PBATS is excited to announce a new series called Get Personal with PBATS.
As part of this series, both Major and Minor League Baseball athletic trainers will be sharing both personal and professional information about themselves, in order to help younger athletic trainers understand the life of a professional baseball athletic trainer, the variety of roads traveled within this profession, recommendations across a wide variety of topics, as well as some information about how these pros worked their way into professional baseball.
Our second installment of the Q&A is brought to you by Corey Tremble. Corey is the Medical and Rehabilitation Coordinator with the Detroit Tigers.
Let’s get into it!
1. Favorite moment as a baseball athletic trainer?
Answer: I would have to say my favorite moment was when my A ball team won the Florida State League Championship in 2012. No matter what level, from Little League to the Big Leagues, the goal is to win a Championship. Being part of that moment was something I reflect on often, as it shows what can be achieved when everyone pulls from the same end of the rope.
2. Favorite aspect about athletic training in general?
Answer: As the Medical/Rehab Coordinator for the Tigers Organization, my role is different than most. I do not work with a team on a day to day basis, so preparing players for a game is not something I do in my position. The aspect that gives me the most joy in my current role is returning a player from a surgery or injury that sometimes takes months to years to return from. Being there for their first official pitch or at-bat makes the entire process worth it.
3. Advice for young athletic trainers trying to get in baseball?
Answer: My advice would be to work hard to get your foot in the door and then never let the door close. I was an intern for two years with the Detroit Tigers before coming on full time. I showed up and never left. Ask questions. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Learn to love the profession and the sport early on to make sure this is what you want to do.
4. Hobby outside of work?
Answer: When not at the Complex or on the phone, I try to spend as much time with my wife, Joanna, and our dog. I also play as much guitar as I can and drink the best wine I can afford!
5. Favorite Quote?
Answer: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” – John Wooden
6. What’s a book you’d recommend?
Answer: On the Medical aspect for a young athletic trainer looking to take the next step, I would suggest “Anatomy Trains“ by Dr. Thomas Myers. Also, I really enjoyed “You’re Okay, It’s Just A Bruise” by Dr. Rob Huizenga and “Any Given Monday” by Dr. James Andrews.
7. How many years have you been an Athletic Trainer?
Answer: I have been a certified athletic trainer since 2005 and been working in Professional Baseball since 2008 (13 seasons).
8. What is your personal motto to live by?
Answer: “Control the things you can control.”
9. What was your favorite Athletic Training Class when you were in school?
Answer: I was always a fan of classes that focused on taping and the rehabilitation aspect of the profession.
10. Favorite city to travel to?
Answer: Grand Rapids, MI will always be a favorite city of mine and with my current position, I get to travel there a few times a year. It was my first full-season affiliate and I met my wife there, too!
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A huge thanks to Corey Tremble for contributing this information to the series. And please check back next week for another edition of the Get Personal with PBATS series.