Braves Athletic Training Staff Hosts Atlanta-Area Youngsters at Truist Park
ATLANTA, GA – June 04: Boys and Girls Club visits trust park for the “P.L.A.Y” campaign by PBATS on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jack Casey/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
On June 4th, the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) brought its national PLAY (Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth) Campaign to Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, for a morning of education, fitness, and fun centered on healthy living.
The event marked another important stop in the 2025 PLAY Campaign season, which aims to combat childhood obesity and promote positive decision-making among youth through a series of on-field clinics and educational seminars hosted by Major League Baseball clubs across the country. Tuesday’s event in Atlanta was a team effort, led by the Braves’ athletic training staff and supported by several of the club’s key personnel. Braves utility player Luke Williams also joined the effort, taking the field with kids and sharing his insights into the importance of movement, smart choices, and a healthy lifestyle.
As with all PLAY Campaign events, the focus in Atlanta extended beyond physical activity. The day also featured powerful educational messages from PBATS’ longtime national partners: the Taylor Hooton Foundation and the Henry Schein Cares Foundation. Together, these organizations are helping to address critical health and safety issues affecting today’s youth—from the dangers of appearance- and performance-enhancing substances to the value of access to quality healthcare.
Braves Athletic Trainers Lead the Charge
The day began with a warm welcome from Braves Head Athletic Trainer George Poulis and Assistant Athletic Trainer Jeff Stevenson, who guided the group of nearly 100 kids through the morning’s activities and emphasized the role of athletic trainers in helping athletes—and young people—stay healthy, active, and informed.
“Today is all about showing kids what it looks like to live healthy, make smart decisions, and care for their bodies and minds,” said Poulis. “We’re proud to support the PLAY Campaign every year, because this is where it starts—with education, activity, and positive influence.”
Following introductions, participants took the field at Truist Park for a series of baseball-inspired fitness stations, including dynamic warmups, agility drills, base running exercises, and stretching routines guided by the Braves’ staff. Luke Williams rotated between stations, offering encouragement and high-fives to kids as they practiced staying active through movement and play.
Powerful Messages from Key Partners
Before the on-field activities started up, participants gathered in the stands for impactful presentations from three of PBATS’ trusted partners.
First, Brian Parker of the Taylor Hooton Foundation delivered a passionate message about the dangers of appearance- and performance-enhancing substances. Sharing the story of his friend Taylor, who died in 2003 after using anabolic steroids, Parker urged kids to embrace natural athletic development and body confidence.
The Henry Schein Cares Foundation also shared messages about the importance of equitable access to healthcare, promoting well-being in underserved communities, and how simple steps like staying active and eating nutritious foods can make a big difference in a young person’s health journey.
Continuing the Mission
The PLAY Campaign, founded in 2004, continues to be a flagship initiative for PBATS and one of the longest-running community outreach programs in Major League Baseball. Since its inception, PLAY has reached tens of thousands of children in cities across the country, offering unique access to major league ballparks while delivering life-changing health education.
PBATS is thankful to the Braves for opening their ballpark and their arms to the PLAY Campaign. This program succeeds because of the incredible support of MLB athletic trainers, players, coaches, and partners who believe in the power of education and prevention. Today in Atlanta was a perfect example of that mission in action.
As the PLAY Campaign continues its 2025 tour, the message remains clear: A healthy and active lifestyle isn’t just for athletes—it’s for everyone. Through hands-on experiences, expert-led sessions, and genuine engagement from baseball’s brightest, PBATS and its partners are empowering the next generation to make better choices and live fuller, healthier lives.
For more information about the PLAY Campaign, visit https://pbats.com/play/.