Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society Celebrates 20 Years of PLAY
The Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) is thrilled to announce the 20th anniversary of its impactful PLAY (Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth) Campaign. Launched in 2004, the PLAY Campaign has grown to become a flagship initiative of PBATS, dedicated to promoting youth fitness, health, and wellness across the United States. This landmark anniversary is celebrated with the support of some remarkable partners: the Taylor Hooton Foundation, Henry Schein Cares Foundation, National Down Syndrome Society, Song for Charlie, and Major League Baseball Charities.
Since its inception, the PLAY Campaign has been committed to encouraging young people to lead active, healthy lives through physical activity and informed health choices. Over the past two decades, PBATS has reached thousands of youth, imparting crucial lessons on fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being. The campaign’s success is a testament to PBATS’ unwavering dedication and the invaluable contributions of its partners and members.
To date, PBATS has hosted more than 400 events inside Major League ballparks and have educated more than 50,000 young people and parents across America.
Transformative Partnerships
Taylor Hooton Foundation: The Taylor Hooton Foundation has been a steadfast partner in the PLAY Campaign, educating youth about the dangers of appearance and performance-enhancing substances. Their collaboration has brought vital information and resources to schools and communities, promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles.
Henry Schein Cares Foundation: The Henry Schein Cares Foundation has played a crucial role in supporting the PLAY Campaign by providing essential health care resources and services to underserved communities. Their contributions have ensured that more young people have access to the tools and care needed to maintain their health and well-being. As part of its support in the past decade, Henry Schein has provided hygiene kits filled with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other essentials for maintaining healthy habits.
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): The NDSS partnership has been instrumental in making the PLAY Campaign inclusive and accessible to all youth, including those with Down syndrome. Together, PBATS and NDSS have created programs and opportunities that encourage physical activity and fitness for individuals of all abilities, fostering a sense of community and empowerment.
Song for Charlie: Song for Charlie has joined forces with PBATS in 2024 to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit prescription drugs, particularly those laced with fentanyl. Their work within the PLAY Campaign has educated youth and families about the importance of safe medication practices and the risks associated with illicit drugs.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the PLAY Campaign,” said Nick Kenney, President of PBATS. “Our mission has always been to inspire young people to lead active, healthy lives. The support from our amazing partners – the Taylor Hooton Foundation, Henry Schein Cares Foundation, National Down Syndrome Society, and Song for Charlie – has been instrumental in achieving this goal. I also want to credit our entire membership of athletic trainers who have taken time out of their busy days to host in-stadium events giving young people a chance to step on their favorite MLB fields in their hometowns. Together, we have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless youths, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the years to come.”
PLAY Campaign Impact
Royals athletic trainers with KC area kids at the PLAY Campaign in Kansas City.
The PLAY Campaign has made significant strides in promoting youth health and wellness:
- Educational Events: Conducted in Major League ballparks, these events feature hands-on activities and educational sessions led by professional baseball’s athletic trainers, emphasizing the importance of physical activity, nutrition, and overall health.
- Community Outreach: The campaign has extended its reach through community events, school visits, and collaborations with local organizations, ensuring that its messages resonate with a diverse audience.
- Inclusivity Initiatives: With the support of the NDSS, the PLAY Campaign has developed specialized programs to engage youth with disabilities in physical activity, creating inclusive environments where all participants feel valued and supported.
- Health and Safety Education: Partnerships with the Taylor Hooton Foundation and Song for Charlie have enhanced the campaign’s focus on health and safety, addressing critical issues such as the risks of performance-enhancing drugs and counterfeit medications.
About the PLAY Campaign, Jeff Klingler, Vice President & General Manager of Henry Schein’s U.S. Speciality Distribution Group said, “We are honored to have partnered with PBATS and The Taylor Hooton Foundation for more than 10 years to help empower children to embark on a lifelong journey of wellness and good health. Partnerships like this reinforce Henry Schein’s mission of giving back to the communities we serve, and we look forward to continuing to ‘help health happen’ for kids throughout the country.”
Donald Hooton Jr., President of the Taylor Hooton Foundation, added, “For over 15 years, we’ve partnered with PBATS and the PLAY Campaign. This program is invaluable to the Taylor Hooton Foundation and the diverse community it serves. Thousands of lives have been positively impacted, and we believe lives have been saved through this outreach. A Major League ballpark provides an incredible classroom for young people and influencers alike. This partnership has been instrumental in sharing my brother Taylor Hooton’s story with over 2.5 million people.”
Looking Ahead
As the PLAY Campaign enters its third decade, PBATS remains committed to expanding its reach and impact. Future initiatives will continue to emphasize the importance of physical activity, healthy lifestyle choices, and inclusive opportunities for all youth. PBATS will also explore new partnerships and innovative approaches to further its mission of promoting youth health and wellness.
PBATS will continue the 2024 PLAY Campaign tour after the MLB All-Star break with upcoming events with the Oakland Athletics, Miami Marlins, and Texas Rangers.