Astros, Cardinals, Yankees and Brewers Host PLAY Campaign Events This Week
ST. LOUIS, MO – July 9: St. Louis youth take the field for the Cardinals’ PLAY Campaign event at Busch Stadium
From July 8–11, the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) brought its national PLAY Campaign (Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth) to four Major League Baseball cities—Houston, St. Louis, New York, and Milwaukee—for a powerful week of education, movement, and mentorship. With support from athletic training staffs across the league and PBATS’ trusted partners at Henry Schein Cares, the Taylor Hooton Foundation, and Song for Charlie, hundreds of local kids were given the opportunity to learn about the value of healthy lifestyles, the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), and how to make informed choices for their futures.
July 8 – Astros Bring the PLAY Campaign to Daikan Park in Houston
The week began in Houston, where the Astros athletic training staff hosted the PLAY Campaign at Daikan Park, offering a dynamic and engaging environment for local youth. Led by Head Athletic Trainer Jeremiah Randall and supported by John Gregorich, Eric Velasquez, and Taylor Witczak, the Astros’ medical team guided participants through a series of movement-based stations that emphasized the importance of warmups, agility, and injury prevention.
Houston pitcher Hayden Wesneski joined the event to share his personal journey with the kids, reflecting on the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind throughout the demands of a professional season. He spoke candidly about the hard work and self-discipline required to succeed in baseball, encouraging the kids to commit to their health both on and off the field.
The educational portion of the morning was led by the Taylor Hooton Foundation, which presented a powerful session on the risks and realities of PED use. The message—centered on playing fair, doing things the right way, and respecting one’s body—resonated strongly with attendees.
July 9 – Cardinals Host PLAY at Busch Stadium with On-Field Education and Mentorship
The next stop took the PLAY Campaign to Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Head Athletic Trainer Adam Olsen, along with Chris Conroy and Keith Joynt, welcomed kids onto the field for an unforgettable morning of activity and education. The Cardinals’ athletic training staff led youth participants through baseball-specific drills, encouraging them to stay active while demonstrating the fundamentals of body care, stretching, and physical wellness.
On the education front, representatives from both the Taylor Hooton Foundation and Song for Charlie delivered presentations from the field. Their message to the kids was simple and impactful: make smart choices, know the risks, and ask for help when faced with difficult decisions. Song for Charlie, in particular, addressed the dangers of counterfeit pills and the rising presence of fentanyl, arming the kids with life-saving knowledge in a compassionate and accessible way.
Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera joined the event as a special guest speaker. His presence energized the group as he emphasized the importance of character, hard work, and surrounding yourself with people who care. Herrera’s words were grounded in both humility and pride—giving kids an example of someone who had walked in their shoes and made it to the big leagues by doing things the right way.
July 10 – PLAY Visits Yankee Stadium for a Powerful Morning of Health and Prevention
The PLAY Campaign rolled into the Bronx on July 10, where the iconic Yankee Stadium served as the backdrop for another successful event. The Yankees’ athletic training staff—Mike Schuk, Tim Lentych, and longtime PBATS leader Steve Donohue—led the morning’s activities, guiding kids through routines that mirrored those used by Yankees players before every game.
The session focused on strength, movement, and self-care, teaching young participants that their health is the most important asset they have. The event also reinforced the idea that taking care of your body doesn’t require elite resources—it starts with discipline, sleep, good nutrition, and smart decisions.
The Taylor Hooton Foundation again provided the educational anchor for the event. Their presentation on PED abuse, peer pressure, and mental well-being gave the youth powerful context around performance enhancement and how choosing the “easy way” can often lead to long-term damage. The kids responded with thoughtful questions and deep engagement, making it clear that the message was both heard and internalized.
July 11 – Brewers Close Out the Week at American Family Field
The PLAY Campaign wrapped up its four-city run in Milwaukee, where the Brewers’ athletic training staff—led by Brad Epstein, Lee Meyer, Dave Yeager, Nick Jensen, and Bryn Hester—hosted more than 75 kids at American Family Field for a high-energy, heart-filled event. The training staff led warm-ups, flexibility routines, and movement-based drills to promote lifelong physical activity.
Two Brewers players, Rhys Hoskins and Jacob Misiorowski, joined the morning as guest speakers, spending time with the kids on the field and sharing their personal stories. Hoskins spoke about resilience and the mental side of wellness, while Misiorowski focused on doing things the right way and setting goals you can work toward every day. Both players took time to interact with the kids individually, creating lasting memories.
Representatives from Song for Charlie and the Taylor Hooton Foundation rounded out the event with essential conversations about drug prevention, health literacy, and making safe choices in a complicated world.
Partners and Trainers Power the Campaign
None of these events would be possible without the support and leadership of athletic trainers across Major League Baseball, whose commitment to youth wellness is unmatched. Their willingness to organize, lead, and participate in these events during the height of the baseball season is a testament to their passion for community impact.
In addition, the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Song for Charlie, and the Taylor Hooton Foundation continue to be vital national partners. Their expertise, funding, and educational leadership ensure that each PLAY Campaign stop delivers more than just fun—it delivers life-changing messages and tools that will guide kids well beyond the ballpark.
As the 2025 PLAY Campaign continues its summer tour, the message remains consistent: take care of your body, make smart choices, and always play the game—and life—the right way.
For more information about the PLAY Campaign, visit https://pbats.com/play/.