By Coach Wolforth –
Jill and I recently visited our granddaughters in Fishers, Indiana. They’re aged 12, 11, and 7. Our daughter and son-in-law took a short vacation, leaving us in charge of the chaos for six days.
During our brief stay, we immersed ourselves in the world of youth sports. We attended three basketball games, one soccer practice, and one softball practice. It’s clear that Indiana takes its basketball very seriously, with a variety of games from AAU to private parochial school matches.
Ah, the memories.
Reflecting on our own experiences with our son, Garrett, and youth sports, I couldn’t help but recall the antics of overzealous and incompetent coaches and parents. From little league football to select travel baseball to professional baseball, I’ve seen it all.
In little league football, where many of the coaches clearly felt they were the next Bill Belichick, oddly enough, they never taught blocking and tackling.
In the select travel ball baseball circuit, a local narcissist built a juggernaut by seeking out and selecting an entire team of developmentally advanced boys and absolutely brutalized their opponents. Their 8-12-year-old opponents… well done.
Sadly, it seems the lunacy hasn’t changed much over the years.
Throughout our early days, Jill and I often whispered to each other our hopes that high school sports would offer a reprieve from the madness. While our son was fortunate to have solid mentors in high school, the overall landscape remained chaotic. College sports didn’t fare much better. They were actually even worse in many aspects. Even the competence of professional baseball has proved to be disillusioning and very underwhelming.
At 64, I’ve learned that the quality of any experience hinges on the people in charge. It’s not just about skill or performance; it’s about the integrity and competence of those leading the way.
In essence, I’m reminding you of something you already know: There are exceptional individuals at every level of life, but there are also those who are arrogant, incompetent, or downright malicious. Choosing your leaders wisely is crucial.
Sometimes, though, we don’t have the luxury of choice. In those situations, surrounding yourself with a supportive team becomes paramount.
Unfortunately, most people lack the patience, competence, or humility to lead effectively.
They prioritize results over genuine care for those they lead.
The experience is far too often all about “themselves” and not about the people they guide.
They don’t have the mastery or the competence of the subject matter to help give the athlete what he or she needs.
In closing, I remind you: Prior to what Jesus KNEW was to be His last supper, he took time to wash the feet of His disciples. It was NOT the other way around.
Jesus offered no “easy” button.
Jesus talked intimately about the process of faith. He gave each disciple exactly what they needed… without judgment.
Jesus obviously was the ultimate example of servant leadership.
As humans, we’re all flawed. While we shouldn’t place blind faith in people or institutions, we should be discerning about our environments and the company we keep. Our surroundings matter, as does the leadership within our communities.
Too often, I encounter individuals trapped in toxic environments, yearning for change. My advice to them is simple: Endure until you can change your situation, then do so and become more discerning about the leadership you choose going forward.
In conclusion, remember that your struggles are far from unique. Many others have faced similar challenges. Choose your leaders and environments with care. Show appreciation for those who lead with excellence, and don’t hesitate to distance yourself from toxic situations. And if you find yourself in a position of leadership, lead with patience, humility, and empathy.
Until next time,
Stay curious and continue fighting the good fight!
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Important TBR Updates
- Registration for our 2024 “Summer Intensive Development Program” is now open! Join us for 2-11 weeks this summer. For more information on this one of a kind Summer Training experience and for a registration form, CLICK HERE. There is a $500 savings if you sign up by March 15th.
- Our Summer Elite Pitchers Bootcamp dates have been released. We will have seven bootcamps between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For more information on these 3-Day events or to register, CLICK HERE.
- Would you like to experience both the EPBC and Summer Program? We’ve got you covered. Attend one of our 3-Day Elite Pitchers Bootcamps and Add-On one week of our Summer Program immediately after for a total stay of seven days. Call for the details (936) 588-6762 and special savings.
- Have you been considering attending one of our 3-Day Elite Pitchers Bootcamp but haven’t yet pulled the trigger? To help, we have a detailed mailing package entitled “What Makes This Boot Camp Different”. If you’d like to receive this package and start making plans for the summer, email Jill@TexasBaseballRanch.com and request a copy.
- We have updated our YouTube Channel “Texas Baseball Ranch – Ultimate Pitching Training” (@TXBaseballRanch) and would love for you to check it out and subscribe. Here’s a recent upload, “Applied Knowledge for Baseball Pitchers“. Watch it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9fmWJV85OA. Let us know what you think or other topics you’d like to see covered.
