Jeff Collins Wins PBATS Minor League Medical Coordinate of the Year
Longtime Oakland A's minor league medical coordinator Jeff Collins has been named the Athletic Trainer of the Year in the coordinator category by the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS). Each year, PBATS recognizes one athletic trainer in each of Minor League Baseball's 16 leagues, along with one for the Dominican Summer League and an additional award for the Minor League Coordinator of the Year.
Collins is currently in his 17th season in the Athletics organization and 14th as the minor league medical coordinator. He also served as head athletic trainer for the A's short-season affiliate in Vancouver (2004), Single-A Visalia (2000), and Short-Season Southern Oregon (1998-99).
Along with the 17 other winners throughout Minor League Baseball, Collins is now eligible to be recognized as the overall PBATS Minor League Athletic Trainer of the Year, which will be selected later this year by the executive council of PBATS.
"Congratulations to Jeff Collins on this long-overdue recognition of the outstanding work he's done for nearly 14 seasons," said David Forst, A's assistant general manager. "With almost no fanfare, Jeff skillfully oversees the health and well-being of the minor league players and staff that make up the foundation of the A's organization. His leadership and expertise are a critical part of the A's success; he is incredibly deserving of this award."
Collins earned a degree in athletic training from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a master's in health, wellness and exercise science from the University of Nevada. He is a certified member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) and is a licensed athletic trainer in Arizona.