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 .

Pinching, clicking, popping, general weakness during practice or competition. These are among the most common symptoms experienced among overhead athletes. By themselves, each symptom does not serve as an indicator of injury. In overhead athletes, signs and symptoms of this nature can jeopardize their ability to be effective in their sport – contributing to more serious injuries, sidelining them from participation, and keeping them out of the fight.   FanGraphs.com ’s MLB injury survey data from 2023-2025 shows year-to-year increases in documented cases of Shoulder Impingement: with cases accounting for 4% of shoulder injuries in 2023 to 18% in 2025. With numbers on the rise at the Major League level, it is easy to assume the same rates are prevalent at all lower levels – particularly in the youth space. For greater detail on the topic, we must define it first. So what is Shoulder Impingement? Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (SIS) – most commonly Internal Shoulder Impingement – develops when the space between the acromion (top of shoulder) and the clavicle (collarbone) shrinks. The result of this shrinkage causes the rotator cuff (RTC) muscles, bursa, and/or tendons to rub against the bones closing on top of them; like a tall person continuously brushing their head against the ceiling . Over time, this development increases pain and decreases function.   In overhead athletes, pain usually occurs as the arm reaches anywhere between 60° and 120°; becoming more symptomatic in “lay back” or as the ball reaches their ear while throwing.   How does it develop? Great question, broad answer.   SIS is commonly noted as an underlying cause of RTC injury and bursitis. As a result, the main cause is directly correlated to the repetitive use of the shoulder and said RTC muscles. Overuse coupled with a lack of specific strength, endurance, and scapular (shoulder blade) control usually serves as the recipe for the dysfunction’s development over time.   How do we prevent/fix it? Typical treatments consist of: Formal Evaluation Pain Medication Structured Rehabilitation Program Emphasizing: Improving joint and muscular mobility (to open up the joint space) Muscular strength and endurance (to re-establish scapular stabilization) Improving movement efficiency (to reinforce proper movement patterns once pain-free).   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 .

First and foremost, I would like to thank God, my family, and friends for making all this stuff possible. It goes without saying that, if not for them, the opportunities that we as a company were able receive and cultivate would not have been possible without their support. We love you. We thank you. We appreciate you. 2025’s iteration of Mind Muscle Medicine (M3) comes directly on the heels some MAJOR wins received in 2024. Our founder became a two-time national team Athletic Trainer/Sports Medicine Services Provider after traveling with Team USA to China and Panama for the International Olympic Committee’s first Olympic Qualifier Series event in Shanghai and the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s U12 Baseball World Cup Qualifier Tournament (🥇 secured) and being named an alternate Sports Medicine Provider for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Stateside, our profile began to elevate after meeting Marc “Cheats” Cheatham, host of the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast , at the Cactus Jack College Baseball Classic in Houston. This led us to a next-day meeting with the founder and president of Minority Prospects Inc. From there, our small practice was tasked with coordinating sports medicine services for MP’s 2024 HBCU All-Star Weekend and Junior World Series; events that connected us to Major League Baseball’s grassroots youth program – MLB Develops. 2025’s run began over MLK weekend at DREAM Series – MLB’s annual player development experience dedicated to growing diversity and cultivating the skillsets of the top, predominantly Black, high school baseball players throughout the country. It was here that we were able to serve our favorite game’s best and brightest young stars while also ingratiating ourselves into the community of Black and Brown baseball elites – on-the-field coaches, performance coaches, and administrators alike. The opportunity to get day-to-day exposure to the organization, staff, and athletes that 100% fit my desired niche was something that we could not buy in a million lifetimes; especially when incorporating the quality of people that we encountered each day. 2025 MLB Develops’ Breakthrough Series was filled with P4 and MLB Draft prospects A positive performance at DREAM Series yielded the opportunity to become the primary athletic training services provider for MLB Develops’ The Program national travel ball teams. It was here – the day-to-day grind of interstate bus rides, hotel stays, and organized team activities in new environments – that the experience went from feeling like work to feeling like family. We got to bear witness to the highs and lows of what most know as “the most stressful, yet fruitful summer” of these young men’s amateur careers. Everywhere we went, our team was tabbed as a “team to beat”. Every pitch, every swing, every run was “must-see". The experience culminated in being selected to cover the 2025 MLB All-American Game at Dodger Stadium . This game featured the best-of-the-best (a bevy of MLB Develops alumni) – 1st round MLB Draft prospects and U18 World Cup winners, Anthony Murphy and Aidan Ruiz , 100 mph arm Savion Sims , All-World outfielder Kevin Roberts Jr. , as well as top 100 overall players Rookie Shepard and Dylan Minnatee . It was quite possibly the storybook ending to what felt like the start of something great and an opportunity to move in our purpose. 2026 shows promise. This year, we will be diving deeper into our newest partnership with Diamond Club Performance – Houston’s premier baseball performance training facility found inside Baseball USA. Our partnership allows M3 to continue providing Big League service in the areas of injury prevention, rehab, and recovery; while allowing DCP to coordinate all on-site and remote strength and conditioning offerings. Come see us at 2626 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Houston, TX 77043 (inside Baseball USA) or reach out to us at info@mindmusclemed.com . We look forward to working with you. Huge thanks again to our friends at the Black Baseball Mixtape Podcast, Minority Prospects Inc., USA Baseball, and MLB Develops . All praises to God for the connections made and relationships grown. 2026 is going to be an EXCELLENT year.

A “roll”, a “twist”, a “sprain”. No matter how you characterize it, ankle sprains are painfully annoying. Why so? Well to the naked eye, the anatomy of the ankle looks like a collection of marbles held together by a series of rubber bands . The marbles are the bones. The rubber bands are the ligaments. These facts combined with the fibula – the smaller, outer lower leg bone – extending below the crease of the foot where the ankle joint line create a foundation of inherent joint instability that increases the likelihood of injury. 97% of all ankle sprains are caused by inversion. Commonly caused by slips, trips, falls, or awkward landings, inversion is the resulting motion of the outside of the ankle “rolling” underneath the body. The result of this motion causes the Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) – the primary stabilizer of the outer ankle – to stretch beyond its normal limits. If stretched too far (Grade 1), small tears of the ATFL (Grade 2) can develop; putting the ligament integrity at risk for a complete tear (Grade 3). The pain, swelling, and instability associated with this injury are telltale indicators of some level of injury. Although, a formal evaluation with or without an MRI, is needed to indicate the true severity. How do we prevent/fix them? Luckily, inversion sprains are so common, MANY techniques have been developed and used to ensure ankle health and safety. Common preventative tactics are ankle braces, tape jobs, and high-top shoes ; all of which add a level of external support to the area. Corrective exercise programs offer longer term success ; with well-executed programs focused on building the muscles of the foot and lower leg to systematically “bulletproof” the area. The last, and most extreme, “fix” is surgery to repair Grade 3 tears and tighten the ligaments to their original state. One of the very first rehab cases seen at M3 came to us as the result of a Grade 2 ankle sprain; a sprain that also resulted in microtears along the ligament. With surgery on the table, the patient elected for 6 to 8 weeks of formal rehab and corrective exercise programming from yours truly. The primary goals: avoid surgery, regain strength/stability, and get back to playing baseball. In that time, we were able to significantly reduce his pain and swelling while increasing his strength and stability; returning to full participation without his brace in just under 8 weeks. Mission accomplished.  --  For tips and tricks on how to bulletproof your ankle, contact us today at info@mindmusclemed.com . Located in the greater Houston area? Click here to book your session today!

Biceps tears can happen several different ways in baseball. Although these tears most commonly occur at the shoulder during the act of pitching — due to repeated bouts of stressful muscular overload across the phases of throwing — they can occur at both the origin (start) and insertion (finish) points of the muscle.  How do the biceps become overloaded at the elbow? Simply put… eccentric overload. Eccentric overload occurs when the external force is greater than the force needed/used to complete a movement; usually occurring in gym settings where an individual is attempting to curl too much or flip a giant tire. On Apr. 8, 2025, Seattle Mariners rookie 2B, Ryan Bliss unfortunately experienced just that. In the 2nd inning of the game, he took a big swing on a breaking ball; whiffing with a one-handed finish dissimilar to his usual swing. As a result, his elbow was suddenly forced into hyperextension; causing an unexpected eccentric overload event. The split second internal correction to his finish served its purpose in putting his arm back into a stronger slightly bent position. However, the load transferred into his arm had likely already torn his left biceps tendon in the process. Distal (at the insertion) biceps tears tend to require surgery — with an MRI being the only way to confirm the presence of a tear. In cases that have required surgical repair, position players have an 80% return-to-play success rate. For tears of less than 50%, “cleanups” are typically done and yield a slightly shorter rehab process because of the athlete’s ability to begin range of motion (ROM) exercises while circumventing ≈4-weeks of immobilization. For tears greater than 50%, surgical reattachment is the usually the call; with ROM exercises beginning 4-6 weeks post-op and traditional rehab running for another 12 weeks — matching the Mariners medical team’s 4-5 month (16-20 weeks) recovery timeline.  Good news is that this isn’t the first notable distal biceps tear to draw from. Mo Vaughn (2001) and Miguel Cabrera (2018) suffered similar injuries — Cabrera almost identically — and through injury rehab they returned to play at their previously elite levels.  Good luck Mr. Bliss.  --- For tips on how to bulletproof your elbow, contact us today at info@mindmusclemed.com . Located in the greater Houston area? Click here to book your session today .