The 2024 World Series, that I’ve waited 43 years for, is not looking good for my team–the New York Yankees. Because of, well, the psychology of human beings, of course. Makes me wonder about everything. Because the irony is so rich. Let’s get into it.
The History
is: My love affair with baseball began way back in the 1950’s. I’ve documented it on this blog. Nonetheless, the intense feelings I feel, and the irony today is, that my brother just passed away this spring. For years and years, since that ’81 Series, he and I have been rooting for this to happen.
We grew up with the great rivalry of the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees in the ’50’s. He was for the Dodgers and Duke Snider, I the Yankees and Mickey Mantle. That’s the way it is with brothers. We compete, for everything! Except for the fact we stick together because we’re true brothers. Moreover, have a deep affection for each other. And now he’s gone.
My niece texted me, “Dad is in heaven both figuratively & actually.” Because the Dodgers are up two games to none. So here we are.
1981
was a long time ago. I was 31 years old and had just married. I geared up my new wife and two step daughters, hoping to influence the outcome.
It didn’t work. Spoiler alert – it never does. Despite we baseball fans, and players, being the most superstitious people on the planet. Which brings me to my next irony – Aaron Judge’s collapse.
Judge’s problem
is his psychological state of being. I know this because I’m a student of Psychology and baseball. Judge has been the most prolific home run hitter the game has ever seen. Not counting those years (the ’90’s) when some players cheated.
Yet now, when it matters most, he’s swinging and missing almost every time! This is because of the pressure. Or stress. Call it what you will. In baseball, it’s called hitting in the clutch. That intangible thing, excelling in high stress situations, transcends baseball. It’s a character trait, a personality function, a part of who a person is at their core.
Therefore, the Yankees can’t win. Unless, Aaron Judge gets some psychological help. Did he? Can some sports’ Psychologist fix the problem in 48 hours? We’ll find out tonight. It’s do or die.