PLAY Campaign Made Three Stops Across the League on July 22nd
MIAMI – July 22: Marlins’ Director of Athletic Training and Rehabilitation Corey Tremble speaks at the PLAY Campaign at loanDepot Park
On July 22, the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) delivered one of the busiest and most impactful days of its 2025 PLAY Campaign season, hosting three separate events across the country with the Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Los Angeles Dodgers. From coast to coast, hundreds of youth participants took the field to learn about healthy living, physical activity, and the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs and counterfeit pills—core pillars of the PLAY Campaign’s mission to promote a lifetime of activity and informed decision-making.
Each event was made possible by the dedicated athletic trainers who led the programming, along with essential support from Henry Schein Cares, Song for Charlie, and the Taylor Hooton Foundation, three longtime partners that continue to bring education, resources, and passion to every PLAY stop.
Marlins Host Miami Youth at loanDepot Park
In South Florida, the Miami Marlins hosted their PLAY Campaign event at loanDepot Park, welcoming local kids for a high-energy, hands-on morning of activity and education. The event was led by Corey Tremble, the Marlins’ Director of Athletic Training and Rehabilitation, who was joined by an outstanding crew of athletic trainers: Head Athletic Trainer LJ Petra, Brad LaRosa, Jose Alvarez, Dru Scott, and Vic Scarpone.
Participants rotated through a series of baseball-inspired drills and stretching routines, learning directly from the professionals who help keep Marlins players healthy and on the field. The athletic training staff emphasized body awareness, hydration, and movement as critical tools not just for athletes, but for anyone looking to live an active, healthy life.
Throughout the morning, the Marlins’ trainers engaged personally with the kids—demonstrating warm-up techniques, explaining the importance of injury prevention, and sharing how the work of athletic trainers supports athletes at every level. The event gave youth a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day routines of professional baseball while reinforcing the message that everyone deserves the tools and knowledge to care for their bodies.
Pirates Educate and Inspire at PNC Park
At PNC Park in Pittsburgh, the Pirates hosted their own PLAY Campaign event under the leadership of Todd Tomczyk, Director of Sports Medicine, along with Head Athletic Trainer Rafael Freitas and Assistant Athletic Trainer Tony Leo. The Pirates’ event offered a mix of physical activity and heartfelt education in one of baseball’s most picturesque ballparks.
One of the most important components of the day came from Song for Charlie, a national nonprofit and PBATS partner working to raise awareness about counterfeit pills and fentanyl. Their presentation was a powerful reminder of how even one bad decision can have life-threatening consequences—and how knowledge, open communication, and community support can help kids make safer, healthier choices.
The Pirates’ athletic training staff also guided the group through a range of movement activities that reflected the work professional players do before every game. Kids learned the importance of stretching, body mechanics, and injury prevention—all through the lens of fun, approachable activities.
Dodgers Combine Wellness and Awareness at Dodger Stadium
Meanwhile, on the West Coast, the Los Angeles Dodgers opened up Dodger Stadium for their annual PLAY Campaign event. Led by Head Athletic Trainer Thomas Albert, along with Assistant Athletic Trainers Greg Barajas and Yosuke Nakajima, the Dodgers welcomed a group of youth participants for a morning focused on movement, mentorship, and meaningful conversations.
Kids had the rare opportunity to take the field and run through professional-level exercises with the Dodgers’ athletic training staff. But it wasn’t just about fitness—the event also prioritized wellness education. Both Song for Charlie and the Taylor Hooton Foundation delivered critical presentations to the group, covering topics like the dangers of counterfeit pills, social media misinformation, and the risks of performance-enhancing drugs.
Their message: your health is something to protect, and playing fair—both in sports and in life—is always the right choice.
A Unified Effort Across MLB
The three PLAY Campaign events held on July 22 marked an extraordinary day of outreach for PBATS and its partners. That kind of scale—three Major League ballparks, three cities, hundreds of kids—wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of the athletic training staffs across MLB who volunteer their time, energy, and expertise to make each event a success.
Equally vital is the ongoing support of Henry Schein Cares, which plays a foundational role in bringing PLAY Campaign events to life. Through educational resources and a shared mission to promote healthy lifestyles, Henry Schein continues to be an essential partner in PBATS’ work to reach and educate young people nationwide.
The PLAY Campaign’s Lasting Impact
As the 2025 PLAY Campaign enters the final stretch of its summer tour, the impact of days like July 22 continues to resonate. These events aren’t just about baseball—they’re about empowering kids with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to lead healthier, more informed lives.
In Miami, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles, that mission was realized through the leadership of athletic trainers, the passion of community partners, and the curiosity and energy of the next generation. And thanks to PLAY, those kids now have new tools to care for their bodies, make smart choices, and play the game—and life—the right way.
For more information about the PLAY Campaign, visit https://pbats.com/play/.