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| 2,490 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,490 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
General  | Blog | 10/9/2024

Wolforth Throwing Mentorship: Article 44

Why One Should Never Ignore Arm Pain

Part 2: Understanding the Significance of the Location of Your Arm Pain



Pay close attention to where your arm pain is located; it can offer vital clues about its source.
Let’s begin Part II of our discussion on arm discomfort with a truth you already know intuitively: Not all arm discomfort is of equal concern.



While this statement is undeniably true, things can quickly become unclear when we try to dig deeper into the issue.

We tend to rationalize discomfort using seemingly harmless phrases like:
· "It’s just normal after-throwing soreness."
· "I’m just stiff."
· "I’m just tender."
· "I’m just tight."
· "I’m just tired or fatigued."
· "I slept wrong on my arm last night."
· "I banged my elbow on something."

These “explanations” often serve to help us ignore our concerns about arm health and durability… At least temporarily.

However, denial is a dangerous thing. It can soften or blur the truth, often delaying or even preventing us from addressing and overcoming a potential issue. Unfortunately, the consequences of denial tend to show up at the worst possible times—like when the stakes are high, and scouts are watching.

Instead of denial, we should choose awareness, recognition, presence, and acknowledgment. The truth, though it may sting initially, is far more productive in the long run. As Scripture reminds us, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Once you come to terms with the truth about your arm health, the next critical question is: Where EXACTLY is the pain? Point to it.

· Medial elbow?
· Anterior shoulder?
· Lateral elbow?
· Posterior shoulder?

Or is your pain in multiple areas, like the medial elbow and anterior shoulder?

How significant is the pain, and how frequently does it occur?

Why the Location of Pain Matters

The location of your pain can give valuable insight into the inefficiency of your throwing mechanics. This applies to ALL throwers.

· Medial elbow and/or anterior shoulder tenderness often points to inefficiencies in the acceleration phase of the movement, leading to microtrauma in the soft tissues of these areas. While not always the case, this pattern holds true a majority of the time. Therefore, this is where we focus during video analysis.

· Lateral elbow and/or posterior shoulder tenderness typically points to inefficiencies in the deceleration phase, which also causes microtrauma to the soft tissue in these areas. This, too, becomes a focal point in our video assessment.

Individualized Solutions Are Key

Creating a healthy, durable arm is a complex and highly individualized process. No two players experience arm discomfort in exactly the same way.

While many teams and organizations now use basic arm care programs—which is certainly a step in the right direction—treating all locations of discomfort with a one-size-fits-all approach often falls short. For example, treating a player with posterior arm pain using the same protocols as a player with medial elbow pain is unlikely to yield satisfying results.

This is why identifying the location of pain and understanding which phase of the movement needs adjustment is critical to reducing or eliminating discomfort.

Yet, how often are these distinctions made? Unfortunately, not often enough. Most programs aim to simplify a complex problem, administering a generic solution to check the "arm care" box.

That’s one reason hundreds of young athletes come to the Texas Baseball Ranch® each year. They seek personalized programs tailored to their specific needs, whether for arm health, velocity, command, or secondary pitch development.

Your arm health matters. The location of your pain matters. Your mechanics, training, mobility, strength, and workload all play a role in ensuring long-term durability.

Next time, “Part 3: Steps to Alleviate Typical Arm Pain.” 

Coach Ron Wolforth is the founder of the Texas Baseball Ranch® and has written six books on pitching including the Amazon Best Seller, Pitching with Confidence. Since 2003, The Texas Baseball Ranch® has had over 579 pitchers break the 90 mph barrier, 208 have toped 94mph or better, and 135 of his students have been drafted in the MLB’s June Amateur Draft. Coach Wolforth has consulted with 13 MLB teams, dozens of NCAA programs and has been referred to as “ America’s Go-to-Guy on Pitching” and “The Pitching Coaches Pitching Coach.” Coach Wolforth lives in Montgomery, TX with his wife, Jill. They are intimately familiar with youth select, travel baseball and PG events as their son Garrett (now a professional catcher) went through the process. Garrett still holds the PG Underclass All-American Games record for catcher velocity at 89mph which he set in 2014 at the age of 16.

- - - - - - - - -

Fall/Winter Events at the Texas Baseball Ranch®

Join our 3-Day “Elite Pitcher’s Boot Camps”, designed for pitchers aged 12 and above. We’re hosting one every month from October-February.  For additional details, visit: https://www.texasbaseballranch.com/elite-pitchers-bootcamp/

Interested in learning what sets our boot camps apart? Request our comprehensive information package “What Makes This Bootcamp Different?" by emailing Jill@TexasBaseballRanch.com

Attention all CATCHERS: TBR’s 6th Annual “Elite Catchers Bootcamp” will take place this year on December 6th-8th. This is a once a year opportunity to work with the pros. There is an “Early Bird” $500 savings available. Go to www.TexasBaseballRanch.com/catcher to learn more and register.

Do you live in the north Houston area?  Then the Texas Baseball Ranch’s night classes could be a great fit for you. For more information, call (936) 588-6762 or email info@texasbaseballranch.com

General | Blog | 6/16/2026

Wolforth Throwing Mentorship: Article 66

Ron Wolforth
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More than 30 teams from the 14U-18U age divisions will head to Fort Myers, Florida this Fourth of July weekend for the seventh annual Perfect Game Freedom Classic. The tournament, running July 3-6, features several nationally ranked prospects from across the country as teams look to compete for a championship. Headlining the field are twin brothers Derek and Ryan Yormark of Merrick, New York. Right-handed pitcher Derek Yormack is the No. 51-ranked player in the class of 2027, the No. 1 player in New York and the No. 5-ranked right-handed pitcher in the country. First baseman Ryan Yormark comes in just behind his twin brother as the No. 3 overall player in New York, the No. 5 first baseman in the nation and the No. 90-ranked player nationally. Both brothers are committed to Vanderbilt. Derek Yormark has established himself as one of the top two-way prospects in the 2027 class. He has run...
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16u Elite Scout Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
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Tournaments | Story | 7/1/2026

Performance Baseball Rolls On

Kinley Kitchens
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Championship teams often reveal themselves when the game isn’t going their way. Performance Baseball 2028/Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team did exactly that. Trailing Florida Burn 2028 Scout through four innings, the Brewers refused to panic. Instead, they relied on timely hitting, consistent pitching, and an unselfish approach at the plate, rallying a five-run fifth inning before pulling away for a 9-5 victory to clinch their spot in the semifinals. The comeback was fueled by contributions throughout the lineup. Six different players drove in runs, including two RBIs each from Aiden Capobianco and Cameron Massey, while Matthew Heredia, Parker Weston, Ethan Smith, and Aj Bonnette each added an RBI of their own. On the mound, Derek Wenzel set the tone with 3.2 solid innings before Ethan Smith shut the door in relief, helping preserve the comeback victory. Although the Brewers have had a...
Tournaments | Championship | 7/1/2026

JK Select Hawaii Tackles 14u West WS

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JK Select Hawaii capped off an impressive tournament run by defeating GBG Vegas 14u Red14-4 in the championship game on Sunday at Goodyear Ballpark, claiming the 14u West World Series title. From the opening pitch, JK Select controlled the pace of the game. The offense jumped out early, scoring 6 runs in the 1st inning after timely hits from MVP Sean Shindo and Kade Manarpaac. The early lead gave the pitching staff confidence as they worked efficiently through the opposing lineup. “I've worked hard to get better at my game for the past few months; it means a lot that I did well and performed in a tournament like this” said Shindo. Starting pitcher Maddox Prones turned in a strong performance, allowing 3 runs while striking out 5 batters over 3 innings. The defense backed the effort with great plays in the middle infield, preventing GBG Vegas from building momentum....
Tournaments | Story | 7/1/2026

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Kinley Kitchens
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On the second day of the 2026 Perfect Game National Elite Championship, one swing turned heads across the ballpark. The next one brought everyone to a stop. With Wow Factor Nation 16U trailing midway through its matchup against Sandlot Scout Team 2028, Micheal O'Connor launched a solo home run to spark the offense. Just one batter later, Aaron Frink stepped into the box and sent another ball over the fence, delivering back-to-back home runs that quickly became one of the most talked about moments of the tournament’s opening days. Parents gathered along the nets, players from previous games stopped to watch, and college scouts turned their attention toward the action as the two towering swings energized the crowd and brought new life to the game. Although Wow Factor Nation ultimately lost 5-3 after a hard-fought performance, the back-to-back home runs served as a reminder of the...
Tournaments | Story | 6/30/2026

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Following a jam-packed week of entertainment at the 17u WWBA Championships, the top nationally ranked program, USA Prime 17u National/Detroit Tigers Scout Team, faced off against Stacked Baseball 17u (No. 80 nationally) in the highly anticipated championship matchup as both teams looked to earn one of the most prestigious titles in all of travel baseball. Each talented squad entered the finale undefeated, but Stacked Baseball continued their dominance throughout the tournament, defeating the Detroit Tigers Scout Team 10-2 in mercy rule fashion to become national champions behind explosive bats and impressive pitching. Stacked Baseball was the overwhelming top team throughout the week as the WWBA Champions outscored opponents by an absurd 117-12 during their 11-0 run. “We got some talented kids, but we played against a little bit of Goliath over there,” Stacked Head Coach Mike...
Tournaments | Story | 6/30/2026

17u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 7

Perfect Game Staff
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17u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4  Day 5 | Day 6 Shea Corona (2027, Brooklyn, N.Y.) showcased some loud stuff out of the bullpen for MLB Breakthrough Series 2027. The New York native and primary shortstop topped out at 93 with the fastball, sitting comfortable in the 90-92 range. Corona paired it with a sharp and tight slider at 81-83, staying on the same plane until late. The pitch plays well already and the delivery is very athletic. The uncommitted right-hander went three scoreless and was in the zone plenty, striking out two while not allowing a walk. '27 SS Moises Gudino (FL) continues to stay red hot, working a long AB & cracking an oppo 2B on the 8th pitch. Really seeing ing well. #WWBA @Florida_PG https://t.co/OjNJ8Bmzao pic.twitter.com/WoDDp35EI1 — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 30, 2026 Moises Gudino (2027, Tampa, Fla.)...
Tournaments | Story | 6/30/2026

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Every team hopes to start a tournament with momentum, but few make a statement quite like Texas Twelve Maroon 2028. Matched up against defending champion Excel Blue Wave National to kick off their debut in the 2026 Perfect Game National Elite Championship, Texas Twelve Maroon delivered a complete team performance, earning a hard-fought 3-2 victory and immediately establishing themselves as one of the top teams to watch this week. The win showcased the balance that has made Texas Twelve Maroon a powerful team. Strong pitching, timely hitting, and steady defense all played a role as the team held off one of the tournament’s premier programs. Right-hander Ty Antley turned in an outstanding performance on the mound, throwing a complete game while allowing only five hits and two walks over seven innings. The High Follow prospect worked consistently between 85-89 mph and mixed in a sharp...
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Flames Natty used timely hitting and a dominant start from Beau Collier to defeat NLB American 7-3 and capture the 18U BCS National Championship on Monday at Lee Health Sports Complex. Despite being assembled just hours before the tournament began, the Flames quickly developed chemistry throughout the tournament. “This team was put together 12 hours before this tournament, and they went on a crazy run,” head coach Adam Vasquez said. “These kids know each other locally, but they don’t play together. For them to come together last minute like that, it’s crazy. I’m proud of them for that.” The game opened as a pitchers’ duel, with David Acevedo recording the lone hit through the first two innings. NLB American starter Hayden Graham kept the Flames in check early, allowing just one hit while striking out one over 2.0 innings. The right-hander...
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