2012 is Ryan Mertz’s third season in the Longshots Baseball program. Ryan is a physical therapist with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University. In addition to practicing in Athletico’s South Loop clinic, Ryan is also the head traveling physical therapist for the Chicago Cubs and leads the therapy programs for the team, working directly with the Major League players on a daily basis during the season. Ryan spent 2010 and 2011 as the head physical therapist with the Chicago White Sox.
Ryan worked with the organization to develop a comprehensive strength and conditioning program for Longshots Senior Division players. The program is age-appropriate, designed around the annual baseball calendar, and has separate pitcher and position player components. Ryan continues to work with the program to update and improve the program based on feedback and additional discoveries in the health and injury prevention fields.
Ryan is one of the two physical therapists strongly endorsed by the Longshots program for any therapy and rehabilitation needs. He also helps provide doctor recommendations to players as needed.
Prior to attending Michigan and Northwestern, Ryan played baseball in high school.
