Longtime Seattle Mariners’ Athletic Trainer & PBATS Hall of Famer Inducted into NATA Hall of Fame
Rick Griffin, the longtime head athletic trainer for the Seattle Mariners, has been inducted into the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades of dedication to athlete care, injury prevention, and the advancement of the athletic training profession.
Griffin, who served as the Mariners’ head athletic trainer from 1983 to 2017, has left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball (MLB) and the field of sports medicine. Over the course of his career in Seattle, he became a trusted figure in the organization, working closely with some of the game’s greatest players while pioneering advancements in injury rehabilitation and prevention.
His impact extended beyond the Mariners, as Griffin was an influential member of the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS), where he helped shape policies and best practices that benefited athletic trainers across the league. He was also instrumental in mentoring the next generation of trainers, ensuring that his legacy of excellence continues in MLB clubhouses.
Rick Griffin and Ichiro Suzuki as members of the Seattle Mariners (photo courtesy of Mariners PR/Medium)
About the honor, Griffin said, “I joined NATA in 1978, but over the last decade of my time with the Mariners, I became very involved, particularly with the salary compensation task force. It was incredibly rewarding to help younger athletic trainers learn how to advocate for themselves—teaching them how to communicate their value to employers. Athletic trainers are such a vital part of sports organizations, and ensuring they are properly valued and compensated was something I was proud to be part of.”
Griffin also added, “Helping students, opening clinics, working with professional baseball teams, and being involved in leadership and management—it’s all been so exciting. NATA, for me, has been more than just an organization; it’s a passion. In fact, in 1981, I was asked to work a rodeo, taking care of injured riders, and I’ve been involved with rodeo ever since—longer than I’ve been in baseball. Just last year, I worked seven rodeos, helping those athletes recover and stay in the sport. That’s what this profession is about—caring for and supporting athletes at every level.”
Throughout his career, Griffin played a crucial role in advancing the use of innovative treatment methods, collaborating with physicians and researchers to develop cutting-edge rehabilitation techniques. His commitment to athlete health and safety was widely recognized by players, coaches, and fellow medical professionals.
Griffin also shared fondness for his time with the Seattle Mariners, saying, “This spring training was the first time I was there strictly as a guest, and it was an incredible experience. I got to reconnect with players, coaches, and athletic trainers, and to see how much the profession has evolved—it really hit me. When I started, I was the only athletic trainer. Now, teams have six to eight on the MLB side and even more in the minors. It was humbling to feel so welcomed, loved, and appreciated. I spent my entire career with the Seattle Mariners, and I still check the box scores every day. I never got to go to a World Series, but I did experience the playoffs and had the privilege of working four All-Star Games, proudly representing the Mariners and the city of Seattle. I always strived to be active in the community and stay involved, and I feel so lucky to have been with one team for my entire career. I’ve always said, if there’s someone out there who loved their job more than me, I’d love to meet them—because I truly had the best job in the world.”
PBATS President Nick Kenney, a leader in the field himself, praised Griffin’s impact on baseball athletic training and his well-deserved induction into the NATA Hall of Fame.
“Rick Griffin’s impact on PBATS, the NATA, and the entire profession of athletic training is immeasurable. He has dedicated his career to not only advancing the care and treatment of athletes but also to mentoring and educating generations of athletic trainers. His leadership, passion, and commitment have helped shape the profession into what it is today. Whether it was through his work in Major League Baseball, his contributions to NATA, or his role in guiding young athletic trainers through the international programs and efforts, Rick’s influence will be felt for years to come. His induction into the NATA Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of a career spent making a difference,” said Kenney.
With his induction, Griffin joins an elite group of professionals who have shaped the landscape of athletic training. His contributions to the Mariners, MLB, and the broader sports medicine community will be remembered as a gold standard in the profession.
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