After 40 years, top coach tenure with the Orioles’ organization is coming to a close. He, who has been Baltimore’s head athletic trainer for the past seven years, will not be returning for the 2025 season, according to a source. The team has yet to officially confirm his departure.
In the history of the Orioles, only four individuals have served as head athletic trainers: Eddie Weidner (1954-67), Ralph Salvon (1968-87), Richie Bancells (1988-2017), and Ebel (2018-24).
He began his career with the Orioles in 1985 as the head athletic trainer for the Rookie-level Bluefield Orioles, a role he held for three seasons. He later worked as the trainer for Single-A Erie in 1988 and Double-A Hagerstown from 1989 to 1991, before serving as the Minor League medical coordinator from 1992 to 1996. He then joined Baltimore’s Major League staff as an assistant trainer in 1996.
This year, Ebel was chosen to be an athletic trainer for the American League at the All-Star Game held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. This marked his second All-Star appearance, having previously been selected for the Midsummer Classic in 2007.
“Player health and safety are my top priorities, obviously,” Ebel remarked about his role in July. “Ensuring our players are ready to perform every night is a significant challenge, one I take seriously and genuinely enjoy.”
Throughout 2024, Ebel and the Orioles’ training staff were kept busy as injuries affected the team’s major league roster. The team never achieved full health during the season, with several key players spending time on the injured list.
Assistant trainers Mark Shires and Patrick Wesley are still part of the Orioles organization and may be considered for the head athletic trainer position.
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