The Last Three Outs: When Closers Choke

Abstract

This thesis is a long-form journalistic piece about why baseball closers choke. Pitchers in baseball have always had the reputation of being neurotic and closers are more so because their job is the most stressful in the game. Experts say there are two ways a closer can focus; one is good and one is bad. Focus, confidence and execution are the most important tools for a closer, and without all three, he is destined for trouble. This project looks in depth into how brain processes affect focus, confidence and execution and what actually happens in a closer's mind in the ninth inning.