The Reds 2020 season was one of many firsts. It was not the first, however, to be played during a pandemic. That first belongs to the 1919 Reds who played in the midst of the Spanish Flu pandemic. Then and now, however, the Reds gave weary Cincinnatians a reason to cheer. A momentary return to normal in an abnormal time.
Straight From the Dugout
On the frontlines of this history-making season was Beacon's very own Dr. Tim Kremchek. Serving as the Reds' longtime’ Team Medical Director, he was there through the bitter end. Right through the team's wildcard series run at the playoffs.
“It’s a privilege to stand alongside these guys,” said Kremchek. “As they do every year, they gave it their all, and it’s my honor to help them maintain, or get back to, their peak performance levels — even through games like that 13-inning heartbreaker against the Braves.”
Following postponement after postponement of Opening Day, Kremchek didn't worry about whether there would be one. Instead he was concerned with ensuring the team would be ready to go if and when that day came. He touched base with the players by Zoom weekly and even more regularly with those who had injuries.
“We didn’t know how or when the season would go, so we had to keep strength and conditioning training going to make sure that whenever game time came, the guys would be ready for it, and they were,” added Kremchek. “They played well, staying above .500, and despite some late season injuries, it was a solid year.”
While the 2020 season is over for the Reds, Kremchek has his sights set on 2021. All signs point to COVID-19 remaining ever-present through the post-season and into next year. What that means for how things will go then is still a question mark, but the Reds have to stay game-ready. The coming months are sure to hold more virtual workouts, Zoom check-ins and wellness programs for the Reds. Likely managed from a distance — all to keep them strong, healthy, and ready to once again give our city something to cheer about.
Fall High School Sports Still Going Strong
Dr. Kremchek’s focus for the Reds may be 2021, but he still has a laser-focus on the 2020 fall sports season for our local high schools. Beacon Orthopaedics is the official medical provider for 24 area high school athletic teams and many of them are heading into their playoff seasons, if they haven’t already.
From Young Athletes to Weekend Warriors, Beacon Experts are Here
Do you have a high school athlete who has some persistent discomfort? Pain is never normal. It’s our body’s way of telling us something is wrong, and the physicians at Beacon are here to help. We have same-day appointments and urgent care available. Telehealth video consultations are also an option. Schedule an appointment now.
