Honoring Trailblazers: A Conversation with MLB's First Black Head Athletic Trainer

No 3-Minute Medical this month.

This February, we chose to celebrate Black History Month by honoring one of the pioneers in baseball medicine. Mr. Stephen Sayles. Our sit down, mirroring the game we both know and love, was supposed to consist of of 9 questions representing the 9 innings of a Major League Baseball game. However, the conversation went so well, we HAD TO go into Extra Innings.

From the man who walked the unbeaten path, to the man fortunate enough to do the same, this conversation brought to light our shared passion in pursuing purpose over doubt.

Without further ado, here’s our sit down with the former Head Athletic Trainer for the (previously known as) Oakland Athletics – Major League Baseball’s FIRST Black Head Athletic Trainer – the one, the only, the incomparable Mr. Stephen Sayles.

Can you please introduce yourself to our audience.

·      My name is Stephen Sayles, I’m from San Diego CA. I went to Clairemont High where I was a 2-sport athlete, Football and Baseball. I attended San Diego State University where I Majored in Athletic Training and played Baseball. Following SDSU I was signed to a minor league contract by the San Diego Padres. I played in the Florida State League (A) in 1983. Following a Shoulder injury, I retired from baseball and used my degree to fulfill my dreams. I was fortunate to land an internship in 1984 at the major league level with the San Diego Padres. That is when I knew that the major leagues is where I wanted to work. I was a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) in Professional Baseball for 29 Years. My career took me from Spokane Washington (short season A) to Charleston S. C. (long season A) to Wichita K.S. (AA) to Las Vegas Nevada (AAA) which is where I decided to live. In 1998 I was hired by the Oakland Athletics as their Assistant Athletic Trainer, making me the first Black ATC ever in MLB.

How was the transition from player to practitioner?

·      I am often asked how the transition from player to Athletic Trainer went. When I move on, I move on. I knew that my playing career was over the moment I retired. There was some time where I put myself in a player’s position thinking about how I would have done, but that’s about as far as any playing dreams went. The fact that I was also a player helped me with the transition as players would listen a little closer to my opinion knowing that I had once worn a uniform. Otherwise, the transition was very smooth for me, because I enjoyed Athletic Training and felt it gave me a great opportunity to make it to the Major Leagues.

Did you knowingly get into a profession that previously had no Black representation in professional baseball? If so, what made you continue your pursuit?

·      I didn't necessarily go into the profession knowing that there were no other black Athletic Trainers in the league, which was a fact that I found out much later in my career. I went into the field thinking that if I couldn’t get to the “Big Leagues” as a player, I could get there as an ATC.

Were there any mentors in other spaces that prepared you for being “the first…”? How did they shape your outlook and help you move forward?

·      I had plenty of mentors along the way as an ATC, but since I was the first Black ATC in baseball, I didn't

have much guidance on how to be a first. I just knew that I would have to be good at my job if I wanted to achieve my goal. So, I made the sacrifices that I knew would be necessary to get from one level to the next. I went to Instructional League each year. I was chosen to work the inaugural season of the Arizona Fall League in 1992. I went to Puerto Rico for winter ball. Anything I could do to get noticed and learn how to work at the next level. Story time. When I was in the AZFL, Dusty Baker was managing one of the ball clubs there. He and my manager were good friends and decided to have dinner that night following a game. When Dusty came to our clubhouse to pick up my manager he saw me and kind of looked at me and said, “I’ve been in the game a long time and I’ve never seen anyone that looks like us doing your job.” He then said, “keep working hard and good luck with the future”. Six years later we are playing the Bay Bridge series against the Giants following Spring Training and I was taking equipment the dugout and Dusty saw me, walked across the field, extended his hand and with a handshake said, “Congratulations to you young man, I am so happy to see you made it.” He remembered and took the time to acknowledge me. That is why he is one of my favorite Major League managers to this day.

What is the best advice you received from them along your journey (personal or professional); something that without it, we may not be having this interview right now?

·      The best advice I received during my journey was to never lose focus. Sometimes I feel that is the biggest problem while in professional sports. There are so many distractions that can derail or ruin your reputation and end a career. I would pass that along to players when I was in the minor leagues. You can get in some of these minor league cities, and they make you feel important. You start feeling that this is the place to be. I knew that it wasn’t. The majors were the only place to be, so don’t get lost or caught up in what’s going on. Stay focused and make the sacrifice right now for the great thing that is at the end of the journey.

Is there any advice you would like to impart on the next generation of Black ATs — particularly those in spaces with limited representation?

·      My advice would be to make a statement. Stand out and don’t blend in. When I started with the A’s, in my first year I totally changed their pitcher's maintenance program. I came in with ideas about what I wanted my major league pitchers to do as maintenance, and I put it in place. I spoke with the Head Athletic Trainer at the time, and he saw the light and the change was made. Be confident in what you are doing and in your knowledge. Don’t get caught up in the politics of the job and get the job done. And remember, you are being watched and scrutinized.

Overall, how would you summarize your career as the First Black AT in Major League Baseball?

·      My career as an Athletic Trainer was fantastic. I had a lot of firsts being the first Black Athletic Trainer, sad to say that none were recognized while it was going on. The nature of being an ATC is to be in the background. No one except maybe your family bought a ticket to see you. And know that there will be people that don’t believe that you deserve to be there. They may night not say it out loud, but it’s there and you have to ignore it.

Are you aware of your impact?

·      I’m not aware of any impact that I had, but I was there, and people saw me in that. Hopefully in the future, more Black ATCs will consider baseball as a career, and I would like to think that maybe I had a tiny influence on them. Just doing things like this interview and appearing at the camp where we met will inform people.

What does it mean to you?

·      I’m very proud of my career and where it took me. I had a great career and I'm able to say that I was the Head Athletic Trainer of a major league baseball team. I lived my dream and was successful at it. It means a lot and the best thing about it was that my mother and father were able to see me do it.

Extra Innings

Is there anything in the profession you wish you would have done/been able to do?

·      I wish I could have made it to a World Series. In my 13 years in the majors my team made it to the playoffs 6 times, but never a W.S. Career wise I wasn’t trying to make a large impact or change Athletic Training. I felt I had a really fine knowledge base and learned different techniques and philosophies along the way. Athletic Training at the major league level is a grind. Facilities, travel, and the pressures of the job are immense. You have to deal with many different personalities and attitudes, and I liked being involved with the treatment of every player, so i think i did everything that I set out to accomplish.

Conversely, is there anything in the profession that you wish you hadn’t done?

·      I think that this is a question that we all ask ourselves once it’s all over. I had players that I wish I could have come up with some treatment or therapy that could have extended their careers or gotten them on the field sooner. There were failures at every level along with the successes. It was a great career, and I have no regrets!

–

Huge thanks to Stephen for the conversation and an even bigger thanks to our guys Tye and Reggie for the introduction. And to our audience, thank you for your continued support. Until next time, stay safe and take care.

–

For more information on how to prevent, manage, and treat your sports and orthopedic injuries, book your FREE Discovery Call here.

Interested in getting evaluated by our certified and licensed professionals, come see us at one of our in-office locations today.

We look forward to seeing you.

---

For tips on how to bulletproof your shoulder, contact us today at info@mindmusclemed.com. Now located in Houston AND Spring. Click here to book your session today.