Baseball is a game of skill, discipline, and respect. Whether you’re playing in a Little League game, a high school championship, or even in the major leagues, how you handle yourself on the field says a lot about you as a player. One of the most common pieces of advice given to young athletes is to “Act like you’ve been there before.”  But what does that really mean? Why is it important to stay composed and professional rather than jumping around and celebrating after routine or great plays?

Before I continue, I want to assure you I am not an “old school” coach with the philosophy that you shouldn’t celebrate.  I am all for it. But there is a time and place for it. 

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The Meaning Behind “Act Like You’ve Been There Before”

When people say, “Act like you’ve been there before,” they mean that you should handle success with confidence and humility, rather than excessive celebration. It’s about showing that you expect to succeed rather than acting like it was a lucky break, fluke or a once-in-a-lifetime event.

If you hit a home run, make a great catch, or strike out a batter, there’s no need to overdo the celebration. A simple nod to your teammates, a fist bump, or a small smile shows that you expected to make that play. Jumping around, flipping your bat, beating your chest, flexing or excessively celebrating makes you look unprofessional.

So why is it so important to stay composed?​​​​​​​​​​

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Shows Maturity and Confidence

Players who celebrate wildly, even after every small success, look inexperienced. If you react like it’s a big deal every time you make a routine play or even a great play, it suggests that you weren’t expecting to succeed in the first place. Confident players, on the other hand, stay calm  and collected because they believe in their abilities. They don’t need to prove to everyone that they did something great—they let their performance speak for itself. Trust me, if it was a great play, everyone already knows it.

Earns Respect from Coaches, Teammates, and Opponents

Coaches and teammates appreciate players who remain focused and composed. If you’re constantly celebrating your  minor achievements, or excessively for great plays, it gives the impression that you care more about you getting attention versus the success of the team. Great players understand that baseball is a team sport, and their focus should be on winning, not personal recognition. Personal recognition will come on its own if you are as good as you think. 

Also, opponents also take notice of how you carry yourself. If you respect the game and your competitors, they will respect you back.

I know personally from over 30 years of active coaching and speaking with other coaches, the opposing team’s players and coaches are more worried about you if you act as if what you did was “no big deal” - especially after a great play.  It gives them the impression you are confident and skilled and are more likely to do it again the next time you have the opportunity.  It will have them re-thinking how to deal with you.  You are now in THEIR head!

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Prevents Unnecessary Conflict

Over-the-top celebrations can be seen as disrespectful. If a player flips their bat dramatically after a home run or stares down an opponent after a strikeout, it can be taken as a sign of arrogance or mockery. This can lead to tensions between teams, bench-clearing brawls, or even being intentionally hit by a pitch. Acting like you’ve been there before helps avoid these unnecessary conflicts.

Keeps You Focused on the Next Play

Baseball is a long game with many ups and downs. If you get caught up celebrating a single play, you might lose focus on what’s coming next. For example, if a shortstop makes an incredible diving stop and then spends too much time admiring his play, he might forget that there’s still another out to get. Staying composed allows you to move on quickly and stay engaged in the game.

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Is It Okay to Celebrate?

Absolutely! This doesn’t mean that you should never celebrate in baseball. There are moments where excitement is completely appropriate. A walk-off home run, winning a championship, or making a game-saving catch in a playoff game are all moments worthy of celebration. However, even in those cases, the best players celebrate in a way that doesn’t show up their team. They celebrate with their teammates rather than making it all about themselves.

Small moments, like getting a base hit, throwing a strikeout, or making a solid defensive play, should be expected. These are parts of the game that happen all the time. Yet, I’ve seen players flex their biceps as if posing for a bodybuilding competition as they stand on first base after hitting a single. Is that all the strength they have?

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Great players approach their game performance with a businesslike attitude. So, save the big celebrations for the truly special moments.

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Examples from Baseball Legends

Many of baseball’s greatest players have demonstrated how to act with class on the field. Players like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Mike Trout are known for their professionalism. They have had countless great moments but rarely showed excessive emotion. Instead, they played with quiet confidence, and that earned them respect from fans, teammates, and opponents alike.

Contrast that with players who have gained a reputation for being flashy or showboating. While some players embrace that personality, it often leads to controversy and criticism. Those who consistently act in a professional manner are the ones who leave behind a legacy of respect, admiration and recognition.

How to Develop a Winning Mindset

If you want to be a great baseball player, focus on playing the game the right way. Here are some tips for developing the right attitude:

• Expect to Succeed – Approach every play with the mindset that you are capable of making it. If you make a great play, don’t act surprised—act like it was supposed to happen. 

• Stay Humble – Baseball is a game of failure as much as success. Just as you make a great play, they next play you make an error. 

• Support Your Teammates – Celebrate with your team rather than making it about yourself. A fist bump or a high five with teammates shows excitement while keeping the focus on the team. 

• Stay Focused on the Game – Don’t get caught up too much in emotions after one play. Always be thinking about what comes next.

Conclusion

Baseball is a game of skill, strategy, and mental toughness. The way you handle success is just as important as how you handle failure. Acting like you’ve been there before shows confidence, maturity, and respect for the game. It earns you the admiration of teammates, coaches, and opponents while keeping you focused on playing your best. So remember, you don’t have to jump around and celebrate every little success or the next time you make a great play. Stay composed, stay focused, and let your game do the talking. People will notice and remember that much more.

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For more in-depth training on all mental skills and physical training, email Coach Helke. Free initial consult can be done in-person or virtually.

Disclaimer

The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While the mental skill strategies and techniques shared here supports performance and mindset development, they are not a replacement for professional care.

If you are experiencing persistent stress, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concerns, we strongly encourage you to seek guidance from a qualified licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please reach out to a licensed professional, crisis hotline, or medical provider.

By using the mental skill strategies and techniques presented, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own mental and emotional well-being and that the strategies and techniques shared here are intended as supplementary tools, not medical advice.

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