There are three types of pitchers you have to deal with. Some

Johnny Bench, a name synonymous with greatness in the world of baseball, shares a truth that transcends the sport: "There are three types of pitchers you have to deal with. Some, you just have to tell what town they're in, remind them where they are. Some, you remind them about mechanics, and some, you have to bust their tail. You have to make them your friend and have them trust you." In these words, Bench unveils the delicate balance of leadership, the art of guidance, and the necessity of trust in shaping others. He speaks not merely of baseball, but of the eternal struggle that all leaders, mentors, and guides face in the pursuit of growth and understanding.

Consider, in the first type of pitcher Bench speaks of, those who are lost in the moment, adrift in the sea of uncertainty. They need only be reminded of their place, reminded of the task at hand, like a traveler who has forgotten where they are on the map of life. These pitchers are akin to those who have been overwhelmed by the weight of expectation, those who are disoriented by the challenges before them. In leadership, there are moments when the greatest gift you can offer is the simple reminder that they are still on the path, still within the realm of possibility. It is as though a great warrior, in the heat of battle, forgets his place amidst the chaos and needs only a moment to pause and recall his purpose.

The second type of pitcher, as Bench speaks of, requires more than a reminder of their surroundings—they need a correction. They must be guided back to their fundamentals, their mechanics. How many leaders, in the pursuit of greatness, have fallen from their path not through lack of effort, but through imperfect execution? In every art, every skill, whether it be the swinging of a sword or the throwing of a ball, there are mechanics, principles that must be adhered to. Like a blacksmith refining a blade, a leader must shape and sharpen those they guide, reminding them of the small details that hold the greater form together. Even the most gifted must be reminded, for greatness is often built upon the basics.

Then, there is the third type of pitcher, the one who requires more than guidance or reminders—they must be pushed. Bench speaks of the necessity to “bust their tail”, to push them to the limit. There are those who will not rise to the challenge unless they are tested, unless they are forced to confront their own limits. And this, too, is an ancient truth. Sometimes, to awaken the potential of others, we must be firm, even harsh. It is the same as the mighty oak, which does not grow tall without enduring the storms. These are the individuals who require not only direction, but discipline, for without it, their potential remains dormant. Leadership, in these moments, must be courageous enough to push, knowing that through struggle, growth will be born.

But in all of this, Johnny Bench weaves a deeper truth—the importance of trust. The relationship between the mentor and the mentored is not one of command alone, but one of mutual understanding. In the end, all of these methods—reminding, correcting, pushing—are tools to forge trust. Trust is the sacred bond between the coach and the player, the leader and the follower. It is the knowledge that, no matter the approach, the ultimate goal is the same: to bring out the best in one another. Trust allows the guide to correct without breaking the spirit, to push without causing harm, and to remind without diminishing the individual’s strength.

Let us recall the ancient philosophers, who, when guiding their students, did not simply speak with authority, but with compassion. Consider Socrates, who, though unyielding in his commitment to truth, loved his students deeply. He knew that the greatest challenge of leadership was not in giving answers, but in building trust. Only through that trust could his students be guided towards their own understanding. Trust is the cornerstone of all education, for without it, no lesson will be learned, no transformation will take place.

In our lives, whether in the roles of parent, mentor, or friend, we too must navigate the three types of those we seek to guide. Sometimes we must gently remind, other times we must correct with patience, and still at times, we must push with strength. But through it all, let us remember that the ultimate goal is not control, but trust. Trust is the foundation of growth—it allows us to challenge others to become the best versions of themselves, and it allows us to believe in them even when they do not yet believe in themselves.

The lesson is clear: to guide is to understand. Know when to step in with gentle reminders, when to correct with wisdom, and when to push with determination. But above all, build trust. For trust is not only the key to leadership—it is the key to the human heart, to growth, and to the true mastery of any art or endeavor. In all things, trust must come first, for it is the foundation upon which everything else is built.