“People who complain about the way the ball bounces usually dropped it”

“People who complain about the way the ball bounces usually dropped it” (that is, people who complain about something that is messed-up often caused the mess) is a popular saying. “Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it” was cited in April 1960, when it was credited to the American Printing Company. The saying was credited to Bruce Lefler in June 1960.
 
 
10 April 1960, Sunday Light (San Antonio, TX), “Bexar Facts” by Morris Willson, pg. 5-E, col. 2:
Thanx to the American Printing co. for the observation, “Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.”
 
16 April 1960, Hattiesburg (MS) American, “This Week At The YMCA” by Jack Gandy, pg. 5, col. 4:
“Y”‘s MEN’S THOUGHTS: Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.
 
12 June 1960, The Daily News-Texan (Grand Prairie, TX), pg. 9, col. 2:
“Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.”—Bruce Lefler.
 
26 November 1960, Evening World-Herald (Omaha, NE), pg. 4, col. 2:
Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.—Bruce Lefler.
 
Google News Archive
5 April 1961, Beaver County (PA) Times, “Teenage Corner” by Ellie and David, pg. 30, col. 1:
Don’t complain about the way the ball bounces when you are the one who threw it!
   
2 March 1962, Greensboro (NC) Record, pg. 1 right masthead box:
Jest A Minute
Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.
   
Google News Archive
1 June 1966, Miami (FL) News, pg. 10A, col. 8 ad:
DESSY BELLE SEZ: Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.
(Maico Hearing Aid Service.—ed.)
 
Google News Archive
17 June 1967, Wilmington (NC) Morning Star, pg. 1, col. 1:
THOUGHT—Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.
 
Google News Archive
15 August 1967, Reading (PA) Eagle, pg. 10, col. 3 ad:
SUNNY SIDE UP by Mrs. G.
(...)
Can’t complain about the way the ball bounces, when I’m the one who dropped it!
(Gelbach’s Diner.—ed.)
 
Google News Archive
5 December 1971,The Sunday Star-News (Wilmington, NC),  pg. 6-F, col. 1:
The Light Touch
By CHARLES SMITH, REALTOR
(...)
People who complain about the way the ball bounces are usually the ones who dropped it.
 
Google News Archive
1 March 1975, Pittsburgh (PA) Post-Gazette, “Sidelights on Sports” by Al Abrams, pg. 6, col. 1:
Charley Affif, fighter turned philosopher, says: “Those who complain about the way the ball bounces often are the ones who dropped it.”
 
Google Books
14,000 Quips & Quotes:
For Speakers, Writers, Editors, Preachers, and Teachers
By E. C. McKenzie
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House
1990, ©1980
Pg. 96:
Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.
 
Twitter
Donald Broom
‏@donaldbroom
People who complain about the way the ball bounces usually dropped it.
10:20 AM - 30 Jun 2014