Chapter 21: A Week at Home, A Week of Hustle
By Adam Sparks, Pensacola Blue Wahoos Athletic Trainer (Miami Marlins AA Affiliate)
Tales of the Tape: My Journey as a Double-A Athletic Trainer is a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to support a professional baseball team through a grueling Double-A season—told through the eyes of Adam Sparks, the athletic trainer for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins. While players chase their big-league dreams, Adam is working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep them healthy, prepared, and on the field. From early mornings in the training room to late-night treatments after walk-off wins (or tough losses), this series pulls back the curtain on the day-to-day life of a minor league athletic trainer—the routines, the challenges, the unexpected moments, and the heart that goes into a job most fans never see. We hope you enjoy following the journey. Now, let’s get started.
Following a brief homestand, our next road trip took us to Columbus, Georgia, where another full week of player care, rehab, travel, and medical coordination awaited. As always, I did my best to stay consistent for the players — the one steady presence they can count on during a long season.
Monday, August 18th
I met one of our players for an in-clinic appointment with our team MD. After the evaluation, I immediately shared the findings and plan of care with our directors. I then headed to the stadium to upload medical notes into the EMR system and begin packing the training room for our upcoming road trip.
Tuesday, August 19th
We hit the road at 8:00 a.m. and arrived in Columbus around 1:00 p.m. Once there, I began setting up the training room and jumped into our usual pregame routine — activation, treatments, and fatigue monitoring. One of our players was removed from the game with discomfort, and I evaluated him and notified the directors. Another player also reported postgame discomfort, so I evaluated him, updated leadership, and began coordinating an MD appointment. After arm care and notes, I wrapped up with a call home.
Wednesday, August 20th
The day started with a rental car pickup for the coaching staff, followed by an MD visit with our injured player. Once I had the evaluation and imaging results, I relayed the plan of care to the directors. Back at the stadium, it was business as usual — training room prep, treatments, bullpens, and game prep. After the game, I completed arm care and recovery, notes, and our nightly manager check-in.
Thursday, August 21st
Another steady day in the routine — rehab work, player check-ins, fatigue monitoring, and game readiness. The system matters, and by keeping our process consistent, I help ensure players are physically and mentally prepared to perform. Postgame arm care, updates, and recovery wrapped up the day.
Friday, August 22nd
We followed the same daily rhythm again today, including two early rehab sessions. Consistency in routine helps players know what to expect — especially late in the season. After the game, it was back to the hotel for rest.
Saturday, August 23rd
After dropping off the rental car, I arrived at the stadium and worked through our standard setup. One player reported discomfort following the game, so I evaluated him and provided updates and a care plan to our directors. Recovery and reports followed.
Sunday, August 24th
I reevaluated the player who reported discomfort the night before and shared findings with our directors. After bullpens and activation, we wrapped the series and began packing the training room. I used the bus ride home to knock out notes and finalize reports. We arrived back in Pensacola around 9:00 p.m. This week, we’ll welcome Chattanooga to town.