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Baseball's Winter Meetings are a hotbed of activity, where teams strategize and make moves to enhance their prospects for the upcoming season.
But beyond the headline-grabbing trades and signings, significant off-field developments also unfold.
In 2023, a noteworthy announcement came from the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS).
They recognized the Baltimore Orioles' athletic training staff as the Athletic Training Staff of the Year, a testament to their exceptional work in the realm of sports medicine and community involvement.
This award highlights the critical yet often overlooked role of Athletic Trainers in professional sports. The Orioles' staff, led by Brian Ebel, has been instrumental in the team's performance, working tirelessly behind the scenes. T
heir primary role involves aiding injured players in their recovery, aiming to expedite their return to the field without compromising health and safety. Additionally, they play a vital role in ensuring that the fit players remain healthy throughout the demanding baseball season.
The significance of their work cannot be overstated, as they are the heroes who contribute significantly to the success of both major and minor league teams.
Ebel, appointed as the Head Athletic Trainer before the 2018 season, brought to the role an impressive 33-year tenure with the Orioles, including 21 years as an assistant AT.
His leadership and expertise have been recognized previously; in 2022, he was inducted into the Maryland Athletic Trainer’s Association Hall of Fame and received the National Athletic Trainer’s Association’s Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award.
Working alongside him are assistant athletic trainers Mike Shires, Patrick Wesley, and Chris Poole, who collectively have played a pivotal role in the team's health and performance.
However, the Orioles' athletic training staff's contributions extend beyond the baseball diamond. PBATS commended them for their active involvement in community education and outreach.
They have organized numerous events for coaches, parents, and athletes, focusing on safety protocols and injury prevention practices. This commitment to community welfare demonstrates the staff's dedication not only to their team but also to the broader community.
Upon receiving the award, Brian Ebel expressed his gratitude, stating:
"We are extremely humbled by this honor. Of all the accolades that could come our way, one voted on by our peers in the industry means the world to me and the Orioles’ Athletic training staff."
The recognition of the Orioles' athletic training staff is a reminder of the integral role these professionals play in sports.
Their commitment to player health, recovery, and community involvement sets a benchmark in athletic training, making them deserving recipients of the 2023 Athletic Training Staff of the Year award.
