A few weeks ago, a special reunion took place in Orlando, Florida, as a dedicated group of PBATS alumni came together for their annual meeting—a celebration of friendship, shared history, and the enduring bond of athletic trainers who have spent their lives supporting the game of baseball.
Gathering under the Florida sun were some of the most respected and recognizable names in the history of baseball athletic training: Rex Jones, Russ Miller, Herm Schneider, Barry Weinberg, Tony Garofalo, Charlie Moss, Paul Spicuzza, Ben Potenziano, Kent Biggerstaff, Larry Mayo, Richie Bancells, Larry Starr, Tommy Craig, and Kevin Rand.
These names are more than just part of PBATS history—they’re a foundation. They represent the early days of the organization, the battles fought to earn a seat at the table, and the dedication it took to establish athletic trainers as vital voices in professional baseball.
“What you don’t realize is, you’re a PBATS member for life,” said one alum during the meeting. “No matter how you leave baseball, you’re still part of that fraternity,” said PBATS alum Tony Garofalo.
A Brotherhood Beyond the Dugout
The idea for the Orlando gathering had been in the works for a while. While the group typically tries to reconnect at the NATA convention, it can be difficult for many retired members to travel or attend. Conversations at last year’s Winter Meetings sparked the idea of hosting a spring get-together—one that could be more accessible for the alumni group and provide a space to reconnect outside of the usual hustle of the season.
“We were just talking last year about how to get the guys together in the spring,” Garofalo recalled. “This year at the Winter Meetings, we said—let’s try it again. With the support of the PBATS board and our active members, we made it happen.”
The result? A meaningful, heartfelt get-together of memories, laughs, and a few well-earned toasts. For some, it was the first time seeing one another in decades.
“It was just great to see so many guys—some of whom we haven’t seen in a long, long time, said Garofalo”
Honoring the Legacy
Many of the PBATS alumni in attendance were charter members—the pioneers who helped build the society from the ground up. In the early days, being an athletic trainer wasn’t the respected profession it is today within MLB. There was uncertainty, resistance, and even fear.
“We struggled at the beginning and feared for our jobs. It means a lot to be a charter member and see how far this has grown.”
Today, PBATS—an organization rooted in education, mentorship, advocacy, and community—is thriving because of that early vision and perseverance. And while the younger generation of athletic trainers continues to move the field forward, the alumni remain a guiding force—living examples of where the organization has been, and what it can become.
Lifelong Connections
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from the Orlando gathering was the reminder that PBATS is more than just a professional organization—it’s a family. The game may eventually end, but the friendships endure.
“When you’re out of baseball, you still have this group of friends—people who truly understand what it was like. That’s something special.”
The alumni hope to continue these gatherings, creating space for former trainers to stay involved, share wisdom, and enjoy the kind of camaraderie that only decades in the game can create.
And with the support of PBATS leadership and active members, there’s no doubt the tradition will continue to grow. Because once you’re part of PBATS, you’re part of it for life.
*A huge thank you to Tony Garofalo for recapping this event and sharing with the athletic training community.