Why Fundamentals Matter- Lessons From the Yankee's Fifth-Inning Fumbles

"Fundamentals and Baseball IQ: Keys to Winning the Big Games"

My memo-

In yesterday’s World Series game, the Yankees found themselves in a pivotal fifth inning with momentum on the line. Unfortunately, a series of fielding errors exposed lapses in fundamental skills and Baseball IQ, leading to costly mistakes that shifted the game’s course. These breakdowns—a dropped fly ball by the centerfielder, a miscalculated throw by the shortstop, and a failure by the pitcher to cover first base—served as a reminder of the importance of constantly honing fundamentals and engaging Baseball IQ.

Fundamentals and Baseball IQ are the bedrock of baseball, creating a foundation for teams to execute in any situation. Even in a season defined by powerful home runs and dominant pitching performances, the true test of a team’s readiness often comes down to moments when mental preparation and fundamental skill align.

Error #1: Taking Your Eye Off the Ball (Aaron Judge)

The first of the three errors occurred when the Yankees’ centerfielder misjudged a fly ball, taking his eye off it momentarily, resulting in a crucial drop. This error epitomizes the importance of concentration—particularly in high-stakes games where pressure mounts and even seasoned players can falter.

Fundamentally, outfielders are trained to keep their eyes on the ball from when it leaves the bat until it hits their glove. While this seems simple, it requires disciplined focus, honed over countless repetitions. A single mental lapse can differentiate between a routine catch and a game-changing error.

An outfielder’s Baseball IQ comes into play here as well. Anticipating the pitch and reading the batter’s tendencies allow them to better position themselves, increasing their odds of success. Especially in the World Series, players should enter each play mentally prepared to act like the next ball will come directly to them.

Coaches’ Tip: Outfielders can benefit from focusing on proper footwork and glove positioning during practice, simulating game-like scenarios to strengthen muscle memory and concentration under pressure.

Error #2: The Errant Throw to Third Base (Anthony Volpe)

The second error of the inning came from the shortstop, who attempted a force-out at third with a rushed throw that sailed wide of the target. This was a classic case where fundamentals, combined with sound Baseball IQ, would have saved the day.

In situations like these, infielders are trained to execute throws with both accuracy and speed. However, it’s equally important for the player to make a quick decision on where the best play is, especially under the pressure of runners advancing. The shortstop may have tried to play aggressively without fully setting his feet or assessing the risk involved. It’s crucial in these moments to calculate the higher-percentage play and to make sure throws are balanced and controlled rather than forced.

Understanding the situation and recognizing the best option are hallmarks of a high Baseball IQ. In this case, the shortstop’s IQ should have prompted him to check the runner and prioritize control over speed, especially in a close game where every base matters.

Coaches’ Tip: Practicing controlled, balanced throws under various game scenarios can instill the reflex to make smarter, steadier play, even in high-stress situations.

Error #3: Pitcher Fails to Cover First Base (Gerrit Cole)

The final error of the inning occurred when the pitcher neglected to cover first base on a grounder to the first baseman. This mistake reflects a fundamental aspect of baseball that all players learn from a young age: knowing where to go and what to do if the ball is hit to a particular position.

Every player should prepare mentally before every pitch, asking themselves, “If the ball is hit to me, what am I going to do?” For pitchers, that often means understanding when they need to cover a base. While pitchers aren’t expected to have the fielding agility of other positions, a solid Baseball IQ should drive them to anticipate these scenarios automatically. The mental preparation that comes from routinely asking the right questions before each play can avoid these lapses in execution.

When a pitcher doesn’t cover first, the team not only risks a runner reaching safely but also disrupts the defensive alignment and rhythm, creating vulnerabilities. A true Baseball IQ means understanding not just the role of your position but how each responsibility integrates into the larger team's defense.

Coaches’ Tip: Practicing defensive scenarios with pitchers during training and reinforcing the importance of hustle and awareness can help prevent these fundamental errors in high-stakes games.

The Importance of Baseball IQ: Mental Preparation Before Every Play

The errors committed by the Yankees in the fifth inning underscored the importance of Baseball IQ—the mental game that should operate in the background of every player’s mind. For each player, fundamental skills should be second nature, allowing them to focus their mental energy on anticipating what might happen next.

Baseball IQ involves understanding the game's nuances: calculating probabilities, positioning oneself based on batter tendencies, and constantly evaluating the game situation. For example, in that fateful inning, if each player had mentally prepared by asking, “If the ball is hit to me, what am I going to do?” They might have prevented these mistakes. This single mental exercise—often called “pre-pitch preparation”—is a critical component of Baseball IQ, yet it’s often overlooked at higher levels.

Players with high Baseball IQ will have rehearsed scenarios so thoroughly in their minds that their physical responses become instinctual. This is why successful players are often those who display confidence and clarity, knowing what they’ll do if the ball is hit their way.

The Fundamentals Come First, Always

The importance of solid fundamentals cannot be overstated, even in an age of high-tech analysis and advanced metrics. A strong foundation in the basics—catching, throwing, positioning, and covering bases—underpins even the most complex plays. These fundamentals are sharpened through repetition, drills, and game-like scenarios that simulate pressure situations. As players reach the highest levels, these basics should be so deeply ingrained that they become automatic responses to any game situation.

In yesterday’s game, each error illustrated a breakdown in these fundamentals. While some might chalk it up to nerves or the moment's intensity, it’s a reminder that fundamentals never become irrelevant. On the contrary, they become even more critical when the stakes are highest.

My Bottom Line: Fundamentals and IQ Are Championship Essentials

As teams advance through the postseason, the ability to execute fundamentals while demonstrating a high Baseball IQ will often decide which team hoists the trophy. Championship teams are usually those that maintain poise, anticipate plays, and execute with precision in key moments.

Yesterday’s mistakes serve as valuable lessons for players at every level. When fundamentals are strong and Baseball IQ is sharp, the game slows down. Players see opportunities instead of pressure, and routines replace panic. For the Yankees, this is a reminder that even the best teams can be undone by lapses in fundamentals and preparation. For every other team watching, it’s a call to return to basics and recommit to mastering both the mental and physical sides of the game.

*Talking about yesterday's mistakes, I blame Aaron Boone for game one and game 5.

*Juan Soto will command an $800 Million contract, and remember, fans' loyalty means nothing.

*Brian Cashman needs to make major chess moves, and his position may be in jeopardy.

* The Mets and Yankees want Juan Soto, but the sleeper I have been saying is the Dodgers remember, Ohtani and a few other's contracts are deferred