Focus.

“You have the proper training for this moment.”

Brian Nelson, head coach

Focus During Preparation

Mindset is everything in baseball. Before the game, players each prepare physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally for the game ahead. The big stadium does not interrupt the routine.

“It’s important for me to focus in before a baseball game because I need to flip an internal switch for me to perform at my best,” said junior pitcher Luke Riggs.

Research shows that mental preparation such as pregame focus, visualization, and mindset can improve performance. When players take the time to lock into the game, their performance directly reflects it.

Sophomore pitcher Daniel Duley stretches prior to the Golden Grizzlies' game vs No. 22 Texas A+M on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Sophomore pitcher Daniel Duley stretches prior to the Golden Grizzlies' game vs No. 22 Texas A+M on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Prior to the game against No. 22 Texas A+M on March 7, the Golden Grizzlies gather to pray as a team.

Prior to the game against No. 22 Texas A+M on March 7, the Golden Grizzlies gather to pray as a team.

The Golden Grizzlies stand for the National Anthem before playing No. 9 Georgia on Feb. 27, 2026. Players close their eyes during the National Anthem as they prepare for the game ahead.

The Golden Grizzlies stand for the National Anthem before playing No. 9 Georgia on Feb. 27, 2026. Players close their eyes during the National Anthem as they prepare for the game ahead.

Fifth year shortstop Kyle Revere sits in the dugout in preparation to play a doubleheader against No. 22 Texas A+M on March 6, 2026. Following warmups, Revere always prepares his mind for the game ahead.

Fifth year shortstop Kyle Revere sits in the dugout in preparation to play a doubleheader against No. 22 Texas A+M on March 6, 2026. Following warmups, Revere always prepares his mind for the game ahead.

Focus During Action

Throughout the eight games, Oakland players spent each moment of every game focused on the play ahead. Each player displays his focus differently, but the end goal is the same.

“In big situations the focus is almost all on clearing my head of all expectations and distractions. You don't have a chance if you lose focus and put pressure on yourself,” said junior Sam Patton.

Even when the game starts to get intense, players cannot lose sight of the objective at hand – playing the game.

  • Freshman starting pitcher Ben Green talks to catcher Ben Clark and head coach Brian Nelson mid-inning versus No. 9 Georgia on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Green threw for five innings and collected four strikeouts and four scoreless innings.

  • Catcher Ben Clark awaits the pitch against No. 22 Texas A+M on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

  • Fifth year shortstop Kyle Revere anticipates the hit versus No. 9 Georgia on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.

  • Senior infielder Lucas Day looks onto the field at No. 22 Texas A+M on Friday, March 6, 2026.

  • Sophomore Aidan Schuck awaits the pitch versus No. 9 Georgia on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

  • Junior outfielder Sam Patton watches the pitcher from the dugout while he waits to bat versus No. 9 Georgia on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

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