GARY, IN – The Gary SouthShore RailCats are proud and excited to announce a Team Physician and Athletic Training Partnership with Methodist Hospitals and its Orthopedic-Spine Center heading towards the 2018 season.

“Methodist Hospitals has been a long-time partner of the RailCats, and I am excited that we are able to expand our partnership to include Methodist Hospitals as our Official Team Physician and Athletic Trainer provider for 2018 season and beyond.” said RailCats General Manager Brian Lyter

Omar Perez, MD, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist for Methodist Hospitals Orthopedic-Spine Center has been named team physician. Dr. Perez will serve as the team’s orthopedic surgeon and will oversee the orthopedic and medical care for RailCats’ players.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Perez into the RailCats family as our Team Physician, his commitment and the commitment from Methodist’s Orthopedic-Spine Center as a whole, to make this partnership a reality was impressive.” said Lyter

Dr. Perez is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with experience treating  world-class athletes from the NFL, NBA, NCAA,  Major League Baseball and MLS Soccer.  He brings that expertise to his current practice treating youth, high school and adult recreational athletes.

"I am very happy that the Gary SouthShore RailCats have provided us with the opportunity to be part of their team. The Methodist Sports Medicine Program will provide top quality health care for the players throughout the season. I look forward to developing a lasting relationship and building team success with this organization.” said Dr. Omar Perez

Methodist Hospitals is also providing the athletic training services for the RailCats during the 100+ game season. As the official team doctor, orthopedic surgeon, and athletic trainer of the RailCats’, Gary-based Methodist Hospitals will be the exclusive provider of medical care for the Gary SouthShore RailCats.

“Methodist Hospitals has been a proud supporter of the Gary Southshore RailCats since the club’s inception, and we are pleased to expand our partnership,” said Ray Grady, President & CEO of Methodist Hospitals

The Northwest Indiana Orthopedic and Spine Center is a multi-specialty clinic where every aspect of patient care, from diagnosis, treatment and pain management to recovery and rehabilitation reflects the best practices of a skilled and experienced team. Our surgeons are experts in total joint replacement, complex spine conditions, sports medicine, orthopedic injuries and trauma surgery, podiatry and foot and ankle surgery.  They have offices in Merrillville, Crown Point and Gary.

The three-time champion Gary SouthShore RailCats season kicks off on May 18^th against the North Division rival St. Paul Saints.  Season tickets, mini plans, and group outings are on sale now.  Visit railcatsbaseball.com for more information or call 219.882.BALL.

Methodist Hospitals is a community-based, not-for-profit health system with two full-service acute care facilities in Gary and Merrillville, Indiana, that has been leading the way to better health for residents of Northwest Indiana for almost 100 years.  Methodist Hospitals offers a number of award – winning programs, including its Neuroscience, Oncology, Heart and Vascular Institutes and Breast Care Center. Its range of services also includes Women & Children’s Services, Bariatric Surgery services, Emergency & Trauma services, Immediate Care Centers, Orthopedics & Spine services, comprehensive Rehabilitation services, Behavioral Health and Home Health Services. It has earned Magnet® designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.