Hina Joins Cardinals as Men's Basketball Trainer
August 30, 2001 | Men's Basketball
Aug. 30, 2001
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Fred Hina, head trainer for the New York Mets major league baseball club for the past seven years, has been named to a similar position for the University of Louisville men's basketball team.
"We're really excited to have Fred join our staff," said U of L Men's Basketball Coach Rick Pitino. "He brings 15 years of training experience to our basketball team and he understands the young athlete of today. He'll be a great addition to an already well-rounded staff."
Hina (pronounced HEE-nuh), 36, was voted the International League's Trainer of the Year in 1994 and was one of the finalists for the Minor League Trainer of the Year. He has been a member of the Mets' medical staff since 1987.
A 1987 graduate of Western Kentucky with a degree in Health Care Administration, Hina joined the Mets baseball organization right out of school as a member of New York's Kingsport (rookie league) farm team of the Appalacian League.
He continued to advance through the Mets organization throughout his career. In 1988, he was with Columbia (A) of the South Atlantic League, in 1989, St. Lucie (A) of the Florida State League, in 1990, Jackson (AA) of the Texas League, in 1991, Williamsport (AA) of the Eastern League, and from 1992-94, Norfolk (AAA) of the International League. He was appointed the New York Mets head trainer on Oct. 27, 1994.
Hina is a certified member of the National Athletic Trainers Association as well as the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He and his wife Gina have three sons: Jared (11), Justin (8) and Jacob (4). He and his family have resided in Louisville for all but four years since 1987, including the last three.
