Playing Defense Against Pancreatic Cancer: Honoring Roger Caplinger’s Professional and Personal Dedication to Safeguarding Health

Roger Caplinger has always been passionate about looking out for the health and safety of others. During his 33-year career with the Milwaukee Brewers, Roger received numerous honors and gained national recognition as a leader in athletic training and player health. But his professional accomplishments only tell part of his story. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017, his life changed dramatically, igniting a new passion for pancreatic cancer research advocacy and patient support. For his work elevating the health, safety and hope of countless individuals – on and off the field – Roger received an honorary degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) at a ceremony on June 2 at American Family Field.

Going to Bat for Player Health

Roger joined the Milwaukee Brewers as an athletic trainer in the mid-1990s, earning several promotions and ultimately serving in an executive leadership position as vice president of medical operations from 2021-2023. His tenure with the Brewers helped shape the organization’s medical operations and the broader field of athletic training.

In recognition of his dedication and leadership within the industry, Roger has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. The Brewers even named their athletic training room in his honor.

After decades of working in the background for the premier professional baseball league in the world, Roger’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2017 started to steer him in a new direction – as a very public advocate for pancreatic cancer research.

From Behind the Scenes to Public Champion

While Roger was used to protecting the health of others in a high-risk environment, he knew that putting trust in others to do the same for him would be a whole different ball game. Roger and his family sought out the expertise of Douglas Evans, MD, the Donald C. Ausman Family Foundation Professor of Surgery and chair of the MCW department of surgery. Dr. Evans is one of the world’s premier pancreatic cancer specialists and researchers and oversees the LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program at MCW.

Dr. Evans and the other members of Roger’s medical team came up with a plan that included radiation, chemotherapy, a complex surgery known as the Whipple Procedure, and two clinical trials that took innovative approaches to help fight the disease. In October 2018, he found out he was cancer free. Through it all, thanks in part to his compassionate care team, he maintained an optimistic outlook and became more determined than ever to help others.

“I have a second chance at life. And I’m not going to disappoint that second chance at life. But I’m also going to move the needle forward. And I’m also going to try to make a difference," Roger told Fox 6 News in 2024.

Roger became involved with the LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program, which is dedicated to making progress in the fight against pancreatic cancer, and he is also engaged with the Seena Magowitz Foundation, a national force in pancreatic cancer research and patient support, and philanthropic partner to MCW. The foundation funds pilot studies and clinical research that have reshaped today’s standard of care. The partnership has been transformative for MCW, providing support for clinical trials in pancreatic cancer and the second opinion program within the LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program.

Together with his wife Jackie, Roger has raised tens of thousands of dollars to promote innovation and awareness for pancreatic cancer. The relationships he forged during his career with the Brewers have led to additional support for MCW, including the establishment of the Bob Uecker Chair in Pancreatic Cancer Research. In 2023 and 2024, Roger played an instrumental role in the highly successful fundraising events hosted by the Seena Magowitz Foundation called “Dinner on the Diamond” at American Family Field.

Roger and Jackie are also devoted supporters of Kathy’s House, a hospital guest house located on the MCW campus that provides a safe, compassionate and affordable “home away from home” for those traveling for medical care.

On June 2, Roger’s personal and professional accomplishments were recognized with an honorary doctorate from MCW. Appropriately, his honorary degree was conferred at American Family Field, immediately preceding the Milwaukee Brewers game against the San Francisco Giants.