"Taking the Injury out of Baseball": A Word with Orioles Trainer Richie Bancells

                Throughout a 162 game Major League Baseball season, the task of staving off broken bones, sprains and bruises falls in the hands of a few talented men and women.  Their motto is to take the “injury” out of baseball.  They are the men and women of the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society.

                Founded in 1983 in Nashville, Tennessee, the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society formed to exchange ideas in baseball sports medicine,  as well as provide further education for athletic trainers.

                Now in its 28^th year, PBATS continues to educate and serve in maintaining the health and welfare of baseball athletes all over the country. 

                PBATS’ dedication to the game and its athletes keeps the likes of their President and Head Athletic Trainer of the Baltimore Orioles, Richard “Richie” Bancells, on the forefront in the treatment of players’ injuries. 

                “Everyday presents new challenges.” says Bancells.  “I like helping players.”

During a regular season home game, Bancells will usually work an 11 hour day. From administrative duties to prepping players for a game, Bancells is in constant communication with doctors, management and the front-office. However, Bancells’ most important duties before the game are his daily reports regarding the health of the team, and to assess whether a player will be available for the game day roster.

 With 10 to 12 pitchers on the Orioles staff, 80 percent of the injuries, according to Bancells, occur at the shoulder and the elbow.

“We play every day. With 81 games at home and 81 games on the road, the players never have a chance to recover.”

Hard work and dedication keep Bancells focused and motivated.  Over the course of his career, he has seen many incredible injuries. From witnessing collisions in the outfield to a player being hit in the face with a line drive, Bancells believes that the most challenging injury is always the one he is treating at the time.

 The world of a Major League Baseball Athletic trainer is always filled with challenges.  Asked what he loves most about his job, Bancells replies, “I love it period! The changes in the advancement of technology, helping the players and to see a player's face when you tell them that they still have a career.  There is something magical about putting a Band-Aid on a man.”