Dodgers officially name Neil Rampe to lead new training staff

The Dodgers finally made their new training staff official Tuesday, naming Neil Rampe as their head trainer.

Rampe spent the past eight seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks as the manual and performance therapist, holding that position since 2008. His hire with the Dodgers was first reported seven weeks ago but had not been announced.

He replaces Stan Conte, who resigned at the end of the season after nine years with the Dodgers to concentrate on research of baseball-related injuries.

Rampe went to the University of Findlay in his home state of Ohio where he received two Bachelor’s degrees in athletic training and physical education. He earned a Masters in kinesiology at the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining the Diamondbacks he spent five years at the University of Arizona as associate director of performance enhancement.

Joining Rampe with the Dodgers as assistant trainers are Nathan Lucero and Thomas Albert. Lucero spent 24 years with the Houston Astros, the last seven as their head trainer. Albert spent the past four seasons as the Cleveland Indians’ organization rehab coordinator.

Returning to the Dodgers’ training staff are Brandon McDaniel (strength & conditioning coach, fourth season), Steve Smith (physical therapist, fifth season) and Yosuke “Possum” Nakajima (massage therapist, second season).

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