Cleveland Guardians’ Take Home Top Staff Honor Across Minor League Baseball Athletic Training
ORLANDO — The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) is proud to announce the Cleveland Guardians minor league athletic training staff as the PBATS Minor League Athletic Training Staff of the Year, recognizing their outstanding commitment to player health, collaboration, and development across the organization’s player development system.
This award honors a group that consistently exemplifies excellence in athletic training at the minor league level—where long seasons, extensive travel, and the responsibility of developing young athletes create unique and demanding challenges.
From left to right: Guardians’ medical staff members Chad Wolfe, Jeremy Harris, Teddy Blackwell, Jeremy Heller, Bobby Ruiz
The PBATS Minor League Athletic Training Staff of the Year Award is voted on by peers, with athletic trainers across professional baseball recognizing one organization whose staff best represents the values and standards of the profession. Being selected by fellow athletic trainers underscores the respect the Guardians’ staff has earned throughout the game.
“Minor league athletic trainers play an essential role in shaping the health, habits, and careers of young players,” said PBATS President Nick Kenney. “The Cleveland Guardians’ staff has built a culture of collaboration and consistency that truly stands out. This recognition from their peers reflects the impact they have across their system and the professionalism they bring to their work every day. Led by Lonnie Soloff, Senior Vice President of Medical Services, the entire Guardians minor league staff is extremely deserving of this award.”
Throughout the season, the Guardians’ minor league athletic training staff worked closely with strength and conditioning coaches, physicians, and player development personnel to deliver coordinated care at every affiliate. Their ability to maintain continuity across levels ensured that players received consistent messaging, individualized treatment plans, and clear communication as they progressed through the organization.
Colleagues across baseball point to the staff’s attention to detail, adaptability, and dedication to education as key strengths. From managing return-to-play protocols to supporting performance initiatives and travel logistics, the Guardians’ staff demonstrated a level of cohesion that elevated care throughout the system.
The award also reflects the growing complexity of athletic training at the minor league level, where staff members must balance immediate competitive demands with long-term player health and development. The Guardians’ approach prioritizes sustainable outcomes, reinforcing habits and systems designed to support players well beyond a single season.
PBATS congratulates the Cleveland Guardians minor league athletic training staff and the entire organization on this well-earned honor. Their work exemplifies the critical role athletic trainers play in player development and highlights the impact of teamwork, communication, and professional excellence.
For more information about the award, please contact sam@theromanogroup.com