Most people dream of being part of a professional baseball team, but few get the chance without picking up a bat or glove. Dr. Bruce Chester is one of those few. As the chiropractor for the Oakland A’s, his job is to keep players’ bodies in peak condition so they can perform at their highest level.
For the past twelve years, his game-day routine has been almost as structured as the athletes he works with. He arrives at the Oakland Coliseum, grabs lunch, and watches batting practice from the stands. Then it’s time to get to work. Back in his office, a message pings on every player’s phone: The chiropractor is in the house. For many, this is an essential part of their pre-game prep. Once they’ve been adjusted, Dr. Chester returns to the field to observe their movement, always watching for subtle improvements—a little more power in a swing, a smoother stride, that extra sharpness that shows his work is paying off.
When reflecting on his career, there’s one person whose pride meant the most: his father. Before he passed, he loved telling friends that his son worked for a Major League Baseball team. For Chester, his job is more than just a role—it is a culmination of a lifetime in sports. His path wasn’t linear. He started as an athlete, then became an athletic trainer, later a physical therapist, and eventually found his calling as a chiropractor. More than two decades in, it’s still the dream job he always hoped for.
For those looking to follow in his footsteps, he offers a clear roadmap. Earning a chiropractic degree is the first step, but a passion for sports is just as crucial. To work with athletes, you need to understand how they think, train, and push their bodies to the limit. Mastering full-spine and extremity adjustments is non-negotiable—these techniques are the foundation of sports chiropractic and the key to helping athletes move and perform better.
Beyond his work with the A’s, Dr. Chester is focused on shaping the next generation of chiropractors. As the director of the TTCC lab and CIL program at Life West, he helps students gain hands-on experience and develop the clinical skills they’ll need in the field. He welcomes aspiring sports chiropractors to visit him at the college, where they can learn directly from someone who has spent decades in the profession.
For those ready to step into this world, the path is there. The only question is, are you ready to take it?
