Baseball Team Medicine Conference unites experts in baseball injuries, sports medicine

3/24/2025

Conference attendees watched a live demonstration of an elbow UCL reconstruction performed by Dr. Keith Meister, who invented the state-of-the art surgical technique used to fix pitchers' elbows.

More than 200 athletic trainers, physical therapists, strength and conditioning coaches, and health care providers came together in January for the Baseball Team Medicine Conference at Banner Sports Medicine Scottsdale’s High Performance Center. The Conference is part of a new partnership between Banner Sports Medicine Scottsdale, the Banner Health Foundation, and the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers organization.

Held in memory of the late Dr. Lewis Yocum, one of baseball’s most renowned orthopedic surgeons, the Conference served as a tribute to Dr. Yocum's pioneering work and dedication to advancing the field of sports medicine. During the two-day educational event, experts shared their knowledge and expertise on the latest innovations and evidence-based treatments for medical conditions and musculoskeletal injuries specific to overhead throwing athletes.

Attendees also viewed a live demonstration of an elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament reconstruction performed by Dr. Keith Meister, renowned orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist who has served as team physician for the Texas Rangers for over 20 years. Dr. Meister is widely considered the world’s foremost expert on pitching elbows. The demonstration was moderated by fellow orthopedic surgeon Dr. Even Lederman, program director at Banner Sports Medicine Scottsdale.

Elbow and shoulder injury rates among baseball players, from youth to the Major Leagues, have been steadily rising for decades. Major League Baseball released a landmark 62-page report in late 2024 on the increase in pitcher injuries at the amateur and professional levels, laying the foundation for identifying the root causes of pitcher injuries as well as effective solutions.

“PBATS has long been the premier educational resource for athletic trainers in professional baseball, dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of players at the highest level,” said Dr. Lederman. “Together, we look forward to fostering innovation, education, and excellence in the care of professional athletes.”

The Conference was supported by a variety of industry partners and sponsors, including the Texas Rangers, Select Medical and NFP. If your company is interested in sponsoring a Continuing Medical Education symposia or conference, learn more about upcoming opportunities here.