Glory Welcomes Dr. Raymond Thal
Published on May 10, 2007 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Washington Glory News Release
ASHBURN, Va., May 10, 2007-The Washington Glory, the newest member of the National Pro Fastpitch softball league, announced today that it has selected renowned orthopedist Raymond Thal, M.D. as team physician.
Dr. Thal is a specialist in sports medicine who has served as the team physician for the Washington Redskins since 2000. A leader in advanced arthroscopic surgery, he holds more than 15 United States patents and 16 international patents for devices and instruments he has invented for arthroscopic procedures through his research efforts.
Dr. Thal has been practicing orthopaedics since 1990. Originally from Commack, New York, he earned his medical degree from Loyola University of Chicago-Stritch School of Medicine in 1984. For the next five years, he continued advanced training in orthopaedic surgery as part of his residency. Having played baseball in both high school and college, he had a particular interest in pursuing sports medicine. Following his orthopaedic training, he completed a year-long training program, subspecializing in sports medicine and arthroscopy at the Orthopaedic Research of Virginia in Richmond.
"We prepare and condition as much as we can, but injuries can't always be prevented. That's why it's so important to have a top medical team in place," said Paul Wilson, team owner and general manager of the Washington Glory. "I think Ray Thal is the best there is in sports medicine, and we're very proud to have him as our team physician. Ray and his team will take great care of our players. I know from experience. He performed an ACL reconstruction on my own knee after a softball injury in 2004, and I received the highest quality care imaginable from him and his entire staff at Town Center Orthopaedic Associates."
"As a specialist in sports medicine, I draw upon my own athletic experience as a baseball player in high school and college. I'm looking forward to being a part of the Washington Glory organization. These women are the best in their sport and it's always exciting to be around professional athletes at this level," said Dr. Thal.
Dr. Thal is also head team physician for Oakton High School, and has served in this role since 1995. He has been the medical director for the Virginia Special Olympics Winter Championships since 2003. He is an Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the George Washington University. He has been named Outstanding Physician by Washingtonian Magazine since 2004.
It was recently announced that George Mason University has agreed to host the Washington Glory's home games through the 2011 season. For this, their inaugural year, the Glory is scheduled to play 29 home games at George Mason University beginning May 26, and continuing through the end of August.
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the official development partner of the National Pro Fastpitch League. The partnership, which began in 2002, is part of The Commissioner's Initiative on Women and Baseball, a league-wide effort to help the MLB and its 30 major league clubs build stronger relationships with female audiences.
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from May 10, 2007
- Glory To Hold Open Tryout May 19 - Washington Glory
- Glory Welcomes Dr. Raymond Thal - Washington Glory
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