Inside Athletic Training

Scott Takao has seen just about everything there is to see in professional baseball medicine. As the Medical Administrator for the Chicago White Sox, Scott has spent nearly four decades with one organization, watching the profession evolve, the game change, and generations of players and staff come and go. On this episode, we sit down with Scott to talk about his journey, what nearly 40 years with one club teaches you about loyalty, longevity, and leadership, and what the future of athletic t...

Hamstring injuries are one of the most persistent challenges in professional baseball — and two of the sport’s top sports medicine minds are breaking down why. In this episode of The Research Rundown, Philadelphia Phillies Assistant Athletic Trainer Joe Rauch and Atlanta Braves Physical Therapist Jeremiah Randall dig into the research behind hamstring injuries in baseball, covering everything from off-season training and spring training ramp-up to in-season management and setting athletes up ...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we sit down with LJ Petra, Head Athletic Trainer for the Miami Marlins. LJ spent over a decade working his way through professional baseball before stepping into the head role in Miami, where he leads a young staff and is doing the intentional work of shaping a program's culture from the ground up. We talk about his career path, how he thinks about developing the athletic trainers around him, the importance of staff relationships, what he has learn...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we sit down with Joe Myers, Director of Baseball Performance Science for the Tampa Bay Rays and one of the most credentialed minds in the sports science space. Joe spent nearly 15 years as a professor and researcher at UNC before making the jump to professional baseball, and that academic foundation shapes everything about how he approaches performance, injury prevention, and player development in the Rays organization. We dig into what sports scie...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we sit down with Jeremy Harris, Director of Minor League Medical Services for the Cleveland Guardians. Jeremy talks about what it actually takes to oversee player health across an entire minor league system, how he thinks about building a culture within a large and constantly changing medical staff, and what mentorship has meant to his own career, how he pays it forward to the athletic trainers coming up behind him, and much more. For more in...

Few people in professional baseball have seen and done what Ron Porterfield has. Over the course of a career spanning nearly four decades, Ron built one of the most respected sports medicine programs in the game with the Tampa Bay Rays, served as President of PBATS, and has now been part of three World Series championship clubs with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In this episode, Ron takes us through the full arc of his career, from his early days in the minor leagues to the major league level, wha...

In episode 7 of the Research Rundown, Paul Buchheit and Joe Rauch sit down with Dave Yeager to dig into one of the most meaningful evolutions in his clinical practice — the shift from a broad, generalized approach to something far more precise and individualized. Dave calls it going from shotgun to sniper. Over years of working with professional athletes, he has refined the way he thinks about each player's capacity, load tolerance, and movement patterns, moving away from one-size-fits-all pr...

Bob Tarpey spent 20 years building a career in professional baseball's medical world, working his way up through the Blue Jays, Mets, and Angels organizations before finally reaching the Major League level this year. Along the way, he earned Midwest League and Eastern League Athletic Trainer of the Year honors, was named PBATS Minor League Athletic Trainer of the Year, and represented the World Team as ATC at the MLB Futures Game. In this episode, Bob joins Inside Athletic Training to talk ab...

The Research Rundown continues with Episode 6, where host Joe Rauch (Philadelphia Phillies) sits down with Jacob Newburn (Texas Rangers) to unpack one of the hottest trends on the training room floor: red light therapy. From wearable clothing, and infrared saunas, red and near-infrared light have exploded into the recovery space — but what's actually happening at the cellular level? Drawing on his co-authored research for PBATS, Newburn breaks down the wavelengths that matter, how photobiomod...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we sit down with Derek Lawrance, Assistant Athletic Trainer for the United States Men's National Team. Derek just came off one of the most intense and high-profile assignments any athletic trainer in the country could have — serving on the medical staff for the U.S. squad during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted right here on American soil. From the preparation and logistics of keeping elite international players healthy through a tournament of that ...

Kevin Rand's career in professional baseball spans over four decades. He started with the New York Yankees organization as a minor league athletic trainer in 1982, spent nearly a decade with the Florida Marlins, and had a brief stop with the Montreal Expos before landing with the Detroit Tigers in 2002, where he'd spend the next 20 years, first as Head Athletic Trainer, then as Senior Director of Medical Services. In this episode, Kevin looks back on his journey through the game, from breakin...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we sit down with Mike Reinold, one of the most recognized names in sports medicine and athletic training. Mike spent years as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Boston Red Sox, where he was part of a championship organization and worked with some of the best athletes in the game. Since leaving the dugout, he has built one of the most respected platforms in the profession as an author, podcaster, and owner of Champion Physical Therapy and Performance...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we're joined by Joe Rogowski and Dr. Matthew Martinez to talk about the growing role of sports cardiology in professional athletics and the work Athletic Heart is doing to change how teams approach cardiac screening. Athletic Heart was built to deliver advanced cardiovascular tools and technologies specifically engineered for the demands of sports medicine — from EKG and echocardiogram protocols to certification resources for the clinicians who per...

Youth arm health has become one of the most pressing concerns in baseball, and this episode dives straight into it. We're joined by Dave Yeager, longtime Athletic Trainer for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Jeff Weems, founder of PitchKount, a platform built to help track pitch counts and reduce overuse injuries in young players. Dave and Jeff break down the risks tied to early sports specialization, what the data shows about youth arm injuries, and how PitchKount is attempting to tackle a problem...

Dr. Matthew Ithurburn, Director of Clinical Research at the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) in Birmingham, Alabama, joins us to talk about the research shaping the future of sports medicine. Dr. Ithurburn leads ASMI's clinical research team, working alongside Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center on outcomes studies, longitudinal research, and surgical and biologic clinical trials. We dig into what this research means for athletic trainers on the ground, how it'...

Dan Martin has spent 14 years climbing the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system — from Short Season Rookie ball in Johnson City to Triple-A Memphis. This year, he made the jump to the major league staff in St. Louis. In this episode, Dan reflects on his first season in the big leagues, the journey it took to get there, and what day-to-day life looks like as a major league athletic trainer. He also opens up about managing work-life balance during the demanding MLB season and shares advice f...

The Tommy John epidemic has become one of the most pressing issues in baseball and in this episode of The Research Rundown, we bring together five of the game's leading sports medicine minds to tackle it head on. Dr. Michael T. Freehill, Head Team Physician, and Brian Schulman, Director of Sports Medicine and Performance of the Athletics, join Dr. Steven B. Cohen, Head Team Physician, Paul Buchheit, Head Athletic Trainer, and Joe Rauch, Assistant Athletic Trainer of the Philadelphia Phi...

He made history as the first assistant athletic trainer in MLB, rehabbed Bo Jackson's hip, got Michael Jordan ready for the diamond, and was on the field when the White Sox won the 2005 World Series. In this episode, Herm Schneider — one of the longest-tenured and most pioneering athletic trainers in MLB history — reflects on 40+ years with the White Sox, the evolution of sports medicine, his brotherhood with PBATS, and life after the game. For more information about PBATS and athletic traini...

On this episode of the Inside Athletic Training Podcast, we’re joined by Bryan Housand, Minor League Medical Coordinator for the Minnesota Twins organization. Bryan discusses his path through professional baseball, what the role of a Minor League Medical Coordinator looks like behind the scenes, and the challenges of overseeing player health and communication across an entire farm system. We also dive into the evolving relationship between medical and performance staffs, the growing importanc...

In Episode 125 of the Inside Athletic Training Podcast, NATA President AJ Duffy joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of athletic training, leadership within the profession, collaboration across sports medicine organizations, the upcoming NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo in Philadelphia, and the key challenges and opportunities shaping athletic training today. For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.

Cannabis is one of the most debated topics in sports medicine — and one of the least understood. Dr. Jeff Konin, a leading sports medicine and cannabis expert, joins us to cut through the noise on what cannabis actually does to the athlete's body, whether it belongs in performance and recovery protocols, and what athletic trainers need to know to counsel their athletes with confidence. Learn more about Dr. Konin here. For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.c...

In Episode 4 of The Research Rundown, hosts Paul Buchheit (Head Athletic Trainer, Phillies) and Joe Rauch (Assistant Athletic Trainer, Phillies) are joined by Brad Pearson (VP of Sports Medicine, Red Sox) to break down the relationship between training load and injury risk. Using the paper “Training Load and Injury: Causal Pathways and Future Directions,” the group explores what the research actually says about causality, common misconceptions, and how athletic trainers can apply these insigh...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we’re joined by Dr. Cameron Roth and Andrew Rizza, co-hosts of the Behind the Sports Medicine Podcast, for a conversation on how they broke into podcasting, the standout guests and moments from their show, the evolution of athletic training, and where the sports medicine profession is headed next. Check out the Behind the Sports Medicine podcast here More about Dr. Roth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-roth-4160b91b0/ More about Andrew Rizza: h...

In this episode, we sit down with Erick Flores, International Medical Coordinator for the Detroit Tigers, to discuss the unique world of international academy baseball and what it takes to manage player health at that level. Erick breaks down the key differences between developmental and competitive baseball, what sports medicine looks like inside an academy program, and how athletic trainers approach the long-term care of young international prospects who are still years away from affiliated...

On this episode of the Inside Athletic Training podcast, we’re joined by Kim Stein of the Gatorade Sports Science Institut (GSSI) to explore the critical role sleep, nutrition, and recovery play in supporting performance throughout a demanding baseball season. From navigating travel schedules and late-night games to optimizing daily routines, Kim shares practical, evidence-based strategies athletic trainers can apply to help players recover more effectively and stay on the field. The conversa...

In Episode 119 of Inside Athletic Training, we’re joined by Dr. Peter Chalmers, orthopedic surgeon and shoulder and elbow specialist at the University of Utah, to discuss thoracic outlet syndrome and its impact on baseball players. Dr. Chalmers shares insights from his presentation at the Baseball Team Medicine Conference, breaking down the challenges of diagnosing and managing thoracic outlet syndrome, as well as key considerations in the return to play process. We also explore broader theme...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we sit down with Blair Bundy, Vice President of Player Health and Performance for the Milwaukee Brewers, to discuss his journey in professional baseball and the day-to-day responsibilities of leading player care at the Major League level. Blair shares insights on managing health and performance across a full season, collaborating with multidisciplinary staff, and adapting to the evolving demands of the game. He also breaks down his recent presentat...

On this episode of Research Rundown, a series from Inside Athletic Training, Philadelphia Phillies' Paul Buchheit is joined by Nick Jensen of the Milwaukee Brewers to examine how pitch tracking data is being used to identify potential warning signs associated with acute UCL injuries in MLB pitchers. The guys break down how changes in velocity, movement profiles, and pitch characteristics may relate to injury risk, what trends are actually meaningful, and how this information can be applied in...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we’re joined by Kevin Pillifant, Minor League Medical Coordinator for the Chicago White Sox. In his role, Pillifant helps oversee the coordination of medical care across the organization’s minor league system, working with athletic trainers, performance staff, and medical providers throughout player development. We also explore Pillifant’s unique career path through sports medicine, including experiences working internationally, involvement ...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we’re joined by Darryl Conway, MA, AT, ATC, FNAP, Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director and Chief Health & Welfare Officer for the University of Michigan Athletics. A member of the NATA Hall of Fame Class of 2024, Conway has spent decades advancing the athletic training profession through leadership, education, and advocacy. In addition to his role at Michigan, Conway is the owner of Conway Ventures, LLC and Co-Owner, President and Chief...

In this episode of Research Rundown, host Paul Buchheit of the Philadelphia Phillies sits down with Joe Benge of the Tampa Bay Rays for a big-picture conversation on injury prevention and the evolving role of research in baseball. Together, they discuss how data and experience intersect in player care, how research should inform — but not dictate — clinical decision-making, and what current trends mean for athletic trainers working at both the professional and youth levels. The conversation a...

Today we’re joined by Will Carroll, nationally recognized injury expert and author of Under the Knife. Known for translating complex medical data into clear, actionable insight, Will brings a unique perspective on baseball’s evolving injury landscape and what he famously calls the game’s “billion-dollar bleed.” We dive into the financial and competitive impact of injuries across Major League Baseball, the data trends shaping modern sports medicine, and how teams can better measure and manage ...

On this episode of the PBATS Inside Athletic Training Podcast, we’re joined by Tyler Brooks, Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tyler’s path to the big leagues is anything but typical, from his early career beginnings through impactful international experience in the Dominican Republic, Tyler brings a unique perspective on athletic training in professional baseball. We dive into how his time in the DR shaped his clinical approach, built cultural fluency, and prepared him t...

In this episode of the PBATS Inside Athletic Training Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Glenn Fleisig, one of the most accomplished and influential scientists in baseball biomechanics and sports medicine. Dr. Fleisig helped develop the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) alongside Dr. James Andrews and has spent nearly four decades advancing research on pitching mechanics, injury prevention, and player health. We discuss Dr. Fleisig’s remarkable career journey, how biomechanics has transform...

On this episode of the PBATS Inside Athletic Training Podcast, we’re joined by Brandon Zumbach, Minor League Medical Coordinator for the Houston Astros. Brandon shares insight into overseeing player health and rehabilitation across an entire minor league system, the challenges of delivering consistent care at multiple levels, and how innovation, communication, and collaboration shape modern baseball sports medicine. For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.

The Research Rundown launches as a new monthly series from the Inside Athletic Training Podcast, focused on translating baseball sports medicine research into practical insight for athletic trainers. In this inaugural episode, hosts Paul Buchheit and Joe Rauch of the Philadelphia Phillies are joined by Corey Tremble of the Miami Marlins to discuss recent research examining the association between hand size and UCL reconstruction in professional baseball players. The conversation breaks down t...

In this episode of the PBATS Inside Athletic Training Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Amy Beacom, Team Physician for the Minnesota Twins. Dr. Beacom discusses her journey into professional baseball, what it’s like working on a daily basis with MLB athletic trainers, and how collaboration, communication, and research guide player care throughout a demanding season. She also shares insight into the offseason responsibilities of a team physician and how medical teams balance performance, availabili...

This week, we’re joined by Dr. Adam Feit of Springfield College, a leader in high-performance consulting whose work spans sport psychology, strength and conditioning, coaching education, and nutrition. Dr. Feit shares insights on mental performance, working with athletes, and why mental skills are such a critical part of the athletic trainer’s role in high-performance environments. A great conversation for anyone working in sports medicine, performance, or athlete development. For more ...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we’re joined by Corey Tremble, Medical Director for the Miami Marlins. Corey takes us inside his first year leading the Marlins’ athletic training and rehab team, sharing lessons learned, surprises along the way, and how he’s approaching offseason planning. We also dive into leadership, communication, staff development, and what he looks for when hiring the next generation of athletic trainers. Whether you’re a student, a young AT, or a veteran in ...

On today’s episode of the Inside Athletic Training Podcast, we’re joined by Jim Kahmann—former Head Athletic Trainer for the Minnesota Twins, longtime PBATS member, and now author of a new book sharing his journey through athletic training in the minor leagues. Jim spent decades in professional baseball and has a library of stories, lessons, and perspective from his time working in the game. Today, he joins us to talk about life on the road, athlete care in the early days of baseball sports m...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we sit down with Chelsea Willette, Minor League Athletic Training Coordinator for the Boston Red Sox. Chelsea opens up about her journey through professional baseball, her leadership role supporting athletic trainers across multiple affiliates, and the evolution of sports medicine within player development. She also discusses mentorship, innovation, and what it means to build trust and communication across an entire organization. A must-listen for ...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we sit down with Lauren Powers, athletic trainer for the Dayton Dragons, the High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Lauren opens up about her path into athletic training, the day-to-day realities of working in professional baseball, and what it means to be a woman in a historically male-dominated field. From building trust with young players, to balancing mental health, to the camaraderie that comes with life on the road, Lauren share...

On this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we sit down with Ben Potenziano, former PBATS Executive Board member and longtime MLB athletic trainer with the Giants, Pirates and Marlins, who now serves as an athletic trainer on the PGA Tour. Ben shares insights from his years in professional baseball, the unique demands of transitioning to golf, and what it takes to keep elite athletes performing at their best across two very different sports. For more information about PBATS and athletic trai...

On episode 101 of the Inside Athletic Training podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Michael T. Freehill—a rare blend of elite athlete and leading sports medicine physician. A former professional pitcher drafted by the California Angels, Dr. Freehill now serves as an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford University, specializing in shoulder and elbow care, and is the Head Team Physician for the Athletics and Stanford University Baseball. His career has spanned the pitcher’...

On this episode, we're joined by Luke Novosel, assistant athletic trainer and physical therapist for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Luke is in his first season in Major League Baseball and has built a career grounded in consistency, collaboration, and care for his athletes. We’ll talk about his path to the big leagues, his time spent playing Division 1 baseball at the University of Pittsburgh, what he’s learned along the way, and how the role of the athletic trainer continues to evolve in toda...

On this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we’re joined by Kandi Pickard and Colleen Hatcher from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to talk about their impactful, long-standing partnership with PBATS. Together, NDSS and PBATS have worked to champion inclusion in baseball, sports, and the workplace through joint initiatives like the PLAY Campaign and the Ability Transcends Challenges program. Kandi and Colleen share how these programs are helping to shift perceptions, create opportun...

On this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we’re joined by Neil Rampe, Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Chicago Cubs. With over two decades of experience across Major League Baseball, Neil has held key roles with the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and now the Cubs—bringing a unique blend of expertise in athletic training, manual therapy, performance science, and strength and conditioning. Today, we dive into Neil’s career journey, his current role in Chicago, and how he continues to evolve within...

Today’s guest is Dr. Christopher Camp, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with a deep focus on sports medicine and shoulder and elbow surgery. Since 2019, Dr. Camp has served as the Medical Director, Team Physician, and Director of High Performance for the Minnesota Twins, where he works closely with players, athletic trainers, and front office staff to keep athletes healthy and performing at their best. Beyond the field, Dr. Camp is a leading researcher in the biomechanics of throwing, in...

On this episode of the Inside Athletic Training podcast, we’re joined by Nick Paparesta, Head Athletic Trainer for the Minnesota Twins. With more than two decades of experience in professional baseball, Nick shares his journey through the athletic training ranks, from the minor leagues to leading a major league medical staff. We dive into his approach to injury prevention, the evolving demands of the profession, and the importance of communication between athletic trainers, front office perso...

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we sit down with Christian Bermudez, Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Philadelphia Phillies. With more than 13 years in professional baseball—including time in the DSL, GCL, Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A—Christian offers a powerful perspective on the grind, growth, and gratitude that come with a career in athletic training. He shares lessons from his journey, insights into the role of an MLB assistant athletic trainer, and advice for those loo...