Athletic Trainer Bios
Kansas City Royals
Empty Team
Director of Medical Administration

Nick Kenney

Nick Kenney, 51, is entering his 15th season with the Kansas City Royals and 12 were as the head athletic trainer. He had spent the previous five years as the assistant athletic trainer with the Cleveland Indians after two years with the Cincinnati Reds. Kenney was the American League host for the 2012 MLB All-Star game. Prior to working in baseball, Kenney spent seven years as an athletic trainer with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the International Hockey League. The Wilmington, Ohio, native and Wilmington College graduate also worked from 2000 to 2002 as the program manager of sports medicine for TriHealth in Cincinnati. When not working, Kenney enjoys lifting weights and fishing. He lives in Overland Park, KS with wife, Patty, and their children, Paige, Colin, Nathan, and Madison.

Empty Team
Head Athletic Trainer

Kyle Turner

Kyle is entering his 15th season with the Kansas City Royals and 3rd as the Head Athletic Trainer. From 2007 to 2009, he served as the Royals’ minor league medical coordinator after spending 7 seasons with the Texas Rangers in different capacities in the minor leagues: Turner played 4 years of Division 1 baseball while at SUU and took his 1st Athletic Training position as the Head Athletic Trainer at Northern Oklahoma College. After spending 2 and half years at NOC he committed to his Professional Baseball career. Kyle enjoys playing golf, hunting, fishing, home improvement projects but most importantly, spending time with his wife Wendy and two beautiful daughters, Brooke and Malia.

Empty Team
MLB Physical Therapist / Rehab Director

Jeffrey Blum

Jeff Blum is entering his 17th season as the Kansas City Royals Major League Physical Therapist and Rehab Director. He had spent the previous six years with the Atlanta Braves serving as the Minor League Rehab Coordinator from 2006 – 2007. Prior to working in baseball, Blum was a Student Athletic Trainer, CNA/PRA, and played baseball while at Illinois College. When not working, Jeff enjoys outdoor activities and his family. He lives in Blue Springs, MO with his wife Heather, and their children, Maranatha, Austin,

Empty Team
Soft Tissue Specialist / Assistant Athletic Trainer

Chris DeLucia

Chris is entering his 6th season on the Royals Major League Staff and his 3rd season as Assistant Athletic Trainer. He spent the 3 seasons as the Major League Tissue Therapist and 17 seasons overall with the Royals organization previously spending time as their Minor League Medical Coordinator/Draft Medical Coordinator and AA affiliate Athletic Trainer.
Chris is entering his 32nd year in professional baseball having previously worked in the Texas Rangers (2001 – 2006) and New York Yankees (1992 – 1998) organizations. Prior to working in professional baseball, DeLucia was a collegiate soccer player while completing his degree. When not working, Chris enjoys, mountain biking, hiking, playing golf and spending time with his family. He resides in Goodyear, Arizona in the off season.

Empty Team
Manual Therapist / Asst. Athletic Trainer

Dave Iannicca

Dave Iannicca is entering his 3rd season as the Royals’ manual therapist / assistant athletic trainer. He spent three seasons as the Royals minor league medical coordinator, after spending the previous eight seasons as the certified athletic trainer at Omaha (AAA). He joined the Royals in 2007 as the athletic trainer at Burlington (A), then worked from 2008-10 at Wilmington (A+). He spent the 2006 season with the Atlanta Braves in Orlando. Iannicca was an intern in the New York Yankees’ organization from 2003-2004, working with the Columbus Clippers (AAA) and at the Yankees Player Development Complex in Tampa. Dave enjoys mountain biking, hiking, camping, and spending time with his family. He resides in Buckeye, Ariz., with his wife, Jacqueline, and son, Ryan.