Welcome back, and thanks for your interest in Inside the Game #003. Last week in the we sat down with Jimmy Mattocks of the Cincinnati Reds for #002, you can find that here. This week, we had the opportunity to speak with Jimmy’s colleague and fellow Cincinnati Red’s athletic trainer, Davey LaCroix.
Davey currently works with the Dominican Summer League Reds and provided a great perspective on the persistence and toughness it takes to make it as an athletic training within a Major League organization. Before starting his career with the Reds, Davey earned his undergraduate degree from Concordia University – Wisconsin and his graduate degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
Check out the interview below and let us know what you think in the comments section.
PBATS: When did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in athletic training?
Davey LaCroix: Freshman year of college I found myself the happiest when I was surrounded by sports, and all through high school I wanted to pursue medicine as a career. I saw Athletic Training as the occupation that could give me both careers.
PBATS: How did you get your start in baseball?
DL: My medical coordinator’s wife is from Nebraska and is a huge Cornhusker fan. The name Nebraska gave me an interview, and I was blessed enough to stand out through the hiring process and receive my first job in professional baseball with the Reds.
PBATS: What is your favorite part about being an athletic trainer?
DL: Watching an athlete through the whole healing process from when they first report to you for medical assistance to the end when they are able to achieve all their physical and mental capabilities and more on the field.
PBATS: What is your favorite memory from working in baseball?
DL: Working as a baseball Graduate Assistant at Nebraska in 2014 we played Indiana in the Big Ten Championship game in front of 20,000 people.
PBATS: What are your goals for your career in athletic training?
DL: Each day I want to learn something new, so I can continue to help my patients to the best of my abilities and leave my career knowing I gave it my all.
PBATS: What are some of the most interesting parts of your job that most people might not be aware of?
DL: How often you have to think outside the box down here for the simplest things. For example, one minute you have water coming out of the faucet, the next you do not. One minute you have electricity, the next you do not. Working in the Dominican Republic keeps you on your toes at all times.
PBATS: What is a typical day at the park like for an athletic trainer?
DL: Games in the Dominican Republic are at 10:30am every day so the morning begins with position player shoulder programs followed by breakfast. Once I finish eating I begin pre-practice treatments then head outside to observe practice. Once practice is complete, I’ll deal with any last minute medical needs before the game starts. Once the game is completed, I will perform post game treatments and all rehabs for the players that were unable for the game that day. Documentation is completed after all activities are finished, and then I try and get a workout done in the gym and call it day.
PBATS: What are your favorite things to do in the off-season?
DL: I try to go Skiing as much as I can, when I am not spending time with family and love ones.
PBATS: What advice would you offer young people, college students or anyone looking to get their start in athletic training and the game of baseball?
DL: Dream big, having goals to strive for push you to be the best athletic trainer you can be.
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A huge thanks to Davey LaCroix for taking some time to sit down with us for Inside the Game #003. And please let us know if you have any specific questions that you’d like to see answered throughout this series. Feel free to tweet at us at @PBATS using the hashtag #InsideTheGame.