Ron Porterfield
Ron Porterfield, 58, is entering his sixth year as Director of Player Health with the Los Angeles Dodgers after serving the previous twelve years as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Tampa Bay Rays, and three years as the Assistant Athletic Trainer before that. He is also the president elect of PBATS. Prior to his move to the Major Leagues, Porterfield spent 15 years in the Minor Leagues. From 1988 to 1996, he worked his way through the ranks of the Houston Astros organization. In 1997, Porterfield was hired by the Tampa Bay Rays to serve as their Minor League medical and rehabilitation coordinator until he was promoted to the Major League club. A Santa Fe, N.M., native, Porterfield is a certified member of the NATA. In 2013 was honored to work the Major League All Star Game in New York. In 2009, Porterfield shared honors with Paul Harker and Nick Paparesta as “Major League Athletic Training Staff of the Year. In 2005, Porterfield shared honors with Ken Crenshaw as “Major League Athletic Training Staff of the Year.” Porterfield and his wife Barbara of 31 years live in Peoria, AZ.
Thomas Albert
Thomas Albert returns in his eighth season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This is his second year as the Head Athletic Trainer. He was honored to participate on the medical staff as the Head Athletic Trainer host for the All Star Game in 2022. He was the Medical/Rehabilitation Coordinator for the Cleveland Indians for 4 years. He is a member of the Professional Baseball Physical Therapy Society and an active board member for the Educational Committee. A native of Burlington, IA, Thomas earned his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training, Sports Science, and Fitness from Upper Iowa University. He is certified in Spinal Manipulation and Dry Needling through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy. He is certified as a Corrective Exercise Specialist and Performance Enhancement Specialist and Sports Nutrition Coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Thomas is a member of the National Athletic Training Association. He is also a member of the Orthopedic and Sports Sections of the American Physical Therapy Association. Thomas resides in Chino, CA with his wife Mandi and three daughters Chloe (14), Adelyn (11) and Juliet (8).
Yosuke Nakajima
Yosuke “Possum” Nakajima enters his 21st season with the Dodgers’ medical staff. Nakajima worked for 10 seasons as a minor league athletic trainer and spent 3 seasons as the athletic trainer with AAA club in Albuquerque before joining major league club. Nakajima began his career with the Dodgers as an athletic training intern (2003 and 2004 seasons). Nakajima earned his master’s degree from Long Beach State in 2005. Prior to his time with the Dodger organization, Nakajima worked for the Long Beach State Baseball program as an equipment manager. A native of Yokohama, Japan, Nakajima attended Chuo University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Physics. He lives in Long Beach, CA with his wife Mimi, who is an associate professor at Long Beach State, and his two sons, Mario and George.
Nathan Lucero
Nathan Lucero, 53, returning to the LA Dodgers organization for his fifth season. Lucero spent 3 years with Los Angeles (2016-2018, 2022-present) as an assistant athletic trainer. Prior to his time in Los Angeles, Lucero spent 23 years in the Houston Astros organization, Lucero was the Astros Head Athletic Trainer from 2009-2015. Lucero held the position of Assistant Strength & Conditioning coach from 2007-2008. Before being promoted to the Major Leagues as a Strength coach, Lucero held the position of Strength & Conditioning Coordinator for the Houston Astros Player Development system (2002-2006). Lucero was also a minor league ATC in the Houston Astros organization, 2000-2001 with the Round Rock Express, where he was named Texas League Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2001. Lucero spent 1999 with the Jackson Generals, in 1988 Lucero was the ATC for the Kissimmee Cobras of the Florida State League. Prior to his time in Kissimmee, Lucero spent three seasons (1995-1997) with the Quad City River Bandits, and the Gulf Coast League Astros from 1993-1984. Lucero hold a Bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer, along with Strength and Conditioning Specialist. In 2015 Lucero and the Houston Astros Medical Staff were awarded the PBATS MLB Athletic Training Staff of the Year. Nathan resides in Placitas, NM with his wife Janet and his three children Isabella Feliz, Sophia Rose, and son Isaiah.