Page 42 - 2019 Angels Media Guide_Neat_NEW

ADAM NEVALA FRONT OFFICE

Head Certified Athletic Trainer
A member of the organization since 1998, Adam Nevala begins his ninth
season as the Angels Head Certified Athletic Trainer. He was promoted
prior to the 2011 campaign after six seasons with Angels as an assistant
athletic trainer. Nevala was selected as a member of the training staff for
the American League for the 2015 All-Star Game in Cincinnati.
Prior to working at the Major League level, he spent six seasons as head
athletic trainer for various Angels affiliates, including Salt Lake (AAA) from
2003-2004, Arkansas (AA) in 2002, Rancho Cucamonga (A) in 2001, Lake Elsinore (A) in 2000 and
Cedar Rapids (A) in 1999. Nevala also gained experience serving as the assistant athletic trainer
front office
and clubhouse manager for the Angels Rookie-Level Butte Copper Kings in 1998.
The Virginia, MN native is a member of the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society
(PBATS). Nevala attended Arizona State University, receiving his degree in exercise science and
physical education in 1997. He earned his master’s degree in rehabilitation science at California
University of Pennsylvania in 2007.
The 43 year-old Nevala (pronounced “NEV-uh-luh”), wife, Tina, and son, Jackson, reside in
Irvine, CA.
RICK SMITH

Athletic Training Services Coordinator
Rick Smith begins his 44th season with the organization, 42nd at the big
league level. Smith enters his second campaign in his new role after 40 years
as an Angels Certified Athletic Trainer. Smith previously served as the head
athletic trainer for the El Paso Diablos, an Angels' Double-A affiliate, before
moving to the Major Leagues in 1978.
On August 3, 2002, Smith was honored in a pregame ceremony for his 25
years of service with the Angels. He has served as an American League Athletic
Trainer for the All-Star Games in 1984, 1989 and 1997. Smith was also an
integral part of the group honored with the Major League Athletic Training
Staff of the Year Award for the 1998 season. The award is voted on by the
Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS).
The El Paso, TX native was inducted into the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame
on November 6, 2007 as part of the 20-year anniversary of the Hall of Fame. Former Angels Larry
“Moose” Stubing, Ken Schrom and Jack Harris are also members of the El Paso Hall of Fame.
Smith began his career as a student athletic trainer for the University of Texas-El Paso athletic
teams from 1971 until graduating in 1975. He is a member of the Professional Baseball Athletic
Trainers Society (PBATS), National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the California and Texas
State Trainers Associations. Smith is a regular supporter of the Child Abuse Prevention Center in
Orange, CA.
Smith, 65, attended Eastwood High School in El Paso, TX. He and his wife, Janell, have one son,
Karcher, and reside in Santa Ana, CA. The family welcomed grandson, Rocco, in 2017.
rick smith by the numbers

Some interesting figures during Rick
Smith’s 42-year tenure with the Angels...
776 - Number of Angels players
15 - Number of Angels managers
58 - Number of Angels coaches
Smith has worked approx. 7,500 games in his career
(includes spring training, regular season and playoffs)

ANGELS MEDIA GUIDE

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