Saturday, April 1, 2023

Kevin Harmon spent more than three decades as a trainer in minors - then in the majors

1990 Durham Bulls team photo card with trainer Kevin Harmon highlighted

Durham trainer Kevin Harmon rushed to the mound in this May 1988 game. Opposing hurler Scott Henion had suffered a serious injury, hit in the temple by a line drive, The Raleigh News and Observer wrote.

Harmon helped stabilize the motionless Henion and then get him off in an ambulance to the hospital, The News and Observer wrote.

"His vital signs were OK," Harmon told The News and Observer later. "He didn't have any verbal response, but he was able to hear us. His eyes were moving."

Henion eventually recovered enough to return to the mound for another season. Harmon, then early in his training career, went on to serve as a trainer for three more decades, and make the majors.

Harmon's career as a trainer began in 1986, having graduated the year before from Central Michigan University.

Harmon started with the Braves at single-A Sumter. He spent two seasons there, and even drove the team  bus. He then saw three at single-A and high-A Durham.

He then moved to the Orioles and AAA Rochester for 1991 and stayed there through 1995.

After going through the Tampa Bay organization, Harmon joined the Rangers in 2003 as its major league medical and strength coordinator. In 2013, he became the team's head athletic trainer.

Harmon stayed in that head athletic trainer role for the Rangers through 2018, when he announced his retirement to pursue other interests, according to MLB.com.

"The Rangers organization owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Kevin Harmon," President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Jon Daniels said in a statement then. "Kevin's dedication and willingness to go the extra mile have played a major role in keeping our players on the field for many years."

1990 Durham Bulls team photo

1990 Minor League Tally 
Players/Coaches Featured:4,151
Made the Majors:1,371-33.0%-X
Never Made Majors:2,780-67.0%
5+ Seasons in the Majors:557
10+ Seasons in the Minors:338

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