Local athletic trainer Justin Wagler part of championship season in Detroit Tigers organization

Justin Wagler holds his championship trophy after being part of the Florida State League champion Lakeland Flying Tigers organization. Contributed photo

By Gary West

Justin Wagler, a native of Punkey Doodles Corners, continues to build an impressive career in professional baseball as an athletic trainer within the Detroit Tigers organization.

Nearly two years after working his way through the rigorous training process required to reach the professional ranks, Wagler is now making his mark as a head athletic trainer in the Tigers’ farm system.

On March 16, members of the 2025 Lakeland Flying Tigers were presented with their Florida State League championship rings during a pre-game ceremony at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla., prior to a Detroit Tigers spring-training game.

Wagler served as head athletic trainer for the Tigers’ Low-A affiliate, the Lakeland Flying Tigers, during the 2025 season and was part of the team’s championship run.

The Flying Tigers were one of two Tigers affiliates recognized during the ceremony, along with the West Michigan Whitecaps, who captured the 2025 Midwest League championship.

Family members were on hand in Florida to celebrate Wagler’s accomplishment, including his parents, Brian and Heidi Wagler. Justin Wagler is also the grandson of Keith and Ruth Wagler of Tavistock, as well as Raymond Wagler of Tavistock’s Maples retirement residence. He fondly remembers his late grandmother, Mary Ramseyer.

His siblings, Brady and Katie, have also been strong supporters throughout his journey in professional baseball.

Earlier this year, Justin Wagler spent time preparing for the season in Lakeland, known as “Tigertown,” at the Detroit Tigers’ spring-training complex. He also had the opportunity to spend a week working at the Detroit Tigers Dominican Academy in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, where he gained valuable experience working with players and staff while learning more about Latin American culture.

Justin Wagler is currently based in Comstock Park, Mich., travelling with the West Michigan Whitecaps as head athletic trainer as the team competes in the High-A Midwest League.

He noted the Whitecaps benefit from strong community support, with a variety of promotional events taking place throughout the season. Wagler added his parents were honoured to throw ceremonial first pitches on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day as part of the team’s family-focused celebrations.

Residents throughout the Tavistock, Shakespeare and New Hamburg areas continue to take pride in Wagler’s success as he advances his career in professional baseball.