Add new comment

Nice theory, glum.
The key here, I believe, is in fact, mental, not physical.  But physical is the only aspect that actually can get measured - so 100% of results are typically attributed to the physical.  The problem is that all results are a result of the combo of physical and mental.  I'd posit that the several-solid-years guys (who didn't run into injury issues), likely reached a point where playing baseball simply wasn't fulfilling their needs.
If you go to college and study journalism, write for a couple of years, then decide to change careers, and go back and become a computer programmer, you're not looked at as insane.  (If you go from Doctor to Janitor, you might be, though).  People typically do NOT get it right the first time -- as more than 50% of college graduates change majors at least once.  And have a late 20s career change is incredibly common.
But, in pro sports, how many players get to the top level, succeed, and then say, "No, I think I'd rather be a veternarian?"  The answer is --- zero.  The money is simply too good.  You cannot transition to another profession and hope to maintain the kind of monetary reward that pro sports offers.  (However, pro sports DOES offer a schedule that allows some players to explore other massive-money professions, like music or movies). 
Michael Jordan is probably the only real example of a true success, who opted to toss aside the massive paycheck for a different dream.  (That dream, of baseball, also had a huge money payout, if successful).  But, Jordan was in a unique situation where the public could at least nominally understand the move, because of his father's death.  But, many fans and pundits also viewed Jordan as completely bonkers for ditching the NBA for the minors.
In non-sports jobs, it's called "Golden handcuffs".  Making so much money that the option of moving to a new career is effectively impossible, because the monetary dive would be too deep. 
But, before we condemn Bill Hall ... (or any of the other players) ... it's always possible the loss of love for the game isn't about the game, but about the company you're working for.  I imagine it is HARD for players to continue loving the game playing for years with Pittsburgh, pretty much assured of finishing last season after season.  Or, even if the club is winning, the management methods may make the conditions intolerable to a given player.  (The change of scenery success stories are plentiful).
But, once the pilot light of enthusiasm for the game goes out, it is likely that for some guys, it is impossible to relight.  This is one of the reasons I think Z's concentration on mental makeup and "playing the game right" is a valid and useful tool to have in your toolbox.  It just cannot be your only tool. 
This is another reason that giving the career backup types a chance to start can sometimes have startling good results.  To continue playing and giving 100% AFTER you've been judged as deficient is evidence of mental strength.  Me?  I hope Z continues scouring the refuse pile for the Branyan's and Josh Wilson's out there.  They're dirt cheap, don't lock you into multi-year mistakes, and if only one of every 10 breaks out as a starter, you'll soon be viewed as a genius of talent evaluation.