Mike Heifferon was always interested in helping people get better, so he became a trainer

Originally published April 2011; Updated with new sources November 2020

Mike Heifferon played basketball and tennis in high school and continued with tennis in college, pursuits that also led him from the field to the trainer's room, The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle wrote.

In the trainer's room, he soon found his main interest, he told The Democrat and Chronicle in May 1989.

"It has always interested me to help people to help them get better," Heifferon told The Democrat and Chronicle then upon his return to Rochester as trainer of the AAA Columbus Clippers.

That new interest soon led him to Ohio State - and an internship with the Clippers. He picked up his masters in exercise physiology. He then went on to serve several years in the minors himself as a trainer.

Heifferon's career as a trainer began in 1986, when he served as trainer for the Yankees at AA Albany-Colonie. There, he joined eight players on the Eastern League All-Star squad, Heifferon as the team's trainer.

Heifferon then moved to serve as trainer for single-A Prince William in 1987, then returned to AA for 1988.

Heifferon served as trainer for the AA Yankees that year and into the next. He would also stick with the Yankees system at least through 1992.

Heifferon stayed with Albany-Colonie through 1988. He then made the jump to AAA Columbus for 1989. That year, he also served in the all-star game. He was also the home team trainer - the game was held that year in Columbus.

Heifferon remained watching over Clipper injuries until 1992. After that season, new trainer Darren London took over.

• Schenectady Gazette, July 1, 1986: Four A-C Yanks to Start In EL All-Star Game
• Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, May 1, 1989: Clippers trainer returns to the home of his idols, Part 2