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.

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.