Harvey A. Dorfman (May 21, 1935 – February 28, 2011) was an American mental skills coach who worked in education and psychology as a teacher, counselor, coach, and consultant. Prior to becoming a mental skills coach, he lived in Manchester, Vermont, where he wrote for a local paper, taught English, and coached basketball at Burr and Burton Academy.[1] He earned World Series rings by serving as a mental skills coach for the 1989 Oakland A's and the 1997 Florida Marlins. In 1999, Dorfman became a full-time consultant teaching the skills of sport psychology and staff development for the Scott Boras Corporation, an agency that represents professional baseball players.[2] A freelance journalist, Dorfman lectured at major universities and for corporations on psychology, self-enhancement, management strategies, and leadership training. He died on February 28, 2011.[3]
Acclaimed former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer was a client of Dorfman's, as was former Toronto Blue Jays and Phillies ace Roy Halladay. Moyer dedicated both his 2013 memoir and a planned pitching academy to his former counselor. "I learned so much from that man," Moyer said, "and to be able to use that knowledge for myself, I really believe I can help others go in the same direction."[4] Dorfman played a role in developing the field of sports mental health and was described as a "pioneering sports psychologist".[5]
