By Coach Ron Wolforth –    Let’s talk for a minute about something that every young man—especially those of us who compete—will absolutely face: criticism.   Now, I know even the mention of that word can sting a little. Nobody likes being criticized. Heck, even at my age and after all these years, there are […]

By Coach Ron Wolforth – 

Let’s talk for a minute about something that every young man—especially those of us who compete—will absolutely face: criticism.

Now, I know even the mention of that word can sting a little. Nobody likes being criticized. Heck, even at my age and after all these years, there are still moments when someone offers me their “feedback”, and I feel a little jab in my chest. But here’s the truth I want to share with you—something I wish every 15-year-old pitcher could place on his heart:

Not all criticism is created equal, and how you handle it will absolutely shape your trajectory as an athlete and as a man.

When I was a young man, I behaved as if all feedback should be treated equally. Every voice mattered. Every opinion deserved my attention.

That sounds humble on the surface, right? But in reality, that kind of thinking is a trap. It will wear you out. It will frustrate you. It will slow your growth. I’ve seen it happen a hundred times at The Ranch—young men spinning their wheels because they’re listening to everybody and trusting nobody.

The first step in handling criticism well is learning to filter it.

Not through arrogance. Not through defensiveness. Through discernment.

Who is this person? Do they really know me? Do they know the craft? Do they care about my future, or are they just venting their own insecurity—or trying to show how smart they are?

Some feedback is golden. Some is far from helpful. You have to learn to discern the difference.

But here’s where it gets tricky: even when the criticism comes from someone who loves you deeply—maybe a coach, a parent, or a teammate—you still need to pause often and consider how you’re receiving it.

Are you immediately getting defensive? Are you shutting down? Are you trying to “win” the conversation? Or are you able to say to yourself, “This may be uncomfortable, but is there something in here I can use? Or is this feedback not useful at this precise moment in time?”.

That’s what the best competitors do.

They extract the useful without taking it personally.

At The Ranch, we talk all the time about being a resilient, open-minded student of yourself and your craft. I don’t care if a young man throws 95 or 65 mph—if he’s coachable and listens, if he has intent to grow rather than defend, and if he welcomes challenge rather than runs from it… He’s going to get better. Period.

Let me share something personal:

Many years ago, someone I respected gave me a piece of feedback that really stung. I felt misunderstood. I felt like they were being unfair. I wanted to push back—to defend myself. But after some time and a couple of long walks with Jill, I realized they were right.

Not entirely right—but right enough.

And because I didn’t slam the door shut, because I stayed open just long enough to reflect, I grew from it. I made an adjustment that made me better. That’s what criticism can do when handled wisely. It can elevate you. Sharpen you. Prepare you for something greater.

So, if you’re reading this, I want you to hear me clearly:

You’re going to be criticized.

Some of it will be fair. Some of it won’t.

Some of it will come from people who genuinely want the best for you. Some of it will come from people who are just trying to knock you down a peg.

Your job is not to avoid criticism—that’s impossible.

Your job is to grow through it.

Learn to pause before reacting. Learn to separate your emotions from the message. Learn to say “thank you,” even when it stings. Most importantly, learn to guard your mindset by only letting the right people speak into your life.

Because the truth is, greatness is built in the fire.

As it says in Scripture, “Iron sharpens iron.”

And criticism? It is part of the heat.

Let it refine you, not define you.

Stay curious and keep fighting the good fight!

– – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Important TBR Updates

• Attention Youth Pitchers & Parents – Registration is open for our youth pitching camp! This once a year event, for players ages 8-12, will be October 4th & 5th.  Registration is open!  There is a $300 “Early Bird” savings if you register by August 11th.  CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

• Our Fall/Winter Elite Pitchers Bootcamp dates have been released!  These are great opportunities to take advantage of our world renowned training. Dates include:
  Aug. 30-Sept 1 (Sat-Mon)
  Oct. 11-13 (Sat-Mon) Columbus Day Weekend
  Nov. 22-24 (Sat-Mon)
  Dec. 28-30 (Sun-Wed)
  Jan. 17-19 (Sat-Mon) Martin Luther King Day Weekend
  Feb. 14-16 (Sat-Mon) President’s Day Weekend
  To register or learn more CLICK HERE

View Entire Post