Giants Athletic Training Staff Hosts Local Youth for PLAY Campaign
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – June 25: Giants Community Fund Academy players meet with Head Athletic Trainer Anthony Reyes and Infielder Casey Schmitt during the PLAY Campaign event at Oracle Park.
The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) brought its national PLAY Campaign to Oracle Park on June 25, where the San Francisco Giants and key community partners hosted an energizing and educational day focused on health, wellness, and fair play for Bay Area youth. The event welcomed dozens of kids for a rare opportunity to learn directly from professional athletic trainers, players, and advocates—all with the goal of promoting a lifetime of physical activity and informed decision-making.
The Giants’ Head Athletic Trainer Anthony Reyes and Assistant Athletic Trainer Ryo Watanabe served as the driving forces behind the on-field experience, leading participants through a variety of baseball-inspired drills and health-focused stations. Their hands-on instruction gave kids a firsthand look at the techniques and routines professional players use to stay in peak condition throughout a long season.
Reyes and Watanabe emphasized the importance of warming up properly, staying hydrated, and listening to one’s body—lessons that go far beyond the baseball field. With their guidance, kids rotated through dynamic exercises, learned about injury prevention, and engaged in discussions about daily habits that can support long-term physical health. The athletic trainers’ energy and personal attention helped make complex topics feel accessible and fun for young athletes of all experience levels.
On-Field Mentorship from Casey Schmitt
Adding star power to the event was Giants infielder Casey Schmitt, who joined the kids on the field for an unforgettable morning of learning and connection. Schmitt shared tips and stories from his journey to the big leagues, while also offering encouragement and instruction during the baseball drills.
Beyond teaching fundamentals like throwing mechanics, base running, and glove work, Schmitt delivered a powerful message about character. He spoke candidly with the group about what fair play means to him—respecting the game, your teammates, and your opponents—and how a healthy lifestyle fuels both performance and personal growth. His presence reinforced the idea that even professional athletes are continually working to make smart choices and improve every day.
For many of the kids in attendance, Schmitt’s involvement was a highlight of the event. His willingness to engage one-on-one, share high-fives, and offer genuine advice left a lasting impression on the next generation of athletes and fans.
PED Awareness with the Taylor Hooton Foundation
The PLAY Campaign isn’t just about physical activity—it’s also a platform for honest conversations about the risks facing young people today. That’s where Brian Parker of the Taylor Hooton Foundation stepped in, delivering an impactful presentation on the dangers of appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
Speaking to the entire group from the stands, Parker shared the story of Taylor Hooton—a high school athlete who tragically lost his life due to complications from anabolic steroid use. Parker urged the kids to reject shortcuts and embrace the values of effort, perseverance, and integrity. His talk included practical advice on how to handle peer pressure, identify risky behavior, and make informed decisions when it comes to supplements, fitness goals, and body image.
The session was an emotional and eye-opening moment, and it underscored the importance of the PLAY Campaign’s commitment to total wellness—not just physical, but mental, emotional, and ethical.
Support from Henry Schein Cares & Giants Community Fund
While the event was led by the Giants’ athletic training staff and key speakers, the success of the day was made possible thanks to long-standing partnerships and community collaboration. Henry Schein Cares, a dedicated sponsor of the PLAY Campaign and a longtime PBATS partner, helped provide support and resources to ensure the event ran smoothly and delivered a meaningful experience for every participant.
Equally vital to the event’s success was the generosity of the Giants Community Fund, which helped bring local kids to Oracle Park and coordinated many of the logistics needed to make the day possible. Their deep roots in the community and unwavering support for youth initiatives made a clear impact, as dozens of children enjoyed a full morning of hands-on activity, education, and inspiration in one of baseball’s most iconic venues.
A Winning Combination of Fun & Education
The San Francisco stop of the PLAY Campaign was a powerful reminder of how sports can be used as a vehicle for education, mentorship, and lifelong health. With leadership from the Giants’ athletic training staff, contributions from players like Casey Schmitt, and critical educational support from the Taylor Hooton Foundation, the event delivered a well-rounded experience for every child in attendance.
As PBATS continues its 2025 PLAY Campaign tour across Major League ballparks, the mission remains the same: to promote a lifetime of activity, informed choices, and respect for oneself and others. In San Francisco, that mission came to life—on the field, in the stands, and in the hearts of everyone who took part.
For more information about the PLAY Campaign, visit https://pbats.com/play/.