While the focus of the Los Angeles Dodgers and their success lies on the players who take the field, with the front office and their decisions a close second, an all-around effort is required for organization to function properly.
Countless go unrecognized by the public, including clubhouse attendants who help keep players comfortable, those in the marketing department to attract fans, and the stadium operations group that make attending Dodger Stadium an enjoyable experience.
Caught somewhere in the middle of being in the spotlight and behind the scenes is Dodgers strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel. He’s seen prior to each game going through individual routines with several players.
McDaniel was recognized as the Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year, while director of team travel Scott Akasaki received the Donald Davidson Memorial Award, according to Alanna Rizzo of SportsNet LA:
Congratulations to #Dodgers Strength & Conditioning Coach, Brandon McDaniel, for winning the @PBSCCS, S&C Coach of the Year. This is an award voted on by the other 29 strength coaches in @MLB. Well deserved, Brandon.
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) December 14, 2017
Congratulations to #Dodgers Traveling Secretary, @ScottAkasaki, on winning the Donald Davidson Memorial Award, given to the best @MLB Traveling Secretary. An award voted on by the other 29 Traveling Secretaries. A well deserved award given by Scott's piers. Well done!
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) December 14, 2017
McDaniel is perhaps most recognizable when he takes the field with Clayton Kershaw ahead of his starts. The two gather at a set time and go through Kershaw’s predetermined stretches and routine. McDaneil just completed a fifth season with the Dodgers.
Akasaki coordinates all of Dodgers’ travel during Spring Training, regular season, and postseason. He is responsible for Spring Training scheduling, flight details and scheduling, hotel booking, game-day ticket requests, as well as bus and equipment truck transportation.
He is also in charge of the team’s Spring Training home and visiting clubhouses, and team travel budgets. Akasaki has held his current position since January 2005.
