On episode 101 of the Inside Athletic Training podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Michael T. Freehill—a rare blend of elite athlete and leading sports medicine physician. A former professional pitcher drafted by the California Angels, Dr. Freehill now serves as an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford University, specializing in shoulder and elbow care, and is the Head Team Physician for the Athletics and Stanford University Baseball.

His career has spanned the pitcher’s mound, groundbreaking medical research, and leadership within Major League Baseball’s medical community. Today, we’ll explore his journey from the clubhouse to the clinic, his work in building world-class sports medicine teams alongside MLB athletic trainers, and the innovations driving athlete care and performance at the highest level.

Register for the PBATS Baseball Team Medicine Conference here: https://www.ebpcentral.com/baseball-team/

For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.

On this episode, we're joined by Luke Novosel, assistant athletic trainer and physical therapist for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Luke is in his first season in Major League Baseball and has built a career grounded in consistency, collaboration, and care for his athletes.

We’ll talk about his path to the big leagues, his time spent playing Division 1 baseball at the University of Pittsburgh, what he’s learned along the way, and how the role of the athletic trainer continues to evolve in today’s game. Whether you’re a student looking to break into the field or a seasoned AT, this conversation offers a great perspective on what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of professional baseball athletic training.

For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.

On this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we’re joined by Kandi Pickard and Colleen Hatcher from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to talk about their impactful, long-standing partnership with PBATS. Together, NDSS and PBATS have worked to champion inclusion in baseball, sports, and the workplace through joint initiatives like the PLAY Campaign and the Ability Transcends Challenges program. Kandi and Colleen share how these programs are helping to shift perceptions, create opportunities, and build more inclusive environments across professional sports and beyond. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about advocacy, collaboration, and the power of community.

For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.

On this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we’re joined by Neil Rampe, Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Chicago Cubs. With over two decades of experience across Major League Baseball, Neil has held key roles with the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and now the Cubs—bringing a unique blend of expertise in athletic training, manual therapy, performance science, and strength and conditioning. Today, we dive into Neil’s career journey, his current role in Chicago, and how he continues to evolve within a profession that’s constantly pushing the boundaries of athlete care and performance.

For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.

Today’s guest is Dr. Christopher Camp, a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with a deep focus on sports medicine and shoulder and elbow surgery. Since 2019, Dr. Camp has served as the Medical Director, Team Physician, and Director of High Performance for the Minnesota Twins, where he works closely with players, athletic trainers, and front office staff to keep athletes healthy and performing at their best.

Beyond the field, Dr. Camp is a leading researcher in the biomechanics of throwing, injury prevention, and surgical innovation. His work is shaping how we understand and treat injuries in overhead athletes—not just in baseball, but across all sports.

He also leads the Human Optimization Project at the Mayo Clinic, an initiative focused on maximizing health, performance, and recovery. Listen along as we dive into his unique perspective on athlete care, research, and the evolving relationship between medicine and high performance in professional baseball.

For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.

On this episode of the Inside Athletic Training podcast, we’re joined by Nick Paparesta, Head Athletic Trainer for the Minnesota Twins. With more than two decades of experience in professional baseball, Nick shares his journey through the athletic training ranks, from the minor leagues to leading a major league medical staff. We dive into his approach to injury prevention, the evolving demands of the profession, and the importance of communication between athletic trainers, front office personnel, and players. Nick also offers valuable insights for young professionals looking to make an impact in the field and discusses the innovation and collaboration that define his work with the Twins.

For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.

In this episode of Inside Athletic Training, we sit down with Christian Bermudez, Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Philadelphia Phillies. With more than 13 years in professional baseball—including time in the DSL, GCL, Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A—Christian offers a powerful perspective on the grind, growth, and gratitude that come with a career in athletic training. He shares lessons from his journey, insights into the role of an MLB assistant athletic trainer, and advice for those looking to follow a similar path in the world of athletic training and sports medicine.

For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.

Welcome to the Inside Athletic Training Podcast, where we explore the world of sports medicine & athletic training and the professionals who keep athletes at their best.

Today, we’re joined by Nick Jensen from the Milwaukee Brewers and Victor Scarpone from the Miami Marlins. As first-year MLB assistant athletic trainers, they’ll share what it took to break through to the big leagues and how they’re adapting to life on the big stage—working with elite players, handling MLB road trips and schedules, the pressures of winning, balancing family life while on the road, and much more.

For more information about PBATS and athletic training, visit pbats.com.