But rather than simply resting on the laurels of his father’s accomplishments, he forged his own path, showcasing not only his powerful hitting and defensive prowess but also a mental fortitude that has defined his career and now, his coaching philosophy.
The Foundation of a Winning Mindset
One of the key themes in our discussion with Cruz Jr. was the importance of mindset—a recurring topic in the Living in the Zone series, especially under the guidance of the S.C.O.R.E.® System developed by Jim Fannin. Cruz Jr. emphasized how mental preparation was just as crucial as physical training in his career. Reflecting on his MLB journey, he shared that the ability to stay mentally sharp, resilient, and optimistic was what allowed him to excel even when faced with the inevitable challenges of professional sports.
The S.C.O.R.E.® System, which stands for Self-discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment, was a natural fit for our conversation. Cruz Jr.’s experiences on and off the field embody these principles. He stressed that maintaining self-discipline, whether in training routines or during the highs and lows of a season, was critical to staying in the Zone—a state of peak performance that Fannin teaches.
Self-Discipline and Concentration: The Cornerstones of Success
Self-discipline and concentration were particularly significant for Cruz Jr. during his MLB career. In baseball, a sport where success is often defined by how a player handles failure, the ability to concentrate on the next play and maintain a disciplined approach was paramount. Cruz Jr. recounted moments where staying focused, especially after a mistake, was the difference between winning and losing—not just games, but the mental battle that athletes constantly face.
He noted that these same principles are what he now instills in his players at Rice University. “The game of baseball is a microcosm of life,” Cruz Jr. remarked. “How you handle adversity on the field often reflects how you handle challenges off the field. That’s why I emphasize to my players the importance of mastering their mindset. If you can do that, you’re already halfway to success.”
Cruz Jr. also shared how he uses specific techniques to enhance concentration, such as visualization—an integral part of the S.C.O.R.E.® System. By mentally rehearsing plays and situations before they happen, he found that he could react more instinctively during games, reducing the cognitive load and allowing for smoother, more confident execution.
Optimism and Resilience: Navigating the Highs and Lows
Optimism, another pillar of the S.C.O.R.E.® System, played a crucial role in Cruz Jr.’s ability to navigate the highs and lows of a 12-year MLB career. In a sport where even the best hitters fail seven out of ten times, maintaining a positive outlook was essential for longevity. Cruz Jr. emphasized that optimism is not about ignoring difficulties but about approaching them with the belief that you can overcome them.
He recounted a period in his career when he was in a prolonged slump, a time when doubt started to creep in. It was during this period that his optimism was tested the most. However, by leaning on his training, staying positive, and trusting in his abilities, he eventually broke out of the slump. This experience, he shared, was a testament to the power of maintaining an optimistic mindset, even when results are not immediately visible.
Cruz Jr. also highlighted how he teaches resilience and optimism to his players, especially the younger ones who are still learning to deal with the pressures of college sports. “It’s easy to get down on yourself after a bad game or a tough loss, but the key is to keep moving forward. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow,” he said.
Transitioning to Coaching: Applying the S.C.O.R.E.® Principles
After retiring from playing, Cruz Jr. transitioned into coaching, a role that brought new challenges but also opportunities to apply the S.C.O.R.E.® principles in a different context. Coaching, he explained, is as much about mentoring young athletes as it is about teaching the technical aspects of the game. “You’re not just a coach; you’re a guide, a mentor, and sometimes, a therapist,” he joked, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the role.
One of the biggest challenges Cruz Jr. faced in this transition was learning to see the game from a different perspective. As a player, the focus was on individual performance, but as a coach, it’s about managing a team and helping each player reach their full potential. This shift required him to adapt his mindset, focusing more on leadership and communication—skills that were honed using the S.C.O.R.E.® System.
Cruz Jr. shared that self-discipline remains a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy. He leads by example, demonstrating to his players the importance of maintaining a routine, staying focused on long-term goals, and not letting short-term setbacks derail progress. He also uses the concept of Relaxation, another S.C.O.R.E.® principle, to help his players manage the stress and pressure that come with playing at a high level.
The Vision for Rice University Baseball
Looking ahead, Cruz Jr. has a clear vision for the future of Rice University’s baseball program. He aims to build a team that not only excels on the field but also embodies the principles of the S.C.O.R.E.® System. “It’s about more than just winning games,” he explained. “It’s about developing young men who are disciplined, focused, optimistic, and resilient—qualities that will serve them well long after they’ve left the baseball field.”
He is particularly focused on creating a culture of excellence at Rice, where every player understands the importance of mental preparation and mindset. This culture, he believes, will be the foundation for sustained success. “When you get the mindset right, the results will follow,” he stated confidently.
Cruz Jr. also discussed the importance of Enjoyment, the final principle of the S.C.O.R.E.® System. “Baseball is a game, and it’s meant to be fun,” he said. “Yes, it’s competitive, and yes, we want to win, but if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, you’re not going to perform at your best. That’s something I remind my players every day.”
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence
As we wrapped up our conversation with José Cruz Jr., it was clear that his success in MLB and now as a coach at Rice University is no accident. It is the result of a winning mindset—one that has been cultivated through years of experience, discipline, and a deep understanding of the mental aspects of the game. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that success, whether in sports or in life, begins with the mind.
For listeners of the Living in the Zone Podcast, Cruz Jr. ‘s insights offer valuable lessons in how to build and maintain a winning mindset. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or someone striving for excellence in any field, the principles discussed in this episode—grounded in the S.C.O.R.E.® System—can help you achieve your goals and live your best life.
As José Cruz Jr. continues to lead and inspire the next generation of baseball players at Rice University, his legacy of excellence, both on and off the field, will undoubtedly continue to grow. And for those of us fortunate enough to hear his story, there’s much to learn about the power of a winning mindset and the importance of living in the Zone.