Which of the following professionals would be most likely to help a professional baseball player reduce his stress at the bat?

A sports psychologist is specifically trained to address the mental aspects of athletic performance, such as stress, anxiety, and overall psychological well-being. This professional uses techniques such as visualization, relaxation strategies, and the development of mental resilience, which are crucial for athletes who need to perform under pressure.

In the context of a professional baseball player needing help with stress while batting, a sports psychologist would be most appropriate because they focus on optimizing performance through mental skills enhancement. They understand the unique pressures athletes face and can provide tailored strategies to improve focus and manage stress effectively.

On the other hand, a clinical psychologist typically deals with more generalized mental health issues and may not specialize in sports performance. A sports coach may work on training skills and strategies but is less likely to focus on psychological stress management. A physical therapist centers around physical rehabilitation and injury prevention, thus would not address the psychological factors involved in batting performance.