DALLAS (Dec. 16, 2024) — The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) is proud to announce its 2024 award winners, honoring outstanding achievements in athletic training throughout Major and Minor League Baseball.
The Detroit Tigers athletic training staff — Ryne Eubanks, Chris McDonald, and Kelly Rhoades — has been named the MLB Athletic Training Staff of the Year for the 2024 season. This prestigious honor recognizes the dedication, professionalism, and exceptional care provided by the Tigers’ athletic training staff in ensuring player health and performance.
L to R: Chris McDonald, Ryne Eubanks, Kelly Rhoades
PBATS President Nick Kenney stated, “The Detroit Tigers’ athletic training staff has demonstrated excellence across the board. Their relentless efforts to prioritize player health, safety, and recovery are truly commendable. This award is a testament to their hard work and professionalism throughout the season.”
Additionally, PBATS is excited to honor Jeff Paxson of the Milwaukee Brewers as the Minor League Athletic Trainer of the Year, recognizing his leadership and exceptional service within the Brewers’ organization. Paxson’s commitment to player care and development has been instrumental in fostering an environment of health and success throughout the minor league system.
The Milwaukee Brewers’ Minor League Athletic Training Staff has also been recognized as the Minor League Athletic Training Staff of the Year. In its first year, this award celebrates their collaborative efforts and outstanding contributions to player well-being and athletic development at all levels of the Brewers’ minor league affiliates.
PBATS is also proud to present the President’s Distinguished Service Award to Keith Dugger of the Colorado Rockies, recognizing his long-standing service, leadership, and dedication to the athletic training profession. Dugger’s significant contributions have left a lasting impact on baseball athletic training and the broader PBATS community.
PBATS President Nick Kenney said, “Keith Dugger’s influence in baseball athletic training is unmatched. His tireless dedication to player care, mentorship, and advancing the profession embodies the very spirit of this award. We are thrilled to honor Keith for his distinguished service.”
PBATS wrapped up the 2024 awards by hearing from the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees — Rick Griffin and Mark Letendre — as they accepted their Hall of Fame plaques and addressed membership with meaningful words during their induction speeches.
The entire PBATS membership congratulates these outstanding professionals and celebrates their achievements in advancing the standards of care, recovery, and education within baseball.
For more information or any press inquiries, please contact: sam@theromanogroup.com
ABOUT PBATS: The mission of the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) is to serve as an educational resource for the Major League and Minor League Baseball athletic trainers. For more information, please visit www.pbats.com