Mercy is Official Sports Medicine Provider for Springfield Cardinals

Mercy has entered into a five-year partnership with the Springfield Cardinals to manage the team’s orthopedic and sports medicine needs, as well provide other medical services. The agreement comes after Mercy inked a similar agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this year.

“We are very excited to enhance our partnership with Mercy, the Official Sports Medicine/Orthopedic Provider for the Cardinals, ensuring that our players receive top quality medical care throughout the season,” said Springfield Cardinals Vice President/General Manager Matt Gifford. “In addition to establishing a vital continuity of player care between St. Louis and Springfield, we also look forward to working alongside Mercy to continue to promote healthy lifestyle choices for kids and adults throughout our community.”

Mercy Clinic Sports Medicine specialist Dr. Brian Mahaffey will continue his practice in Springfield while working with the St. Louis Cardinals and serving as the minor league care liaison. In Springfield, Dr. Landon Hough is the primary care doctor for the team. “The Cardinals demand the best medical care for their players, so we weren’t surprised when they signed Dr. Mahaffey,” he said. “It’s exciting to see this great partnership expand, and I know we all feel fortunate to be a part of it.” Dr. Vic Wilson will serve as the head team orthopedist and is involved in the surgical management team for the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system. Drs. Richard Seagrave and Bernard Griesemer will provide medical coverage during games in case a player is injured.

For the public, Mercy Emergency Medical Services will have ambulances and paramedics on hand at each home game to quickly respond to any medical emergencies in the crowd. Mercy will also staff a first aid station.

“This partnership is really about Mercy’s desire to bring care to people where they are,” explained Jon Swope, president of Mercy Central Communities. “We’ll be ready to treat an injured player or fan, but we also want to bring health and wellness activities to the community. Imagine enjoying a night at the ballgame with your family and also getting your blood pressure checked or taking a short course in hands-only CPR. We’d like to bring those kinds of programs to Hammons Field.”

Mercy has a deep well of experience in quality sports medicine services including surgery, sports-focused primary care, physical therapy and trainers that serve high school, college, and professional athletes.