ORLANDO (December 14, 2025) — The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) proudly announces the election of new executive board members during the Winter Meetings held in Orlando, Florida. This significant development reflects PBATS’ commitment to leadership excellence and advancing the field of athletic training in professional baseball.
The newly elected executive board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise, embodying PBATS’ dedication to fostering innovation, collaboration, and the highest standards in athlete care. The elections were conducted as part of PBATS’ ongoing efforts to ensure that its leadership reflects the evolving landscape of baseball athletic training.
The incoming executive board members are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of athletic training in professional baseball. Their diverse backgrounds and proven track records make them well-suited to drive PBATS’ mission of promoting the health, wellness, and safety of baseball players at all levels while continuing to educate athletic trainers at all levels.
Joining the executive board for the first time will be: Joe Benge (Tampa Bay Rays), Joe Rauch (Philadelphia Phillies), and Chad Wolfe (Cleveland Guardians). Benge and Rauch were the winners of their elections, and Wolfe was appointed today by president Nick Kenney to fill the role previously held by longtime Orioles’ athletic trainer Mark Shires.
The executive board will continue to be led by president Nick Kenney who will serve his second term as PBATS president. Nick currently serves as the Kansas City Royals’ Director of Medical Services.
“Serving on the board has been a highlight of my career and I am truly honored and humbled to be continue in a second term as president of PBATS,” said Kenney about his role. “I always have big shoes to fill left by outstanding past presidents. I look forward to pressing on and serving this society to the standards it deserves and expects.”
PBATS extends its sincere thanks to Kyle Turner and Tomás Vera for their dedicated service on the executive board. Their leadership, insight, and commitment to the athletic training profession have helped guide the organization through meaningful growth and continued advocacy for its members.
The full PBATS executive board includes:
- President: Nick Kenney, Kansas City Royals
- Treasurer: Lonnie Soloff, Cleveland Guardians
- Secretary: Ryan DiPanfilo, Arizona Diamondbacks
- Past President: Ron Porterfield, Los Angeles Dodgers
- NL Head Athletic Trainer Representative: Paul Buchheit, Philadelphia Phillies
- AL Head Athletic Trainer Representative: Joe Benge, Tampa Bay Rays
- NL Assistant Athletic Trainer Representative: Joe Rauch, Philadelphia Phillies
- AL Assistant Athletic Trainer Representative: Chad Wolfe, Cleveland Guardians
- NL At-Large Representative: PJ Mainville, Chicago Cubs
- AL At-Large Representative: Brad Pearson, Boston Red Sox
For more information about PBATS board members and their mission, please visit https://pbats.com/about/#executive-board
About PBATS: The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) is dedicated to advancing the athletic training profession in the sport of baseball through education, research, and service. Comprised of Major League and Minor League athletic trainers, PBATS promotes the highest standards of health and wellness for baseball players.
For Media Inquiries: Sam Radbil, sam@theromanogroup.com