Orioles Training Staff Named 2023 MLB Staff of Year

[Roll Tide]

 

[dystopia]

Definitely some unsung heroes. We did very well injury-wise last year. 

[Frobby]

Did our clubhouse staff win clubhouse boys of the year?   It seems we’ve won almost all the other awards.

[Can_of_corn]

1 minute ago, Frobby said:

Did our clubhouse staff win clubhouse boys of the year?   It seems we’ve won almost all the other awards.

There was one they didn't win...

[Frobby]

4 minutes ago, Can_of_corn said:

There was one they didn't win...

Oh yeah, that.  As to postseason awards that are voted on, we missed at least two.  And no Gold Gloves.  But, we did win several.  

Edited December 11, 2023 by Frobby

[Moose Milligan]

They’ve come a long way over the years. This is good to see. 

[Sports Guy]

A lot of luck involved with this..but obviously they are doing things that are very helpful in terms of keeping these guys healthy. 

[emmett16]

These guys are well ahead of the curve in rest science.  It’s not just the workouts and physical routines they do, it’s maximizing the three most important things people often take for granted: rest/recovery, sleep, and nutrition.  People have questioned  how they move people around to different position but it’s not just roster flexibility, it’s having guys (Gunnar) play a less physically demanding positions part of the time.  They maximize their sleep cycles which is done by eliminating all light and sleeping at colder temperatures.  They optimize their nutrition intake depending on where they are in their weekly/daily routines. And lastly they put an emphasis on mobility & flexibility training.  It’s been incredible to watch/. 

Edited December 12, 2023 by emmett16

[terpoh]

7 hours ago, emmett16 said:

These guys are well ahead of the curve in rest science.  It’s not just the workouts and physical routines they do, it’s maximizing the three most important things people often take for granted: rest/recovery, sleep, and nutrition.  People have questioned  how they move people around to different position but it’s not just roster flexibility, it’s having guys (Gunnar) play a less physically demanding positions part of the time.  They maximize their sleep cycles which is done by eliminating all light and sleeping at colder temperatures.  They optimize their nutrition intake depending on where they are in their weekly/daily routines. And lastly they put an emphasis on mobility & flexibility training.  It’s been incredible to watch/. 

Has any of this been reported as actually happening? How do you know that the players are doing this, and how do you know that other teams are not?

[emmett16]

17 hours ago, terpoh said:

Has any of this been reported as actually happening? How do you know that the players are doing this, and how do you know that other teams are not?

A lot of this information comes what I've learned going through Driveline's various certifications and the trainers that work there.  I know some other consultants/coaches/trainers that work with MLB & College players.

I imagine a lot (if not the majority) of teams are doing this.  I think what the O's have done well is recruit the guys that are going to hold themselves accountable and follow this stuff to a 'T'.  They might pick a guy that has a tiny bit less talent, but they know for darn sure that player is going to do everything they prescribe to them to get better & keep themselves healthy and available.  

Edited December 13, 2023 by emmett16

[emmett16]

On 12/12/2023 at 3:55 PM, terpoh said:

Has any of this been reported as actually happening? How do you know that the players are doing this, and how do you know that other teams are not?

Check out the Rates & Barrels podcast over in the MLB section.  They touch on a lot of this.  I was actually surprised to hear that not all of the teams, and actually very few of the teams are doing this.  To me, it sounds like the Orioles, Astros, Dodgers, Rays are the cream of the crop.  You also hear mention of the Brewers & Mariners.   But they state very confidently that very few teams are doing these things.  I was very surprised by that.  

Edited December 14, 2023 by emmett16

[terpoh]

3 hours ago, emmett16 said:

Check out the Rats & Barrels podcast over in the MLB section.  They touch on a lot of this.  I was actually surprised to hear that not all of the teams, and actually very few of the teams are doing this.  To me, it sounds like the Orioles, Astros, Dodgers, Rays are the cream of the crop.  You also hear mention of the Brewers & Mariners.   But they state very confidently that very few teams are doing these things.  I was very surprised by that.  

Thanks for the heads up. I have worked in sports performance for a long time. Spent 15 years working in division 1 college athletics working with all sports, but mostly basketball. Have spent the last few years more in the private sector and work with a number of pro athletes currently. I'm well versed in all the modalities that you are referring to, and I think you would be surprised at how many teams and individual athletes do not value those things. What you will find especially at the professional level, is that these guys are given a ton of autonomy. Some guys choose not to do those things or do some of those things, some guys have the money to afford their own "team" of specialists around them, and some will follow the team program pretty strictly. I would guess that the latter is the least of guys who are pro's and certainly veterans. I do agree with you whole heartedly in that it seems like the Orioles value guys who are bought into the system that they provide, and that cohesiveness shows in their play but also in their preparation. 

Unfortunately- as @Sports Guy touched on, a lot of what happens with injuries is tied to luck. I dont think there are any programs that can "prevent" injuries, you just hope to reduce the likelihood of injuries. From the outside looking in, it seems like that Orioles are certainly monitoring this stuff and doing a lot of the "right" things- but Its risky business as an athletic trainer or a strength coach to tie yourself and your success on injury rates, because its sports, and sometimes things happen. 

All in all, its a great award for those guys, and I know that they have a great reputation throughout the sport. Happy that they are a part of the Orioles. 

Edited December 14, 2023 by terpoh

[emmett16]

6 minutes ago, terpoh said:

Thanks for the heads up. I have worked in sports performance for a long time. Spent 15 years working in division 1 college athletics working with all sports, but mostly basketball. Have spent the last few years more in the private sector and work with a number of pro athletes currently. I'm well versed in all the modalities that you are referring to, and I think you would be surprised at how many teams and individual athletes do not value those things. What you will find especially at the professional level, is that these guys are given a ton of autonomy. Some guys choose not to do those things or do some of those things, some guys have the money to afford their own "team" of specialists around them, and some will follow the team program pretty strictly. I would guess that the latter is the least of guys who are pro's and certainly veterans. I do agree with you whole heartedly in that it seems like the Orioles value guys who are bought into the system that they provide, and that cohesiveness shows in their play but also in their preparation. 

Unfortunately- as @Sports Guy touched on, a lot of what happens with injuries is tied to luck. I dont think there are any programs that can "prevent" injuries, you just hope to reduce the likelihood of injuries. From the outside looking in, it seems like that Orioles are certainly monitoring this stuff and doing a lot of the "right" things- but Its risky business as an athletic trainer or a strength coach to tie yourself and your success on injury rates, because its sports, and sometimes things happen. 

All in all, its a great award for those guys, and I know that they have a great reputation throughout the sport. Happy that they are a part of the Orioles. 

Great post and good insights.  I do agree that there is definitely luck tied to it.  But just like in poker if you play the percentages things will go in your favor.  You will never be able to completely avoid them, but you should be able to limit them.  I think they do a good job of putting the players in a position where they can be successful and healthy and let the cards fall where they may.  

I do think the thing the O's are doing better than some others, is identifying the guys that will buy in to their programming or at least to outside programming that they believe in.