MARION – Soon college baseball players will arrive in Marion from across the country to form the first-ever Thrillville Thrillbillies Baseball Team. Thanks to an agreement between the Orthopaedic Institute of Southern Illinois (OISI), Deaconess Illinois, and the Black Diamond Family of Businesses, there will also be certified athletic trainers waiting at Mtn Dew Park to greet, and care for, the 2023 Thrillbillies.
“Most people picture athletic trainers providing immediate, on the field care for an injury,” said Thrillbillies Field Manager Ralph Santana. “But ATCs also manage rehabilitation after an injury, plan treatment so a player is less likely to aggravate an existing injury and provide preventative care, so they might not get hurt in the first place. Certified athletic trainers are essential to a well-run team.”
For OISI, this collaboration is a perfect fit. “OISI has been the premier orthopaedic provider in southern Illinois for over 20 years,” said OISI CEO Justin Harris. “From the Saluki Baseball trainers and physicians to the former SI Miners at Rent One Park, we are stoked about the opportunity to support Black Diamond in bringing on the Thrillville Thrillbillies.”
Harris says the addition of Deaconess Illinois strengthens the collaboration. “The partnership with Deaconess Illinois and its leadership in southern Illinois will allow us to continue the high-quality care we have been delivering over the years, to a new level.”
“One of the first concerns is always the safety of the players and this partnership ensures our Thrillville Thrillbillies will have a Certified athletic trainer for on and off the field. Deaconess Illinois prides itself on providing outstanding quality care to patients in southern Illinois,” says William Davis, Illinois Market Chief Operations Officer of Deaconess Illinois.
Formerly known as Rent One Park, Mtn Dew Park became part of the Black Diamond Family of Businesses in January of 2022. Black Diamond co-founder Rodney Cabaness is grateful for the expertise the two healthcare organizations bring to the partnership. “We’re new to baseball,” Cabaness said. “It’s tremendously reassuring that we can rely on proven experts to provide such crucial services. It allows us to focus on delivering a thrilling experience and terrific food and drink for our guests.”
Harris and Davis are both looking forward to what the Mtn Dew Park staff has planned for this summer. “You will definitely see OISI team members in the stands as well as on the field! From the entertainment to the food, it sounds like the Inaugural Thrillbillies Season will be memorable,” said Harris. Davis agrees. “We’re looking forward to a great summer of baseball in Marion. It promises to be a great time for both baseball purists and a family looking for an affordable night out,” stated Davis.
Fans can learn more about both healthcare organizations in a fun-for-all setting when they co-sponsor the “Star Wars Night” Thrillbillies game on Saturday, July 15 at Mtn Dew Park in Marion. Tickets are available online at www.Thrillbillies.com.
