Learning to master the mental game of baseball
Inside the mind of Chicago White Sox top prospect Jake Eder
Welcome back to another insightful episode of Living in the Zone, where we dive deep into the minds of athletes, business professionals, and thought leaders who are living and performing at their best. Today’s guest is Jake Eder, a rising star in Major League Baseball and a true student of the S.C.O.R.E.® System and the mental game of baseball. Jake recently made his big-league debut as a left-handed pitcher for the Chicago White Sox during the last two weeks of the season. But his journey to the mound is far more than just about pitching—it’s about mastering his mental game of baseball.
In this episode, we talk about how Jake has harnessed the power of the S.C.O.R.E.® principles—Self-discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment—to transform his mind, reduce mental clutter, and focus on the present moment. His commitment to mental performance is remarkable, and his story is one of overcoming adversity and achieving a lifelong dream. Let’s dive in.
The Power of Present-Tense Focus: Jake’s Journey
Jake Eder’s journey to the big leagues started long before his debut with the White Sox. As a standout pitcher at Vanderbilt, he played a pivotal role in the team’s 2019 College World Series victory, throwing the final out to secure the championship. In 2020, he was rated the top minor league pitcher in baseball. But like many athletes, Jake’s road was not without challenges.
In our conversation, Jake highlights how embracing the S.C.O.R.E.® System helped him stay focused and resilient through both high and low moments. One of the core aspects of his transformation has been the shift to complete present-tense focus, which is central to achieving peak mental performance in the mental game of baseball. This focus helped Jake not only manage the pressure of professional baseball but also stay locked into the moment, eliminating the noise that could derail his performance.
Jake explains, “When I’m on the mound, everything else disappears. It’s just me, the ball, the catcher’s mitt, and the batter. There’s no room for overthinking. I’ve learned to reduce the overall quantity of thought by living completely in the present. It’s a game-changer.”
This ability to focus on the now—without being distracted by past performances or future outcomes—is a hallmark of athletes who are performing in the Zone. By simplifying his mental game, Jake has learned to think less, but more efficiently, which is key to his success.
Using the S.C.O.R.E.® System in Daily Life
The S.C.O.R.E.® System, developed by Jim Fannin, is a mental framework designed to help anyone—from athletes to business professionals—reach their peak performance by managing five key elements: Self-discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment. Jake has embraced all five elements, but two, in particular, stand out as central to his success: Self-discipline and Concentration.
Self-Discipline: Creating the Mindset of a Champion
Jake’s story is a testament to the power of Self-discipline. As he shares in the episode, Self-discipline was a crucial part of his development, both on and off the field. The discipline to consistently show up, whether in the weight room, bullpen, or during mental preparation, allowed Jake to build the foundation for success.
Jake shares, “Self-discipline is what separates the good from the great. It’s easy to get distracted, especially when things aren’t going your way. But the S.C.O.R.E.® System taught me to focus on what I can control—my preparation, my work ethic, and my mindset. When I do that, the results follow.”
This commitment to Self-discipline echoes one of the key lessons from the S.C.O.R.E.® System: controlling your thoughts. By controlling what goes into your mind, you control your actions, and ultimately, your results. Jake’s ability to stay disciplined in his routines—whether it’s sticking to a strict training schedule or maintaining mental focus in high-pressure situations—has been instrumental in his journey to the majors.
Concentration: The Gift of Focus
Concentration is another crucial element that has driven Jake’s success. In the S.C.O.R.E.® System, concentration is about “thinking about what you think about.” It’s the ability to focus all your energy on one specific task, blocking out distractions.
For Jake, concentration means locking in on each pitch, one at a time. He explains, “I’ve learned to be fully present on each pitch. When you’re in the Zone, it feels like time slows down, and everything becomes clear. My job is to throw one pitch, to execute one moment. The rest doesn’t matter.”
This focus on being fully present aligns perfectly with the S.C.O.R.E.® principle of concentration, which teaches athletes to funnel their energy and attention into what matters most in the moment. By narrowing his focus, Jake has learned to eliminate mental clutter, which allows him to perform with precision and clarity under pressure.
Another contributing factor to Jake’s present tense purpose and demeanor in everything he does relates to the quantity of thoughts he has. By using the S.C.O.R.E.® System and its myriad of Cognitive Behavioral Tools, Jake has reduced his thought quantity by 40-50%. He has eliminated the thoughts that do not serve him and his visions and goals. This has resulted in a present tense mindset regardless of what Arena he finds himself in. His thoughts have flipped to 70-80% in the present and only 20-30% in the future or past for planning, strategies, tactics, learning and evaluation.
Overcoming Adversity: The Mental Game of Baseball
Baseball is a game of failure as much as it is a game of success. For every great pitch, there are moments when things don’t go as planned. Jake knows this all too well. One of the most significant aspects of his mental transformation has been learning how to bounce back from adversity and maintain his confidence even when the outcome isn’t ideal.
“Failure is a part of the game,” Jake says. “But the S.C.O.R.E.® System helped me shift my mindset. I don’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, I evaluate, adjust, and move on. My confidence comes from knowing I’ve prepared the right way, and I can always make the next pitch my best one.”
This approach ties into the S.C.O.R.E.® principles of optimism and relaxation. By maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of setbacks, and learning to relax under pressure, Jake has built the mental resilience to thrive at the highest level of competition.
Living in the Zone: The Ultimate Goal
At the heart of Jake’s journey is the pursuit of living in the Zone—a state of peak mental and physical performance where everything flows effortlessly. The S.C.O.R.E.® System provides the roadmap for achieving this state by balancing the five key elements.
In Jake’s words, “Living in the Zone means being completely locked into the moment. You’re not worried about the past, and you’re not thinking about the future. You’re just there, doing what you’re supposed to do, with complete confidence. That’s where the magic happens.”
Jake’s debut in the big leagues is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career. But more than that, it’s a testament to the power of the S.C.O.R.E.® System and the transformative impact it can have on anyone’s mental game.
Conclusion: Lessons for All of Us
Jake Eder’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental performance in achieving success, not just in sports but in every area of life. By embracing the S.C.O.R.E.® principles, he has learned to focus on the present, eliminate distractions, and cultivate the mindset of a champion.
Whether you’re an athlete, business professional, or someone looking to improve your mental performance, the lessons Jake shares in this episode are invaluable. Focus on what you can control. Stay disciplined in your routines. Concentrate on the present moment. And most importantly, enjoy the journey.
As Jake continues to develop his career, his commitment to mental performance will undoubtedly take him far. For now, though, he’s living in the Zone—and showing us all how we can do the same.
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations from Living in the Zone!