Chapter 1: The Calm Before the Storm
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.
As the sun rose on Saturday, March 29th, it marked the unofficial start to another season of professional baseball—but for me, it was the start of the grind behind the game. I packed up my things at our Spring Training complex in Jupiter, Florida, said my goodbyes, and hit the road. Destination: Pensacola.
Sunday, March 30 – Settling In
I arrived in Pensacola and went straight to work. No rest, no easing in. The athletic training room needed to be cleaned and prepped. It’s a bit like setting up a home—just one filled with rehab tools, tape, treatment tables, and plenty of ice packs.
Monday, March 31 – Prep Mode
I got to the field around 7:00 a.m. and continued organizing the training room. Later, we had a pre-season meeting with our team doctor, his ATC, and the front office. Logistics, protocols, and expectations—this is the foundation that supports a long season.
Tuesday, April 1 – The First Hints of Baseball
Back at the park early to continue setup. Today I met with our manager, starting a daily routine that’ll become a crucial part of our communication flow. Players started trickling in, dropping off bags, and a few pitchers got in some throwing. The energy is slowly building.
Wednesday, April 2 – Media Day & First Workout
The real kickoff. Players reported at 9:00 a.m. for media day followed by our first team workout. After checking in with the manager, I had multiple conversations with the pitching coach—constant communication is key in this job. Pitchers throwing live reported for their post-throw exercises. After a team picture and a full-team workout that wrapped around 8:30 p.m., I handled post-practice treatments, wrapped up my notes, cleaned up, and prepped for the next day. Quick end-of-day check-in with the manager—another daily ritual.
Thursday, April 3 – Simulation & Real-World Response
Today brought our first real challenge. After our usual setup and a 6:00 p.m. four-inning simulated game, one of our players suffered a hand laceration. After evaluating him, I determined it likely needed stitches. I immediately informed my Director and Assistant Director, then coordinated getting the player to the ER. After the game wrapped around 7:30 p.m., it was business as usual—post-throw work, treatment, notes, clean up, and injury report to the manager.
Friday, April 4 – Opening Day
Opening Day. Arrived at 10:30 a.m., made sure both our and the visiting team’s training rooms were game-ready. Posted updated EAPs (Emergency Action Plans), checked in with the manager, and made sure the dugout was fully stocked. Movement prep began at 1:15 p.m. for a 6:05 first pitch. Our team doctor evaluated the laceration from the night before. Once the game ended, I updated our Directors and took care of all post-game responsibilities. Day one in the books—ready for 137 more.
Saturday, April 5 – Game Two & Recovery
Back at the park around 10:30 a.m. Met with the manager and coaching staff, then ran fatigue monitoring on pitchers from the opener. Players completed their maintenance and activation routines, while I handled recovery work and game prep. After the 6:05 p.m. game, it was the usual: treatments, notes, clean up, and injury report delivery.
Sunday, April 6 – Early Start, Game Three
Arrived at 7:45 a.m. for a 1:05 p.m. game. After setup, I met with the coaching staff for daily updates, handled pitcher recovery, and got everyone ready to go. During the game, a player required an on-field evaluation. Once stabilized, I notified our Directors, and our team doctor evaluated him postgame. We held an EAP walkthrough with the front office, doctors, and strength staff to ensure everyone is aligned. Wrapped up treatments, completed notes, cleaned up, and called it a night.
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning. Being an athletic trainer in Double-A baseball isn’t glamorous, but it’s incredibly meaningful. It’s early mornings, long nights, and being ready for everything from everyday maintenance to emergency situations. As the season unfolds, I’ll continue sharing the highs, the challenges, and all the work that goes into keeping our athletes healthy and ready to compete.
Until next time—see you in the training room.