*Image courtesy of Ben VanHouten/Seattle Mariners
Rick Griffin has been an athletic trainer for the Seattle Mariners since 1983. He has made a positive impact on the lives of many athletic trainers, baseball fans and members of the Seattle and Washington State communities. And just a few days ago, on April 8th, Griffin was inducted to the Washington State Athletic Trainers’ Association (WSATA) Hall of Fame. He was honored for his many years of distinguished service to the Mariners and the athletic training profession.
As part of the opening night ceremony, Rick was presented with his award by Craig Bennett, president of the WSATA. Bennett was joined by key Seattle Mariners executives including, General Manager Jerry Dipoto, President Kevin Mather and CEO Howard Lincoln. The WSATA also plans to honor Griffin in front of his athletic training colleagues at the WSATA Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposium held in July.
It was a special moment for Griffin, who has served as the Senior Director of Athletic Training and Head Athletic Trainer for the Seattle Mariners since 1983. He has also worked as the Head Athletic Trainer at the Sports Medicine Clinic and as a consultant for Physiotherapy Associates and the Benik Corporation in Seattle.
Rick has served on the NATA Professional Education Council, NATA International Council Member, NATA Hall of Fame Committee Member and the National/International JATA Liaison Member for the NATA. He has received numerous awards, including NATA Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award, Major League Baseball Athletic Trainer of the Year, Seattle Mariners President’s Achievement Award, MLB Martin/Monahan Award for Excellence and the Keith Peterson Life-Time Achievement Award in Rodeo Sports Medicine. He has also contributed his impressive knowledge of the profession and all things athletic training through publications, interviews, presentations as various speaking engagements nationally as well as abroad in Japan and Australia.
Griffin has served as PBATS American League Athletic Trainer Representative from 1989-95, and worked at the MLB All-Star games in 1987, 1995, 2001, and 2010. He toured Japan with the Major League All-Stars in 1996 and lectured in Japan in 1994, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2014 and 2015. Griffin provides health care to the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals and is an avid hunter and fisherman.
Congratulations, from the entire PBATS family, to Rick Griffin for an outstanding achievement in athletic training and the game of baseball.