The World Of A Phillies Doctor: Small Talk With The Big Piece

Dr. Ciccotti folds the injury report into his pocket and makes his way across the sprawling Carpenter Complex to the minor league facilities. As he passes a sign showing the fields and buildings a, “Hi Doc” booms from behind him.

It’s first baseman Ryan Howard, the Big Piece. He is dressed casually on his way in for the day.

“Good day again yesterday huh,” says Ciccotti referencing Howard’s opposite field moon shot against the Orioles, his 6^th home run and 15^th RBI of the preseason.

“Yea well it’s Sarasota,” Ryan replies.

“He always has tremendous success in Sarasota,” says Dr. Ciccotti. “He loves the conditions there.”

After continuing his trek across the fields, Dr. Ciccotti opens the door to the minor leaguetraining building into a beehive of activity.

Straight ahead is the minor league clubhouse with lockers bursting with clothes and equipment.

It is mobbed with players… the minor leaguers… the farm guys and hopefully the Phillies stars of tomorrow, many of whom are from Latin America.

Dr. Ciccotti ducks into an open doorway on the left into the minor league training room. It is basically the same as the big leaguers… several exam tables covered with sheets, some rehab exercise equipment, hot and cold whirlpools and an office. It is 8 am, and it’s crowded.

After a check in with the minor league trainers, including James Ready, Head Minor League Training Coordinator for the Phillies, a voice says, “I’m here to see Dr. Ciccotti.” The day has officially begun.