How important is team chemistry in baseball?

Utley for President: How important is team chemistry in baseball?
I’m watching Raul Ibanez talk about how this year his experience in baseball has been so much different than any other year; no one on the Phillies is “above” anyone else or thinks they’re better than anyone else. I’ve always placed a fairly high value on good team chemistry, but I’d like to hear some thoughts on it.

Answers and Views:

Answer by The “N” is silent
Just ask the lowly Mets. No team chemistry = no winning

Answer by crader72
Chemistry is the product of winning, wins solve a lot of clubhouse problems. Raul’s only experience has been losing in Seattle and Kansas City, so no wonder he’s loving it in Philly.

Answer by dibz
Team chemistry is a very important part in baseball just like the mental part

Answer by Father Steve Bartelli
an Team Chemistry Enhance Performance?

Without further ado, the answer is yes. Team cohesion is shown to be related to a team’s ultimate success on the field. But wait before patting yourselves on the back, it’s a little more complex than what I just mentioned.

Although many studies have found that a team’s chemistry was related to is subsequent performance, many other studies found that team chemistry had very little to do with how successful the team became. So why the “yes” response you ask?

It’s simple. Success is related to the type of cohesion that exists within the team. More specifically, if your team has a high level of task cohesion, meaning that they play well together and remain united in the pursuit of the team’s goals, then they are more likely to enjoy success.

On the other hand, having a high amount of social cohesion, meaning that the team members are good friends and that they enjoy each other’s company, means very little in the way of predicting your team’s performance.

In fact, it has even been found that teams who are high in social cohesion play worse as a team!

So, the key is not necessarily that your team members like each other (although this is an admirable team quality and can be good for members’ well-being), but that they are united in their efforts to achieve the team goals set forth at the beginning of the season.

Answer by mimi: angel l♥ve
I think team chemistry has a lot to do with it. People can say whatever the heck they want but I really believe in this thing. Like the people you play with and the kind of “family atmosphere” can really make a team comfortable and play well. And if it doesn’t.. you can’t say it doesn’t help 🙂

I’m more attracted to teams that have guys who might not necessarily be the most popular but are important to the team in their own way. Superstars are nice but I like teams that have guys who are tight knit and know what their individual jobs are to help the team out overall 🙂

Answer by Jenn Brewers Girl
For team psyche and drive to play team chemistry is very important. Wanting to play because of strong bonds created will improve overall team performance. Baseball is a game in which the individual strives to do their best but also needs the team for overall success. Having each other’s back and an enthusiasm to see these guys and play ball to the best level while supporting and encouraging each other will win games.

Poor chemistry leads to over-inflated egos and “me, me, me” with little regard to how the next guy is doing. Without support these guys have to be without the spirit that a team that works together has. Thus, no spirit, less drive to win.

Answer by The Real Guitar Hero
It is very important. Team chemistry is a misunderstood term. It doesn’t mean the players are all friends and agree with each other. It means a team that hates to lose, and will do everything it can to win. You need that kind of drive in a team, because it makes them try extra hard to win every game they can.

Answer by bullshicle
It’s one of those things that is underrated.

For example, the shortstop and 2B need to understand what each one is going to do. You see it this year with the A’s — Orlando Cabrera and Adam Kennedy, who used to play together with the Angels, were a seamless double play combination before Mark Ellis came back.

More to the point that Ibanez makes, think about it — anyone would probably end up doing a better job at whatever job they have if they like and respect the people they’re working with.

Answer by MNFFL
It is very important. You can spend 200 million a year on all of the best players, and still not get to the playoffs if you don’t have chemistry. Or you can be a nobody team and get to the World Series because of amazing chemistry. Take your pick.

Answer by Scooter_the_squirrel_agent
Chemistry is very important in Baseball or any sport in general. Without it it’s then all about ego & doing things only for themselves.

Answer by jenna – loves TB rays :)xo
teams and players definitly need chemistry, in order to win games, make good plays, and pitch good.

The players need communication & chemistry, and tell each other where to make the plays, if there will be double plays, what type of pitch is going to be pitched, ect.

if they have good chemistry than;
good chemistry = good plays.
GREAT chemistry = games winned.

*and i totally agree with Jenn Brewers Girl. She got that whole concieted thing right. If teams dont have good chemistry – it leads to bragging , and only caring about themselves.

Answer by PPPL*was crakin my man?*
If you’re team wants to win, and u hate grudges, it’s very important.

Answer by Cavs Browns Indians
Chemistry is by far and away the most improtant thing in every single team sport.

If you’re team doesn’t have chemistry, you’re not goingn to be good. Simple.

Answer by Bert Weidemeier
Chemistry is very important to any team, not just in baseball, but in life too. A sales team needs to have good chemistry for success.

Success breeds more success, and negativity breeds more of that as well.. That’s the case in everyday life. One cancer in any clubhouse can destroy that teams chemistry.

(I’m certain that’s whats wrong with the Mets, its not only the injuries)

Answer by ms. hippie queen astros 46-44
chemistry is important in everything you do. if you don’t gel, it’ll never be as good as it can be. you know that whole “united we stand, divded we fall” stuff :p