A TRIBUTE TO JACK BAYNES
Our little “Athletic Training World” lost a true gentleman on Wednesday…
Jack Baynes’ star shined brightly throughout his career and on all whom he cared
for…a warm, humbling, caring practitioner of sports medicine, he balanced his
profession with a love of family and friends…
“The world has lost a beautiful soul.”
Paul Lessard
“I learned from Jack…how to be humble and care about people.”
Steve Kennelly
“As great as he was for his chosen profession- he was a greater person”.
Jim Sullivan
His passing came as he worked daily to overcome his failing body, a task not ignored by
Jack’s devoted wife, Connie. She became his medical advocate and worked tirelessly
(sometimes 24-7) to monitor Jack’s daily schedule, dealing with his doctors and raising
his spirits. She was his medical hero and guardian angel!
We all knew that when his e-mails stopped popping up for an extended time, his health
was in question. If you were on his e-mail list to receive his musings, you were in a
special select group. Laughter became his special medicine, and two of the best
sources for this “medicine” were Frank George and Sully.
Above all else, Jack was a listener and purveyor of knowledge and wisdom, particularly
to the hundreds of students he mentored at Northeastern. When “Koko” Kassabian sent
you out of Cabot Gym shaking your head and muttering to yourself, you could always
go across the alley to the Forsyth Building, knock on the hallway door to Jack’s
spacious office, and get a dose of his “divine ministry of athletic training and life.” Like
the old country doctor and church pastor, Jack would dole out his philosophy with a sly
smirk and a twinkle in his eye…he always had the right words and the best outlook for
you!
As charter members of the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts, Jack and Koko forged
the early years of ATOM’s growth and development. Jack was closely involved in
ATOM’s successful licensure effort, and established ATOM’s stability during the late
1980’s. Jack assumed the ATOM presidency in 1989, and led the membership with
distinction for three years. He established regional coordinators to keep all areas of the
state informed, and instituted ATOM’s annual Sports Medicine Symposium and
Meeting. Many of ATOM’s past officers were students and beneficiaries of Jack’s
mentorship. ATOM looked to Jack as the “eye of wisdom and experience” when Koko
suddenly passed away in 1989. He wore that responsibility with distinction up to his
passing.
John G. “Jack” Baynes received his undergraduate degree in Health and Physical
Education from East Stroudsburg State College in 1966. After serving two years in the
Peace Corps in El Salvador, with his wife Connie, he returned to teach physical
education in his home town of Mansfield, Pennsylvania where he also volunteered as
an athletic trainer.
Upon graduation from the U. of Arizona’s graduate athletic training program, Jack
accepted a position as assistant athletic trainer at Northeastern University and was
promoted to head athletic trainer in 1972. Jack was the Head Athletic Trainer for the
Huskies for parts of three decades, and left Northeastern in 1995. During his tenure,
according to Northeastern Sports Information Director Jack Grinold, “Jack asserted
himself as a primary cog in the development of varsity athletics at NU, and as a leader
in the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA).” Indeed!
Jack served as NATA District One Director from 1980-1986, and served on the EATA
Executive Board during that same time period. Jack served as Vice President of the
NATA during part of his tenure, and ran for NATA President as well. He was awarded
the EATA Cramer Award in 1984, and delivered the “Pinky” Newell Address at the
EATA’s 50th Anniversary Dinner in 1998. The first ATOM Athletic Trainer of the Year
award was awarded to Jack in 1991.
Jack served the USOC at the Pan American Games held in Mexico in 1975, and was on
the Medical Staff of the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics. In 1992 he was appointed
Chairman of the NATA Honors and Awards committee, a position he held until 2002. He
was honored by Northeastern University with induction into its Athletic Hall of Fame in
1995, was inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame in 2003 and the ATOM Hall of Fame in
2005 as an inaugural member.
Jack and Connie moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1995 when he became the first full time
athletic trainer at Santa Rita High School; also involving himself in committee work for
the Arizona Athletic Trainers’ Association and serving on the professional education and
licensure committees. In 2002, he became president of the Arizona Athletic Trainers’
Association, one of a handful of individuals who have served as State President of two
different states. He returned to Massachusetts and District One to retire in 2006.
Jack was considered a mentor to many, and a friend to all…his folksy ways belied a
genuine and true caring for others. His daughter, Sharon, said it best, “…the kindest,
gentlest, sweetest man - my Dad…”
Through his medical travails, with Connie at his side, he fought the good fight, ran the
good race, and kept the faith…
I will miss my mentor…Rest well, my friend.
Jeff Stone
Past President – ATOM
Past District One Director