PBATS President’s Message — April 2026
For more than 40 years, the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) has been committed to one clear mission: to set the global standard for excellence in athletic training. That mission is not rooted in recognition or prestige, but in our responsibility to the health, safety, and performance of the players and teams we serve.
As PBATS President, I am proud of how our membership continues to evolve alongside the game. Sports medicine is not static. Advances in performance science, injury prevention, technology, and mental health awareness are reshaping how we care for athletes at every level. It is our obligation to stay ahead of those changes—not simply to adapt, but to lead.
Player health today extends far beyond the physical. While arm care, workload management, and youth sports safety remain central priorities, we also recognize the growing importance of mental health, holistic wellness, and long-term player sustainability. The modern athletic trainer operates at the intersection of medicine, performance, and human connection. That responsibility requires constant education, collaboration, and innovation.
PBATS remains deeply committed to outreach initiatives that impact the broader baseball community. Through our nationally recognized PLAY (Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth) campaign, we continue to visit Major League ballparks and communities across the country to educate young athletes and families about safe play, multi-sport participation, and healthy lifestyle habits.
We are grateful for the continued support of Major League Baseball Charities, as well as our partners at Gatorade, Song for Charlie, the Taylor Hooton Foundation, Henry Schein, and the Henry Schein Cares Foundation.
Our Ability Transcends Challenges (ATC) program, developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), remains a cornerstone of our commitment to inclusion. ATC highlights the invaluable contributions of individuals with disabilities throughout baseball’s history and reinforces the message that opportunity, inclusion, and ability are fundamental to the strength of our game and our society.
As baseball continues to grow globally and evolve competitively, PBATS will remain focused on advancing research, strengthening education, and supporting best practices that protect the long-term health of our athletes. We are honored to serve alongside dedicated professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep players on the field and performing at their highest level.
On the PBATS website, you will learn more about the initiatives, partnerships, and programs that define our work. Whether you are part of the national media, a club communications team, or a fan of the game, we hope this information serves as a valuable resource throughout the season.
Thank you for your continued interest in our society and in the important work of athletic trainers across Major League Baseball.
Sincerely,
Nick Kenney
PBATS President